Why has Hopkins made this unwinnable match? Why does he think he can win?

Hopkins (rightly) thinks he can win this fight - Joe Calzaghe is a very good fighter, but I don't think he's absolutely in his prime either. If Joe gets cocky and leaves himself open, then Hopkins has the ability to exploit it. Joe hasn't faced anyone like Hopkins before and it's his first fight in the States so there are some uncomfortable new factors for Joe as well.

Admittedly I haven't seen lots of Hopkins, but if what I've read is right then this should be a good fight, even if he's getting on a bit.

I don't think Joe is foolish enough to underestimate Hopkins, but he still might be surprised by what he has left in the locker when they get in the ring. Joe would be best advised to fight a 'boring' fight and win a points victory, if he gets too involved then it could go off the rails.

 

Hopkins must be thinking that his counterpunching will be so good that, even if Joe outthrows him as seems a foregone conclusion, it will get him the decision.

I can't imagine he's thinking of a knockout.

 

It can't see it making any difference. Joe isn't getting put down by Hopkins or by anyone who punches harder than him (Kessler, for example). In my opinion there is nothing to exploit.

 

Dude, Jones is calling out everybody at this stage. Hopkins is still at the top, Jones has something to prove still and wants to finish on top. Hopkins made $3million fighting Winky Wright. He obviously wants the challenge.

 

Again, I haven't seen him calling out Bernard. When did he do this?

BTW, what's the purse for Cazaghe-Hopkins, any ideas?

 

He knows he can't win.

In Hopkins mind, he knows the following, as indicated so in his interviews:

Taylor a fraud
Pavlik will smash Taylor (correct prediction)
Kessler beats Pavlik in a good fight
Calzaghe has too much for Kessler (his prediction)
Calzaghe smashed Pavlik
Hopkins 50/50 at best with Taylor
Hopkins knows he isn't the fighter he was even two years ago.

Payday for him pure and simple.

He is aware not even the most corrupt scorecards in the world can help him.

 

Mute point. Fact is that fight is a possibility and could have been made and a few other fights as well. Also I explained before why it's not just about the money.

 

Anyone can get caught and hurt by a punch they didn't see coming, even if you've got a good chin as Joe has proved. Joe is vunerable to a right hand though - I hope he fights cleverly and not wild - when he was put down by Mitchell he threw caution to the wind and got lucky with a big left - another fighter might have hurt Joe again.

 

I don't think it's a mute point really. Whatever man, I don't want to argue with you, but I must disagree. :good

 

That's pretty damn good. Thanks for the info. :good

 

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Well, just think about it...He had plenty of options, was talking about all sorts of possibilities but decided to call out Calzaghe. Yes, Money but legacy as well. Joe had less options.

 

Maybe Hopkins just was the honour of being beat up by his idol.