Why Kessler-Hopkins is a good fight!

1) Hopkins is most likely not going to get a rematch with Calzaghe, however, beating the man soundly that probably gave Calzaghe his toughest fight would make a statement.

I agree somewhat.

2) Although Kessler has the physical age advantage Hopkins might have one or two tactical tricks up his sleeves that can potentially confuse Kessler. We saw in the Calzaghe-Kessler fight that Kessler had problems adjusting two tactical changes.

Kessler would not be stronger than Hopkins and he will have less reach and be shorter. He will definitely not be able to bully Bernard around, rather Bernard will have the advantage here.

3) Kessler is not bringing anything to the table that Hopkins hasn't seen before. While Bhop might consider it a high-risk fight he should be able to gauge exactly what he is up against.

Ahh... Kessler does not present something totally different - but he does it better than anyone Hopkins has met.

4) Both fighters have good punch power which should make for many spectacular exchanges of punches, translating into great entertainment value.

Hopkins is rarely is an exciting fight. Occasionally he is in good fights though and I consider the Pavlik fight a good fight.

5) Kessler brings IMO superior handspeed and is no turtle either. He should be able to score solid points with fast combinations. Hopkins footwork is not at the level of Calzaghes which should allow Kessler to land some of his beautiful straight right-on-target power punches.

Again, Hopkins' handspeed baffled Pavlik and shut him down along with movement. I am not sure Kessler has superior handspeed at all. Hopkins' footwork is great and better than when he was younger. He is more economical with his movement, but it is extremely efficient.

6) Kessler is at a point where he needs to fight big names if he wants to establish himself among the big stars. No more Sartisons and Hausslers.

It is a good fight for Kessler provided it is made at 170. He should not accept it at 175, imo.

Kessler's main reason to take the fight would be because Hopkins is always a good win if he can do that - which many have found is exceedingly hard.

Hopkins' main reasons are that there are only two legit options if he wants to meet real current world level fighters: Kessler and Dawson. (If he is just for the money there is RJJ.).

Second reason is that he has had belts at MW and at LHW. It would be a brilliant crown and huge motivation to get a third belt at SMW against the guy that could be considered the lineal champ there. He can take fights that may look easier, but the most legit win would be in Kessler.

Yes, it is a good fight and rumours are that HBO are talking to both to maybe make it. However, apparently the hold-up is the Joe-Jones fight, because if Jones wins they want to make Hopkins-RJJ. If Calzaghe wins easily, there there is no reason to make that other than sentimental reason for some - as it would have no impact on anything. Then apparently Hopkins-Kessler is go. So we will just have to wait and see.

 

You contradict yourself. If Hopkins thought Kessler was easy he would take the chance to be champion in his THIRD division and do so against the universally recognized best fighter there. Great stuff - IF Hopkins thought it was easy the fight would already be on.

I think that if the fight doesn't happen it is either because Bernard sees it as a difficult fight (although he probably thinks he can win it) or because Kessler doesn't want to fight at 170 or 175 if Bernard preferes that (which would not be lgical in terms of championships, but would get Bernard an edge. If Bernard feels he needs and edge it will be 170 or even more so 175).

 

In that case, close this thread.

Look, I actually think it would be a great competitive fight. But I have to admit that you have almost convinced me that it shouldn't happen.

 

i see kessler dominating in a few years but hopkins is a sneaky boxer who would love the style kessler brings,it would be a loss to kessler which would not be deserved.
kessler is better off dominating smw and stepping up to lhw when calz and b hop retire.
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