In an article by Pat Sheehan of the Sun, he states that the potential mega-bout between light heavyweight Bernard Hopkins and super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe will possibly be meeting in April, to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. If the fight is indeed made, Calzaghe will reportedly make a career high 4million purse to face Hopkins, who by the time the fight takes place, will be an ancient 43 years-old. Not exactly inspiring for the average fan, as they’ll likely be expected to fork over $50 to watch the matchup on PPV.
Among other things, Calzaghe seems to like the idea of fighting in Vegas, saying to Sheehan “I want one of those fights to be against Hopkins in Las Vegas. I’ve had a taste of it watching Ricky Hatton’s fight from ringside and I’d like that for myself.” However, if Calzaghe is under the impression that his fight will be on the level of importance, he’s sadly mistaken because many fans see this bout for what it is – a big payday for Calzaghe and Hopkins.
It’s a fight that will most likely disappoint due to Hopkins’ style of punch and grab, which is as it states, Hopkins throwing a punch and then immediately initiating a clinch to prevent his faster, more offensively skilled opponents from countering him. In it’s essence, it’s the identical style of heavyweight John Ruiz, who used the style effectively to win a title and many other bouts against fighters that he didn’t match up well with in the skills department.
Hopkins, no doubt, will use the clinching tactic to slow down to a crawl a bout with Calzaghe. Hopkins is an expert with this technique, and for that reason, I see him beating Calzaghe, as the Welsh fighter won’t have the space or time to get off his punches with Hopkins draped on him all night long.
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