Why Hopkins would beat Monzon at MW

This have been four pages of mostly comparing opponents. I had hoped for more analysis of how a match-up actuallly would look like...

 

Very likely. In fact I'd pick Rodriguez to beat Monzon. Its an interesting match to consider IMO.

Take the lead then...

 

Look, I love LMR, and Briscoe and Carter are two more dangerous opponents than Hopkins ever fought at the weight, but Hop has more going for him at the weight, his size, the fact he unified, a very long period undefeated and a proven, formidable skillset of his own (that we actually saw evolve)

P4P? Rodriguez all the way of course :good

 

1. Disagree, Hopkins is his technical superior having a better defense

2. Both men actually have underrated defensive and offensive footwork. HOWEVER Hopkins could struggle with faster opponents, he actually has the speed advantage himself here, which could see him taking away Monzon's jab, which would neutralise the Argie

3. It is a valid point, Monzon has not fought an A Class fight of the same size. With the likes of Griffith and Napoles he could keep throwing the jab and not fear right hand counter even when he missed because of his reach advantages. Against Hopkins he will not have this luxury, he won't be able to impose himself inside or outside because Hopkins is his superior in both

4. Both are underrated in fighters and Monzon isn't bullying Hopkins at any range. I certainly agree with the notion that Monzon is an overrated puncher by some

The stylistic key is, Hopkins is great at avoiding jabs and making his opponent fight his fight. Monzon's jab while consistant could be slipped and Hopkins could possibly hold his own with his own jab but Hopkins is likely to throw a right hand over the top of Monzon's jab and this could be key. Hopkins himself said he would come inside and punnish Monzon's body. Briscoe did put Monzon on the back foot and had some success with this strategy. I do think Hopkins has the superior left hook and body attack of the 2 men

What we must remember is Hopkins was a very different fighter in his early career from 1993-2001 fighting at a very intense pace and still having much of his technical and defensive skills. The Post-Tito BHOPs realised he was ageing and didn't want to risk his stamina, it may not have just been stamina though, it seemed he figured out how to do 'just enough' and take zero risks, his workrate against Pascal when he needed to overcome his early KDs is testiment to this.

 

I added my analysis to the melting pot B. I actually think both men had decent but weakish competition. Its telling Monzon's best opponents are past prime smaller men, Hopkins opponents are pretty much the same although at least Tito was prime. I believe Hopkins opponents who had little pedigree aren't quite as bad as are made out otherwise they wouldn't have pushed Nard (I'm aware thats circular logic )

 

So when are you going to explain 'Why Hopkins would beat Monzon at MW'?

 

:?

 

Its a valid pick El B.

 

Not really. It's difficult enough picking any Middleweight to do the job. I'd never in a million years favor a natural Welterweight to turn the trick, certainly not over the 15 round distance.

 

Rodriguez seemed to perform better at Middleweight than he did at Welterweight. He has the speed, movement, offence and defence to out-box Monzon early like Napoles did, but he also has the strength to not get completely overrun like Napoles. And he also has the fitness to keep up his boxing against a bigger man.

The only thing that might count against him is his chin.

 

Wud go w/ Hopkins in 1 matchup like this .
He does have the technical ability , dirty boxing , and strength overall to negate Monzon's jab and height .
Hopkins by UD.

 

What do you make of his bouts with Cokes, who was essentially a smaller, lesser version of Monzon in basic makeup?

 

I haven't really looked into them, how do you think they effect the match up?

 

I'd pick a Primed Rodriguez to give a better account of himself than Past Prime Griffith/Napoles but not have enough to do the job, its too much of an up hill task at MW, he proved to not be a genuine MW and had big strength and reach/height disadvantages

 

Well, as stated, Cokes was essentially a smaller version of Monzon/Foster without the durability or intangibles. The fact that he was able to go 2/3 against Rodriguez, including a stoppage down the stretch (where Monzon excelled), tells me Rodriguez doesn't stand much of a chance against someone like Monzon.

I'll have to review some of the details of those bouts, admittedly, as I've heard some mitigating factors in favor of Rodriguez. I just forget what the hell they are. Don't do drugs, Greg.