You think Hopkins is in great shape?

IF looking like a beast @ the weigh in means much, then Marciano would have lost about 10 times

 

I agree. Calzaghe has to set a fast pace and lure Hopkins into a war. If he can't force a fast pace and start a war, I favour Hopkins to take the decision.

 

Its actually Calzaghe who'll look in bad shape at the end of the fight. For many reasons:

1- The weight he's put on he didn't put on scientifically... he just didn't push himself as hard. Adding good muscle weight doesn't affect your speed, but Calzaghe didn't put on muscle weight. I actually expect him to look soft on fight night.

2- Bernard will wrestle him a lot... this requires muscle resistance, different energy system that the kind of "free flowing punching" Calzaghe is used to. Calzaghe doesn't do resistance training, and never had to. Why? Because Euros usually don't fight inside and don't fight in clinches. Expect this to take a lot out of Calzaghe. Bernard will also be the bigger man and the stronger man in clinches. Ask any Lennox Lewis opponent (or Hatton,s opponent for that matter) it does change something.

3- Bernard's body punching. Bernard's been training for that and will probably land a considerable number of good body shots, that will also play a role.

4- Look at past B-Hop opponents: I've never seen Winky so tired, same with Tarver.

 

I don't know how you can assume this so easily as Hopkin's fought in a lower weight class for years. He could well be the stronger but I wouldn't take it for granted.

 

Hops looks to b in great shape...Joe as well. I think Joe C wants to make a statement and is a little overconfident in this 1. JoCal can't afford to make too many mistakes, even with an aging Hopkins. If the Welshman wins in dominant fashion, then I hope he gets RJJ next, then retires. Vise versa for Hops.