“Wright has waited a long time for a shot at Hopkins and this belt, and his hunger and strong right hook will prevail against the experienced “Executioner.” I’m picking Winky Wright by unanimous decision.” – Nancy Gay, The San Francisco Chronicle
“Wright in a Split decision (115-113, 116-112, 113-115) that is not nearly as boring as everyone thinks it will be as Wright presses the action and finds a willing taker in Hopkins. After some solid inside stuff early on, Wright is able to jab his way past the final few rounds and survive with the win.”- John Cotey, St. Petersburg Times
“Winky Wright by decision because Winky’s style is difficult; also there is the Hopkins age factor. I see a toe to toe battle without a knockdown.” – Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee
“As good as Winky Wright is–as solid and skilful and unshakeable a pro as he has proven to be–I can’t help feeling that the old master has too much versatility for him. Winky rarely surprises; he just happens to be very good at what he does. Bernard, on the other hand, even at this stage of the game, always seems to have one more trick up his sleeve. The key, of course, is Winky’s jab: if Bernard neutralizes it, he wins; if he doesn’t, Winky wins. I say he does, more or less, although he’ll take his lumps in the process. Hopkins by a close but clear decision.”- Kieran Mulvaney, Reuters
“Hopkins by unanimous decision. Hopkins’ strength and tenacity will make the difference against a very tough opponent in a tactical and engaging fight.” – Jeff Haney, Las Vegas Sun
“Hopkins still has plenty left, as he proved with his victory against Antonio Tarver. However, Winky Wright’s jab and defensive prowess will make it difficult for Hopkins to mount a consistent attack. It will be a tactical fight that goes the distance, with Wright winning a unanimous decision.”- Clifton Brown, New York Times
“Toss up. I think Winky’s style will cause fits for Hopkins, but if Hopkins presses the fight and decides to put Winky on the defensive, how will he respond? This isn’t going to be like facing Taylor, either, for Winky, but I also wonder if we’ll see the same Hopkins who fought Tarver, or the one who was there against Taylor. If he’s got his heart and mind in it like he did with Tarver, I give the edge to Hopkins. I also know Winky has something to prove as well, but will he overexert himself and try to go out of what’s comfortable for him? I’d like to declare a winner, but I also have a bad feeling about this. DRAW” – Trae Thompson, Fort Worth Star Telegram
“Hopkins 12 round decision. I just think he can do more things than Winky Wright.” – Tim Smith, New York Daily News
“Bernard will win by decision, it will go all 12 rounds. Bernard just has too much experience and in his last few fights he has been fighting a lot more intelligently. He is going to counterpunch Wright into oblivion.” – Joe Santoliquito, Ring Magazine
“Winky is going to win. He has a good chance at out-boxing Bernard, and [Winky] will win by decision. Bernard has fought one too many times.” – Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press
“Hopkins will win by decision. In a fight that will be more action-packed than most people think, Winky will force a fast pace and Bernard will have to fight. However, in the end, Hopkins’ power and size advantage will be the deciding factor.” – Steve Farhood, Boxing Monthly
“This is probably the most difficult fight to predict in the past three years. Bernard Hopkins is the bigger stronger guy, but at 42 his skills can disappear at any moment. Winky Wright, on the other hand, has never fought professionally above 160 pounds — the extra weight might be a problem. One thing is clear, Wright has much more to lose. A possible fight with Oscar De La Hoya looms should he win. With a De La Hoya fight hanging in the air, Wright could be a little more motivated. Prediction: Wright by decision. ” – Franklin McNeil, The Newark Star-Ledger
“I like Winky. Winky will win in a 12 round decision. Not to discredit Hopkins last win over Tarver, but Winky is younger and in his prime, while Hopkins is not.” – Doug Krikorian, Long Beach Press Telegram
” Bernard Hopkins by decision. It’s a great fighter against a really good fighter.” – Thomas Hauser, Secondsout.com
“Both fighters will end up in the hall of fame, but Hopkins display will be fancier in the tour room – much more exclusive. The two are great fighters, but Hopkins is just greater. Hopkins is sweet. At 42 years old, he still has a lot of tread on his tires. Hopkins will win by unanimous decision. I am looking forward to this fight.” – Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News
“Hopkins by decision. Winky is truly one of the most skilled boxers of our era, but Hopkins will win a close decision. Hopkins is very comfortable at a higher weight, and while Wright has a great jab, Bernard’s arsenal will be too much for Winky. The fight will not be lopsided, but Hopkins pulls it off in the end.” – Anwar S. Richardson, The Tampa Tribune
“While there are those who think this will be a boring match-up, I believe this boxing match will be a candidate for Fight of the Year honors. Both Hopkins and Wright will come to fight just as promised by the fight’s promotional slogan. Hopkins, who is the superior fighter tactically, will be win by split decision. Expect the left-handed Wright to press the action in the early rounds as Hopkins takes stock of what his own approach has to be on this given night. Hopkins, who has knocked out nine of the 10 southpaws he’s faced, will outbox Wright and take advantage of his ring generalship that has served him so well for so many years. A lot of counter-punching for Hopkins early, and then he will mount his own attack later.” – Kevin Tatum, Philadelphia Inquirer
“Hopkins by split decision. It’s a toss-up, but if anybody can ever get to Wright consistently, it will be Hopkins with that deliberate game plan and a crowd behind him. Neither guy will get hurt, and the dumber fans will call it a boring fight, but it’s a fascinating chess match.” – Greg Beacham, Associated Press
“Hopkins will win by split decision. If Hopkins uses his jab properly and keeps Wright at arm’s length, he will force Wright to take more chances. That will lead to Hopkins getting a chance to land some big power shots.” – Marcus Henry, Newsday
Hopkins vs. Wright “Coming to Fight” is for Hopkins’ Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight belt and will take place Saturday, July 21st at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. “Coming to Fight” is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Winky Promotions, and sponsored by Southwest Airlines, Tecate Beer and Rockstar Energy Drink. The fight will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT.