I want him to fight Hopkins to he has one top50 ATG on his record even tho I think it would be a really bad fight to watch. I then want him to fight whoevers the top dog from 160-175 at the time, be it Pavlik/Taylor/Dawson etc... Then maybe Jones or Trinidad to finish off his career.
Joe will beat Dawson, so long as he doesn't decline more so. Hopkins would add nothing to Joe's legacy, Dawson being the undefeated best fighter at 175 pounds would be ideal, as Dawson is likely a future HOF type fighter, like Mikkel Kessler is.
If our guy has only 2 left, I want it to be vs. the best available win or lose, end of story. He's had way too many easy fights for various reasons and is still currently at the top of his craft despite declined. Woods+Dawson would be very fitting. Hopkins is currently nothing at his age and ability.
He should fight Dawson next, would love to see how he handles going up in weight. He has nothing left to prove at 168 thats for sure.
Hopkins is still an experienced, crafty fighter. While old, he is the consumate professional and he is always in great shape. Like Calzaghe, he knows all the clever tricks in the book and like Calzaghe, he is the master at making you fight his fight. I don't remember many Hopkins fights where he was not the one setting the tempo. Tarver and Winky would be no walkovers for anyone.. Hops can def still hang with the elite... A Calzaghe/Hopkins bout would be a very ugly fight to watch, but interesting nonetheless.. Fight Hopkins in the States next... Dawson or Pavlik after that.. and then retire.. the man really has nothing more to prove.. there will be no question he'll go down as one of the all-time greats..
If Calzaghe beats Pavlik and Hopkins (or even WInky) before retiring, I am pretty sure history will be very kind to his legacy when all is said and done.
Hopkins and Pavlik would be a good way to end his career, especially if he wins both, which is likely.