Hopkins-Wright lets have some expert Analysis.

[ChampionsForever]

How do you guys see this fight going?? Up until tonight Ive said Hopkins would win, but Ive been watching more of Wright and hes damn near got everything except power. Hopkins has the size and power advantage but Wright has the better speed the better work rate and an equal defense. I havent seen many Wright predictions yet so you guys picking Hopkins could you explain how you think hes going to win?? Im starting to think that Wright might just outwork him to a decision, he has an excellent jab.

[ChampionsForever]

Although I think there way way to harsh on fighters and they should be a bit more reasonable alot of the times Id like to hear the veiws of Amsterdam and Zakman I have to admit you two guys know your shit, even tho you got the Margo fight wrong :yep as far as I know both of you guys have Hopkins so how do you think he will overcome the better workrate and the annoying constant jab of Wright....basically how do you think Hopkins will win??

[ChampionsForever]

Imagine Chris Byrd vs. Floyd Patterson. A fight where one fighter wins a round without any punches getting thrown. Rather than blow 50 bucks on this GBP piece o' shit, do something more exciting on Saturday night, like going outside and watching some flies fuck, or perhaps painting a wall and watching it dry from 6:30-10pm.

Us Brits get the fight for free and ill be damned if im staying up untill 4 a.m to watch it. Sunday morning replays are a treat and although I know it wont be a slugfest its still two great fighters putting it on the line, its an interesting fight.

[ChampionsForever]

Chess match. Not very many punches landed on either side, lots of feints. Hopkins mobility, defense and counter right hands to the head are the deciding factor. Hopkins neutralizes the jab of Wright.

Hopkins UD.

I think with the defense of Wright its gonna be real hard to land anything, I think it might go down to aggression which is why im starting to think Wright has the edge, how can he neutralise the jab?? hes just going to be blocking and waiting for openings.:huh

[Jose FM]

I think all that Hopkins has going for him is the size, but Winky will win a clear cut but sad (cause of Hopkins retirement) UD. Boxing is a young mans game, and there are no ol'timers day in the ring!

[Tettsuo]

Hopkins is going to simply break Winky's guard. Not with power, but with smarts. That's what the man specializes in... breakin' his opponents down and taking them apart.

Winky has one style, Hopkins can change and adapt. If Winky can do the same, he'll have a chance. If not, Hopkins is gonna win by a UD or even a KO in the later rounds.

Check the man's record against southpaws...

[Slaughter27]

I know his record against southpaws, but now he's goin up against Winky Wright. At the age of 42 coming off a 13 month layoff as well.

[ChampionsForever]

I know his record against southpaws, but now he's goin up against Winky Wright. At the age of 42 coming off a 13 month layoff as well.

He will be in excellent condition, hes a gym rat and very vain, its not really hes conditioning or the shape hes in that worries me its just that Wright throws more punches and Bhop can go to sleep at times like in the JT fights. Im very 50/50 about this fight :patsch

[Martini643]

I think this fight will be very similar to Wright-Taylor, I think many people will be surprised about how exciting this fight will be. I think Wright will win UD

[magnificentdave]

winky has never been in with someone as physical as Bernard Hopkins... there's not really anybody in the game as physical as Bernard Hopkins these days, maybe Hatton, Winky likes to stand and pose, this will work in Hopkins' favor because it will allow him to time the right hand by the middle rounds

[Ambition_Def]

Hopkins is just not busy enough to trouble Wright.

These are the types of fighters Wright excels at beating. One at a time methodical boxers are right up his alley.

I think with Hopkins' experience he keeps it respectable. 8 rounds to 4 in favor of Wright.

Of course the GBP kick may be in, so we'll see. But that is my official prediction.

[Marc]

i like both fighters but im rooting for hopkins. although i think he loses in a close fight.

the way i see it is winky press the action as much as he can because he will be stupid to let bernard set the pace. winky will heighten his punch output, never mind if he misses most of em, because activity always impresses the judges. bernard manages to make it close because of his ring craft and size advantage. but i really dont think bernard wins.

[Lampley]

I dislike Winky and am rooting for Hopkins, but to me this is where the road ends for Bernard. Old, inactive, and fighting a guy who will outwork him. I'll actually be in Vegas, but tix are too expensive for this.

[Marc]

I dislike Winky and am rooting for Hopkins, but to me this is where the road ends for Bernard. Old, inactive, and fighting a guy who will outwork him. I'll actually be in Vegas, but tix are too expensive for this.

i thought you were doing the commentary live?:yep

[ChampionsForever]

is the fight at 170?!

[Lampley]

i thought you were doing the commentary live?:yep

In the compromise to keep Merchant on board, HBO has replaced me with Max Kellerman. See you on Versus, everyone.

[Slaughter27]

is the fight at 170?!


Yes

[Amsterdam]

Although I think there way way to harsh on fighters and they should be a bit more reasonable alot of the times Id like to hear the veiws of Amsterdam and Zakman I have to admit you two guys know your shit, even tho you got the Margo fight wrong :yep as far as I know both of you guys have Hopkins so how do you think he will overcome the better workrate and the annoying constant jab of Wright....basically how do you think Hopkins will win??

Dear Championsforever,

I PICKED Williams to wide UD Margarito, ask Zakman or go look up the predictions thread.

Anyways, thanks for the kudo's and I'd be glad to give you why I think Hopkins wins an easy, near shutout decision over Wright:

- Hopkins has the styles advantage, Wright does poor against movers who give great angles and don't allow him to plant and get off.

- Hopkins is the smarter tactician, Wright's 1 dimensional, although it's an effective enough dimension to land him an ATG rating by my standards.:lol:

- The size comes into play here. Hopkins at 170 will hit harder than Taylor at 160 and while Wright took Taylor's shot's well, they still effected him and Taylor is by no means a laser accurate counter puncher like Hopkins

- When it all adds up, Wright will be chasing Hopkins around and Hopkins will be countering with ease and essentially toying with Wright as Wright attempts to plant himself to get his best work done on a fighter who has a phenominal defence, inside ability and footwork, which negates Wright fully.

So, final prediction:

Hopkins UD Wright 118-110, 117-111, 116-112

My personal scoredcard will probably be along the lines of 117-111.

[Minotauro]

Winky SD 12

[ChampionsForever]

Dear Championsforever,

I PICKED Williams to wide UD Margarito, ask Zakman or go look up the predictions thread.

Anyways, thanks for the kudo's and I'd be glad to give you why I think Hopkins wins an easy, near shutout decision over Wright:

- Hopkins has the styles advantage, Wright does poor against movers who give great angles and don't allow him to plant and get off.

- Hopkins is the smarter tactician, Wright's 1 dimensional, although it's an effective enough dimension to land him an ATG rating by my standards.:lol:

- The size comes into play here. Hopkins at 170 will hit harder than Taylor at 160 and while Wright took Taylor's shot's well, they still effected him and Taylor is by no means a laser accurate counter puncher like Hopkins

- When it all adds up, Wright will be chasing Hopkins around and Hopkins will be countering with ease and essentially toying with Wright as Wright attempts to plant himself to get his best work done on a fighter who has a phenominal defence, inside ability and footwork, which negates Wright fully.

So, final prediction:

Hopkins UD Wright 118-110, 117-111, 116-112



Zakman picked Margo tho?? Im sure one of you did, thanx for adding your thoughts tho I hope your right, what worries me tho is that my original thought were for a Bhop win and seeing as Ive predicted 3 of the last 4 big fights WRONG that isnt a good sign :lol:

Brewster
Gatti and
Margarito:patsch

Only RJJ pulled it back for me.

[Amsterdam]

Everyone makes a bad pick here and there and you're still a relatively new fan.

Hopkins will win though, I have no doubts about that. Wright just doesn't have the stylistic necessities or the necessary intangibles to get his workrate there enough to trouble a great mover and a much bigger man whom he has no strength advantage on.

Zakman picked Margarito, Krasniqi and Gatti for this past weekend and let me tell you, he's arguably the best fight picker on the site in terms of overall record, but it stands that everyone makes bad picks here and there.

[Ambski]

I'm wondering if the 170 catchweight will favour either boxer?

Maybe Hopkins for power? Not sure.

Unable to call it as I have seen little of Wright.

[Jack]

Us Brits get the fight for free and ill be damned if im staying up untill 4 a.m to watch it. Sunday morning replays are a treat and although I know it wont be a slugfest its still two great fighters putting it on the line, its an interesting fight.
You fucking woman! I stayed up until about 5:30 for Williams/Margo. Mind you, Hopkins/Wright will be shit.

Anyway, I have Wright too. I am a big fan of his, but I honestly think he will pull it off. The big advantages Hopkins has in this fight, i.e. physical strength, shouldn't come into play. Hopkins isn't a fighter who uses that style of fighting. I think it's less how Hopkins' natural size is important, but more about how Wright, a natural 154lbs, moves up.

The main reason for picking Wrigt is his punch output. I think both men will be successful defensively, but the big difference in the two is, if Wright is blocking 50% of Hopkins shots, and Hopkins is aoiding 50% of Wright's, Winky will be landed a hell of a lot more. He's a better combination puncher by a long way at this stage, and his jab should control this fight.

Considering their records lately, Wright should be the favourite. He did a lot better against Taylor than Hopkins did. I hope we see Wright win. He is a better fighter than Hopkins ever was, in my opinion. For his legacy, which right now isn't much, he deserves the W.

[Toopretty]

Winky is going to bring it. He is going to fight at a fast pace. Hopkins is going to try every trick in the book but he just wont be able to keep up the punch output needed to win. No knockouts..impossible..lol Not going to happen in this one..The most boring fight in history. They need to take the shit off ppv. us black folk aint even buying it. lo

[Thor]

My expert analysis is that one of the black guys is going to win.

[Amsterdam]

Styles make fights Jack, the common opponent in Taylor have little to do with this and in my opinion, Wright did only a bit better than Hopkins did.

I scored Wright/Taylor 8-4 for Wright.

Scored Hops 1 7-5 for Hopkins

Scored Hops 2 6-6.

Furthermore, Taylor inflicted more damage on Wright than he did Hopkins and Hopkins busted up Taylor pretty good in their first fate later on, where as Taylor's big mouse was from a headclash against Wright.

[Pimp C]

This is a pick em fight IMO so many variables at play here in the fight between two great technicans. Can Winky out work Hopkins to a win? Will a master counter puncher like Hopkins break Winky's guard? Will Hopkins size be too much? Will Hopkins age finally catch up with him?

[Zakman]

Although I think there way way to harsh on fighters and they should be a bit more reasonable alot of the times Id like to hear the veiws of Amsterdam and Zakman I have to admit you two guys know your shit, even tho you got the Margo fight wrong :yep as far as I know both of you guys have Hopkins so how do you think he will overcome the better workrate and the annoying constant jab of Wright....basically how do you think Hopkins will win??

Thanks for the nice comments, guy. :good IMO, it really depends on how much Hopkins has left. Don't forget he's 42 and has been inactive. Wright has been in the ring somewhat more regularly, and he's younger, therefore somewhat closer to his "prime."

Prime for prime this is an easy call. Hopkins wins and not by a little either - for all the reasons that you and others laid out - size, punching power, etc. Now? It's much more of a toss-up. Wright didn't look all that great against Quartey, so maybe he's slipped a bit too.

This is therefore a very hard fight to pick. Logic says Wright, but Hopkins already defied the common wisdom and embarrassed Tarver. Something tells me he just might have one more rabbit to pull out of his hat - Hopkins by UD.:yep

[psychopath]

I can only assure you that it's not going to be an action fight . . . it's more of a technical chess match. And Bhops refusing to engage will put Wright out of his rythm. And that's where Bhops can capitalize.

I like both fighters but I'm rooting for Bhops.

This is going to go down to a boring decission.:yep

[Ramshall1]

Heres some expert analysis. . . ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Even the HBO Countdown show was boring with the chess game crap.

[JMotrain]

Hopkins wins in surprisingly easy fashion. Wright ain't no spring chicken either.

[Ramshall1]

I got Winky outworking the old man for a UD.

[lefthook31]

This is probably the hardest fight to call. Hopkins will get old someday, but Winky is no spring chicken either. One must take into account Hopkins is undefeated against southpaws, because of the way he can punch in the angles. Its going to be interesting, but not enough for me to buy it. I expect a boring tactical fight, and Ill wait for the rebroadcast a week later.

[JMotrain]

The undercard is pretty sweet, I might get it just to watch the undercard.

[Rumsfeld]

I honestly think Hopkins is too big and too crafty. He also has a more versatile defense. At his age, you always have to wonder, but I see no reason that Hopkins shouldn't pull off a tactical bout that has it's moments.

Hopkins UD. Scores something along the lines of 115-112, 116-112, 116-13.

:smoke

[El Bombasto]

Hopefully an good scrap with Wright prevailing, but most likely a snoozer with B-Hop winning a close decision and Wright not willing to concede that he lost

[jyuza]

Hopkins should win this one in a close fight.

Why ? Because in 24/7 DLH/PBF, Tito said Oscar would beat Floyd. He didn't.
In the Hopkins-Wright countdown, while Tito was applauding like a child seeing Winky hitting the heavybag, he made some awful gesture toward Bernard meaning he would be ripped.
According to Tito, Winky is gonna win. So he is gonna lose ! Easy call.

[mochabuzz]

Lampley & Merchant will be clinically dead during this fight.... as will most of the crowd

[Boom_Boom]

I actually expect Bhop to be very aggressive and exciting in this fight, Taylor has shown that WInky's defense in penetrable and Bhop will do the same thing Taylor kept doing but not as sloppy.

[Lostmykeys]

For sure Hopkins by a comfortable UD I was watching of both fighters best fights in preparation for Saturday and both fighters have had some great dominant wins.

Both fighters looked good against Trinidad. Hopkins had some solid wins over Middleweight contenders and guys like De la Hoya. And Wright over guys like Mosley and Quartey. Judging from there wins I would have made my decison as a WW SD, because of his speed and defense.

Then I looked at both fighters losses. Hopkins who wasn't quite prime lost to a prime RJJ, I rewatched the fight and had a scorecard of 8-4 RJJ. So hopkins handily loss then we all know what happened in the Taylor fights the first fight I had a SD for Taylor and the second I had a SD for Hopkins. I then looked at Winky's losses. The fight against Israel Vasquez made me wonder where Winky's defense went, knocked down several times and wasn't very effective overall. I rewatched Winky-Vargas and came up with a score of 116-112 Vargas, the fight was fairly close but I felt Vargas came up big in a few rounds. I wasn't able to find tape on Winky's loss to Harry Simon.

In conclusion, in victory both fighters looked very good Winky maybe slightly better imo. But in their lossed to me Hopkins is on another level when faced with adversity Hopkins performed better. And I think that Hopkins will take Winky into deep waters and drown him.

[BOOKA]

How do you guys see this fight going?? Up until tonight Ive said Hopkins would win, but Ive been watching more of Wright and hes damn near got everything except power. Hopkins has the size and power advantage but Wright has the better speed the better work rate and an equal defense. I havent seen many Wright predictions yet so you guys picking Hopkins could you explain how you think hes going to win?? Im starting to think that Wright might just outwork him to a decision, he has an excellent jab.

you've come to the wrong place for ' expert ' analysis lol

[BewareofDawg]

Wright will be the aggressor, walking Hopkins down with his jab and straight left. Throwing the occasional right hook to the body that he likes. Hopkins is going to let him come to him and try to counter, but find it very tough. Wright is difficult to counter because he throws short, straight shots and brings his hands right back very quickly. I see a rather one-sided fight and Wright winning by a UD. Hopkins just won't be active enough. Also, I think everyone is going to be surprised at how strong Winky is.

[Tettsuo]

Wright will be the aggressor, walking Hopkins down with his jab and straight left. Throwing the occasional right hook to the body that he likes. Hopkins is going to let him come to him and try to counter, but find it very tough. Wright is difficult to counter because he throws short, straight shots and brings his hands right back very quickly. I see a rather one-sided fight and Wright winning by a UD. Hopkins just won't be active enough. Also, I think everyone is going to be surprised at how strong Winky is.
I'd be very surprised if Hopkins does that. He'd be playing right into Winky's game. He never seemed to be the type of fighter that would let someone dictate to him the pace of any fight.

[Cage]

Hopkins has good power. . but i dont think he can really hurt Wright.

I think Winky's work rate will put Hopkins out of his comfort Zone and take away from his accurate counter punching that he tends to need to win fights.

I see Both of them coming out cautious in the first few rounds, and it will probably take them a few minutes to feel each other out.

If Hopkins tries to fight Winky the way he fought Taylor (and im guessing he will), he looses this fight. Winky just cant become a victim of that right hand, but Winky keeps his gloves high, and Hopkins shoots that right straight so i dont really see it landing.

Winky Wright by UD

[Lupe]

you've come to the wrong place for ' expert ' analysis lol

:rofl :rofl

I think if we agree on the basics then this is not a difficult fight to call.

1. This fight is no going to end up with a KO...it will be won on a decision.

2. Hopkins workrate has slowed down in his last few fights. He's more cautious (e.g never followed up when he seemed to hurt Taylor) and too patient (a general pattern since Oscar fight).

3. Winky is no longer a jab & move boxer and likes to press the action behind a steady jab and high guard.

Have a look at how they performed against common opponents Tito and Taylor:
Bernard took a less experienced and confident Taylor, gave away the first 6 rounds and rallied late.
Wright fought a more experienced, confident Taylor in his 2nd fight at MW and beat him (IMHO).
Bernard beat Tito (a very tentative one) through excellent defense, timed offense and craftness enroute to a career defining KO. He applied all the "tools" necessary to beat the PR warrior.
On the other hand Wright shut out Tito with a jab...

Winky's style will present a nightmare for Hopkins in the same way that it did with Taylor. The jab will be in X's face all night while his attack will be neutralised by the Winkster's high guard.

Both have strong chins so Winky will take a close UD.

[Pimp C]

I'd be very surprised if Hopkins does that. He'd be playing right into Winky's game. He never seemed to be the type of fighter that would let someone dictate to him the pace of any fight.
Exactly Hopkins is the master of getting people to fight his fight. I would be shocked if that happened.

[BewareofDawg]

I'd be very surprised if Hopkins does that. He'd be playing right into Winky's game. He never seemed to be the type of fighter that would let someone dictate to him the pace of any fight.
He's not going to have a choice. He just can't do it anymore. Watch his last fights, going all the way back to that fucking Bald English dude (forget his name :lol: ) before the Hoya match. he sits back and waits to counter...then comes on late. Nothing is going to change. Just like nothing changed in the 2nd Taylor fight :deal

[Alo2006]

It's still a hard fight to call, but I've been leaning towards Winky lately.

[Tettsuo]

He's not going to have a choice. He just can't do it anymore. Watch his last fights, going all the way back to that fucking Bald English dude (forget his name :lol: ) before the Hoya match. he sits back and waits to counter...then comes on late. Nothing is going to change. Just like nothing changed in the 2nd Taylor fight :deal
Didn't B-Hop press the action in the 2nd fight? :huh At least that's how I remembered it... with Taylor holding every time Hops closed the gap.

[brooklyn1550]

I think Hopkins footwork, physicality, dominance against southpaws, and ring generalship will get him a UD

[Beatboxer]

God i can't wait till Wright outworks outjabs and just straight up outboxes the Old Bastard

so many sack swingers about a guy whose biggest wins came against mediocre peanut head tarver and a couple of blown up welters

people even think hopkins growin a little beard is part of this crafty mystique so he can rub stubble on his opponents nut in clinches...there is no mystique to hopkins hes just a boring negative cagey conservative old bastard

Wright UD 12

[Beatboxer]

look at what JC says about it !


Calzaghe took a swipe at Hopkins' superfight against Ronald 'Winky' Wright, which is being staged in Las Vegas on Saturday, by branding it a non-event.

"Kessler and me will be the fight of the year - forget Hopkins and Winky Wright and that rubbish that's on at the weekend," he said.

"That's a 42-year-old man against someone from two weight divisions lower.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Amsterdam]

God i can't wait till Wright outworks outjabs and just straight up outboxes the Old Bastard

so many sack swingers about a guy whose biggest wins came against mediocre peanut head tarver and a couple of blown up welters

people even think hopkins growin a little beard is part of this crafty mystique so he can rub stubble on his opponents nut in clinches...there is no mystique to hopkins hes just a boring negative cagey conservative old bastard

Wright UD 12

Yeah right. Hopkins wide UD 12. Near shutout.

[Slaughter27]

Yeah right. Hopkins wide UD 12. Near shutout.


He'd be the first one to do it to Wright in over a decade. :shock:

[Amsterdam]

He'd be the first one to do it to Wright in over a decade. :shock:

Well, get ready for it.

[Slaughter27]

Well, get ready for it.


:hat

[Amsterdam]

Everyone will be shocked at how low Wright's workrate is due to Hopkins forcing him to fight at his pace.

*Smug statement* We won't.:yep

[elTerrible]

Hopkins is going to simply break Winky's guard. Not with power, but with smarts. That's what the man specializes in... breakin' his opponents down and taking them apart.

Winky has one style, Hopkins can change and adapt. If Winky can do the same, he'll have a chance. If not, Hopkins is gonna win by a UD or even a KO in the later rounds.

Check the man's record against southpaws...


Winky hasnt been knocked down in ten years. Hops hasnt had a KO in many years himself. What makes you think a Hops KO is possible. He hit weak chinned Trinidad at will for an entire 11.5 rounds before he stopped him. Winky has a better chin and takes way less shots than Trinidad plus Hops is older and less active.



Hops lost both Taylor fights because he doesnt throw enough. Winky was able to out throw and out land Taylor.

Winky wins on activity.

[PH|LLA]

Hopkins controls the pace of every fight with his positioning. basically even a fighter with a high workrate will never find himself in good position to use that workrate and will therefore be thrown off.

He is also the best at nutralizing the jab, especially the southpaw jab.

The reason Taylor was abe to beat him is that Hopkins has decent but not amazing power. And so everytime he would open up on Taylor, Taylor would close his eyes and start hitting because he knows he's probably strong enough to take a good Hopkins shot and to force Hopkins to go back into defensive mode. Though Taylor didn't cause any damage because he didn't land anything close to clean, he is big and strong enough that he had Hopkins worried about getting hit by a wild shot. Especially at the beginning of the fight, when Taylor was still very strong and full of energy. Basically Hopkins waited for Taylor to lose a little bit of pop and then dominated him.

Against Wright, Hopkins' few but accurate shots will have a greater effect than against Taylor, and Hopkins won't be as scared of getting hit by a wild shot because Wright isn't as big.

Hopkins clear UD with a KD or late round TKO

[Olander]

Hopkins will win. Don't be too surprised if Winky's face looks similar to Joppy's.

[Robbi]

Hopkins beats Wright in a more entertaining fight than the boxing world expects.

Wright must force the issue, thus making Hopkins work at a pace he doesn't want to. You can put your bottom dollar on Wright coming forward all night. Hopkin's fairs well against southpaws, although Wright is without question the best rubik's cube he's ever shared a ring with.

Hopkins abandoned his jab against Tarver. He threw as many jabs over the entire 12 rounds as I can count on my two hands. It was all power punches from either side, with the straight right hand being the primary weapon.

Wright's strategy will mainly be based on backing-up Hopkins with the jab. But Hopkins' boxing brain, maybe the best over the last 15 years. He'll take 3-4 rounds to suss and analyze the battlefield.

Wright, the bull.

Hopkins, the matador.


Hopkins UD.