When was Bernard Hopkins prime?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Contro, Oct 28, 2017.


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  1. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Fair call Kev and that slots in exactly with my thoughts above.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 28, 2017
    JohnThomas1, Oct 28, 2017
    #16
  2. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I think you're confusing his resourcefulness for slowing down.
     
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    #17
  3. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yeah i think he was at his best when he was beating mercado and Johnson around the ring like they were nothing and I remember him knocking out some hard punching southpaw out cold and thinking "woah"
    He bought himself some time after changing his style and becoming more cautious and again when he moved to 175
     
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    #18
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  4. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    No he was slowing down. The hopkins that beat johnson would have carved them up like a turkey instead of just ambushing here and there like he started doing later on
     
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    #19
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  5. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Bingo on all fronts. Great stuff.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 28, 2017
    JohnThomas1, Oct 28, 2017
    #20
  6. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    LOL so you agree he fought more resourcefully.
     
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    #21
  7. Contro

    Contro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yes.... to compensate for an aging body
    Most fighters have to become more resourceful to continue to compete at a high level when they start aging.
    That doesnt mean he was still in his prime, it means he started doing what old fighters do(wrestling, fouling, spoiling and con artistry) to extend his career.
    He kept in very good shape and was very resourceful but his performance still declined, even if much slower than most.
     
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    Contro, Oct 28, 2017
    #22
  8. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Hopkins always wrestled and fouled. Switching to an equally if not more effective style(regardless of reason) is not an indication of being out of your prime.
     
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    BundiniBlack, Oct 28, 2017
    #23
  9. heizenberg

    heizenberg Well-Known Member Full Member

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    When he beat Trinidad or Glen Johnson.
     
    heizenberg, Oct 28, 2017
    heizenberg, Oct 28, 2017
    #24
  10. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    1998 when you consider his late start. That is why he could fight later than most, he started late.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Oct 28, 2017
    PernellSweetPea, Oct 28, 2017
    #25
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  11. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    "What great big teeth you have."
     
    McGrain, Oct 28, 2017
    McGrain, Oct 28, 2017
    #26
  12. Quick Cash

    Quick Cash Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I disagree. The Hopkins that beat Johnson would have less trouble with the true greats of the division compared to any later version you care to mention.
     
    Quick Cash, Oct 28, 2017
    Quick Cash, Oct 28, 2017
    #27
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  13. Wass1985

    Wass1985 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    When he didn't feel like quitting......
     
    Wass1985, Oct 29, 2017
    Wass1985, Oct 29, 2017
    #28
  14. Eel87

    Eel87 Active Member Full Member

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    His real peak at middleweight was from the first Echols fight up until the Joppy fight for me.
     
    Eel87, Oct 29, 2017
    Eel87, Oct 29, 2017
    #29
  15. BundiniBlack

    BundiniBlack Well-Known Member Full Member

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    What makes you say that when he didn't have any more trouble beating guys like Joppy and Eastman and then looked better than ever years after against Tarver.

    He changed his style to something that was equally effective that's not any kind of indication of being out of your prime.
     
    BundiniBlack, Oct 29, 2017
    BundiniBlack, Oct 29, 2017
    #30
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