Who had the higher ring IQ, Bernard Hopkins or Floyd Mayweather Jr?

Bernard was a spoiler later on in his career.

He also mastered the art of slowing a fight down as his own body slowed down.

 

Both had very good in ring IQ, but Floyd was the more physically gifted fighter without question. I’d lean towards Floyd for ring iq because you can’t argue with perfection. He’s been able to adapt a little bit better then Hopkins and overcome more styles imo. Floyd would make changes and capitalize on your body language and habits where as Hopkins would at times get dirty to make the momentum shift his way.

 

Pretty sure many would look at Floyd differently if didn't have his hand speed

 

Mayweather was better at making a new plan on the spin, Hopkins usually got his right first time. I'd rate Mayweather higher personally, but they're the two smartest boxers since the 80s IMO.

 

Hopkins fought tougher competition plus he didn't have Floyd's physical talent so I would say Hopkins.

 

Bernard but it's by a close margin. Bernard used a whole lot of real ole school tactics in his fights (I mean his older fights), not the second incarnation of Bernard. He used every aspect of his boxing brain to get as much out of his style as possible. Floyd, while a phenomenal boxing brain as well, also was more physically gifted than nearly everyone else he was in the ring with.

 

Close to even. Both had high boxing IQ, and could put on masterclasses against the best fighters in their divisions. Mayweathers best performance was Hatton imo and Hopkins was Trinidad. Both great performances at the highest level.

 

Remember, the pinnacle of Mayweathers Prowess is his lead right hand. He can't even fight out of that position after he gets there.

 

If Floyd wasn't allowed to duck below the waist in every fight, in excess of even 20 times, would he have won? That's 20 times he punches someone in the face, and cheats so he doesn't have to box them when he's out of position. He didn't DOMINATE, he CHEATED.

 

B Hop

 

dead even i think, p4p i'd favour mayweather in a fight

 

Hopkins had to rely on his fight IQ more than Mayweather. Mayweather was blessed with ungodly speed and talent, which gave him a huge advantage over everyone in his prime. I don't mean to diminish Floyd's high fight IQ, but Bernard got to his spot in history by using his fight IQ more than talent.

 

Mayweather. BHOP and his coaches approached his fights by studying his opponents strengths and weaknesses then created a game plan. Whereas boxing was second nature to Floyd. He figured out every opponent while fighting them. Also his style was a style that he created to fit his natural talents. The only fighters who gave him a hard time, had to fight rough and dirty. No one ever came close to out thinking him.

 

They're both in the 70-80 range.