what next for old man river?

Fight Calzaghe. Its the only superfight left for him IMHO. If Joe wins of course.

 

Yep either the winner of Calzaghe/Kessler or Pavlik. If he beats Pavlik, I'm sure he would consider that his way of beating Taylor also. :yep

 

He's a LHW. People lay claim to him being THE LHW champion. Fight Dawson or Woods....specifically Dawson. He just fought a MW. I am not sure I want to see him fight a SMW in his mid to late 30's.

 

Yeah that makes sense but IMHO these are the kinda fights that may not do too much for his legacy and wallet, which right now is what he is fighting for. A Win against Calzaghe or Pavlik seems much bigger at this stage, and also makes him a lot of money.

 

Beating Pavlik means he will be fighting another MW. I'm not keen on that, but I see the personal appeal for Hopkins.

Calzaghe, sure, big legacy fight.

Of course, I am not expressing what Hopkins should do for himself, I am expressing what I would like to see as a boxing fan since I care more about boxing than I do him. I would rather Hopkins fight a LHW, established, since he is a LHW and not hold the division hostage. He has the Ring belt, the one that everyone cares about now. So I want him to fight a LHW.

 

Yeah as a boxing fans point of view Dawson is a better fight than Pavlik, but Bernard aint really tryin to take over the light heavies and their belts, he is past that stage of his career now if you follow me..

 

I'd say beat the winner of Calzaghe/Kessler for legacy, although he doesn't NEED to. He could also fight the winner of Tito/Jones for money.

 

Isn't it usually his opponents who pile on weight before the fight? He won't go anywhere near any of the heavyweight champions.

Hopkins will probably fight Calzaghe, who will beat him. Dwason and pavli are too inexperianced though.

 

Dawson and Calzaghe both would stop him at this point. He won't be getting in the ring with either of them.

 

Actually Dawson doesn't have alot to improve. He can improve alot, but he is good in all facets of the game. He could easily decision Hopkins. Dawson's handspeed would allow him to hit Hopkins, and his length would allow him to counter Hopkin's counters.

This too inexperienced excuse is worn out and simply not true. Taylor was less experienced and beat Hopkins, and the boxing world is littered with fighters who beat the more experienced champion to take the mantle.

 

So, Joe C. couldn't stop Ashira or Bika, and Dawson couldn't stop Adamek or Harding, yet both of them would stop Hopkins? :huh

 

Yes, Hopkins was nearly exhausted against tiny Wright. He'd get exhausted, get hit too much and eventually worn down and quit in the corner.

There is not much a 42 year old can do against these active, accurate, speed demons.

 

Amsterdam, I don't disagree with you often, and I'm not saying Hopkins would definitley beat Joe C and Dawson, but I watched the Hopkins/Wright fight, and Hopkins was not only fresher than Wright at the end but he didn't appear to be that tired at all.

And no way do I see him getting beat so bad that he quits.