By Rick Reeno
The place where Bernard Hopkins (46-4-1, 32 KOs) made his debut in 1988, Atlantic City, New Jersey, is now the same place he stages the the final bout of his career. Hopkins, spending almost 20 years in the sport of boxing, is stepping up two weight classes to challenge the recognized light heavyweight champion of the world, Antonio Tarver (24-3, 18 KOs).
The competitive juices are flowing, Tarver - the self proclaimed "legend killer" is looking to add the Hopkins to his resume of victories. Hopkins, a career middleweight, is looking to accomplish what his hero, Sugar Ray Robinson, tried and failed to do - by moving up from middleweight and winning the light heavyweight title.
They share two common opponents, Roy Jones Jr. and Glen Johnson. Hopkins lost to Jones by unanimous decision, while Tarver has knocked Jones out in two rounds and cruised to an easy twelve round decision against Jones in his last outing. Tarver lost his first of three bouts to Jones by decision, but some feel he should have been awarded the fight. Tarver holds the upper hand on Hopkins with Jones, but Hopkins holds the upper hand with Glen Johnson. Tarver split two decisions with Glen Johnson, while Hopkins dominated Johnson at middleweight on route to being the only fighter to stop him.
Win, lose or draw, this is the final time we see Hopkins in the ring as a fighter, a going away party that Tarver wants to spoil by being the first man to stop him.
The staff of BoxingScene comes together to voice their opinions, strategies and predictions for the fight.
Mike Casey - The word is that Bernard Hopkins is training for Antonio Tarver with the fervour of a man who has no thoughts of retirement. But can the old man really pull the kind of surprise that Dick Tiger gave us back in ’67 when he dethroned Jose Torres? Opinion is famously divided on Bernard’s place among the great middleweights. I can’t personally rank him among the elite. But he is without doubt a wise old ring mechanic who knows some tricks and still has plenty of ambition.
Antonio Tarver is a talented, decent light-heavyweight who can be alternately sensational and mundane. He has the advantage of being a natural light-heavy, but is only an inch taller than Hopkins and has an identical reach. Antonio should win, but I’ve had a funny feeling about this one from the time it was made.
Bernard won’t play a counter puncher’s waiting game as he did against Jermain Taylor, because he simply can’t afford to. If he has any new tricks, this is now or never. He has to jump on Antonio and hustle him all the way. Can the old champ do that at forty-one? Let’s not forge that Tarver is thirty-seven and has had to shed some serious poundage to get down to 175. I’ll put my head on the block and say that Hopkins will win. I think his work rate will take him to an upset decision and bag him some precious points in the all time stakes.
Ron Borges - I know Tarver is bigger and stronger, but like Hopkins by decision in an exceedingly defensive fight.
Hank Kaplan - Bernard is a great fighter, but he is not the same fighter that even beat Felix Trinidad a few years ago. He fights in spurts to save his energy for the late rounds. I think Tarver is too big. Bernard couldnt hurt Jermain Taylor, what can he do to Tarver?
Tarver by decision
Tim Smith - Going with Tarver over Hopkins in a decision. It's hard to pick against Hopkins, but I think Tarver can do a few more things than Jermian Taylor did to Hopkins.
Tarver by decision
Don Colgan - Tarver, although not particularly young in his own right, is still near his prime. Hopkins is riding a permanent decline. Tarver to dominate after the first three rounds, drop Hopkins several times en route to a 10th round TKO.
Tarver by TKO
Andy Rivera - Yes, I'm probably in the minority here, but hell someone has to pick Hopkins. We all know this is Hopkins' last hurrah. Going after history in trying to capture something his idol, Sugar Ray Robinson could not obtain. Tarver is the bigger fighter, but I'm banking on him having issues from losing the weight from his performance in the new Rocky movie. Dropping 40 pounds isn't good for any fighter, just ask Roy Jones when he fought Tarver in their first encounter.
I think Hopkins will outwork Tarver and leave in the sunset by making his mark in history.
Hopkins by decision
Tom Donelson - If this was the 2001 version of Hopkins fighting, I will give Hopkins a chance. Hopkins is 41 years old, he is the smaller fighter and he is not necessarily the faster fighter. On paper, this is a mismatch. Hopkins' chances exist of slowing the fight down and minimizing the punches, while hoping for a Tarver mistake. I suspect that Tarver will press the action and fulfill his predictions of stopping Hopkins. Tarver has his own legacy to deal with and Hopkins' place in boxing history is secure. So the major incentative is with Tarver. Beating Hopkins will go a long way to establish Tarver as a great fighter in his own right.
Tarver by KO.
Evan Korn - At 41, Hopkins has more in the tank than the 37 year old Tarver. In my estimation, Hopkins went 1-0-1 against Taylor. Judging by how serious Hopkins is taking this fight (hiring Mackie Shilstone to help add the weight), Hopkins appears to accept the fact that his time is running out. Tarver, in his last outing against Roy Jones, looked like a spent force. After gaining all that weight and going Hollywood, Tarver will look downright ancient against Hopkins.
Hopkins by unanimous decision.
Kevin Kincade - I predict at least 12 people somewhere in the world, if not the arena will dose off during the 6th round of this contest. “When Counter-Punchers Meet”….it is the equivalent in boxing to dueling banjoes. Now, cynicism aside, Tarver’s reach, height, power, and Bernard’s early inactivity will be the difference. Bernard Hopkins, for all of his defensive expertise and slick infighting skills, which incorporate the darker side of the art of boxing, seems to have forgotten the aggressive side of the coin.
I can see how his straight right hand will occasionally trouble the southpaw Tarver; but I fail to see how the smaller Hopkins can make any real impact over the long haul. The only hope I see for Hopkins escaping with a victory lies in Antonio’s tendency to tire down the stretch, when Bernard, conveniently enough, picks up the action. However, I don’t see B-Hop winning this one, though he will have his moments in the later rounds. Look for “The Magic Man” to retain his World Light-Heavyweight title by a relatively dull decision…might even be a Split Decision.
Tarver by decision.
Larry Tornambe - I see Tarver vs. Hopkins being a posing contest. I hope someone from Madam Taussad's wax museum is at ringside. I think they will have two figures in the main event who won' t be moving their hands much. Hopkins and Tarver have not been very active during their most recent fights and I look for Tarver's size to give him the advantage in earning a snoozer decision against Bernard.
Tarver by decision
Paul Gallegos - I guess that it is all about the money these days. How Hopkins can land a title fight when his last two jaunts in the squared circle credited him with defeats. It just doesn't make sense. That said, age, an aggressive Tarver, and a really decent boxer will overwhelm the aged Hopkins with a barrage of punches in the second round. Hopkins will taste the canvass in the second, fourth, and finally get KO'd in the 9th. I don't really see this one being close.
Tarver by KO
Mike Indri - In a fight which I see no interest or reason for taking place, the choice has to be Tarver. Hopkins, whose legacy is entrenched as one of the greatest middleweights ever, should have kept the promise he made to his late mother and retired last year.
Tarver's fortitude and resilience has enabled him to prevail against aging champions Montel Griffin, Glen Johnson and Roy Jones; and the timing has worked out well again for the fortunate Tarver, who will add a very past-his-prime Bernard Hopkins to his hit list in a lackluster bout not worthy of the boxing fan's pay-per- view dollars.
Antonio Tarver over Bernard Hopkins via 12 round Unanimous Decision.
Dr. Peter Edwards - Hopkins has something to prove in this bout, after two dissapointing defeats to Jermain Taylor. I see Bernard boxing his way to a close decision win against the Tarver, who waits too long to get off with his punches.
Hopkins by decision.
Mike Dunn - I've got to go with Tarver against Hopkins. Should be a war, but time is not on Hopkins' side, especially at age of 41 and with the two tough losses to Jermain behind him.
Tarver is coming off wins over Jones and Johnson and will enter the ring with lots of confidence.
Tarver by unanimous decision.
Eric Rineer - Bernard Hopkins has already cemented his place in boxing history. He is one of the greatest middleweight fighters of all-time. The 20 consecutive title defenses is amazing. He's a very game and terrifically skilled boxer. But to jump up two weight classes appears to be too challenging. If you're going to do it, you especially don't want your first fight to be against the light heavyweight champion.
Bernard Hopkins yields youth and power to Mason Dixon, eh hem, Antonio Tarver. I've never seen a fighter more focused than Antonio. That was the case just a couple of weeks ago in Vero Beach. He was too focused to even engage in small talk with anyone at his training site. This man is serious business and he's got a serious business trainer in Buddy McGirt. He's too strong, too focused and too good to be dethroned against a blown-up middleweight.
I'm picking the "Magic Man" Tarver by 8th-round TKO.
John Hively - I think Tarver will defeat Hopkins. The former middleweight champion is on the downhill side of his career, and probably has been for three years or more. Tarver, if he comes in shape, has too much on the ball for Hopkins at this stage of his career.
Tarver by decision
Bradley Yeh - Bernard Hopkins’ work rate has let him down in recent fights, and stepping aside from critical assessment that’s probably fair for a middleweight veteran and legend of his ilk. That work rate could cost him if Tarver doesn’t suffer too much from making the agreed weight. Other tangibles that make for a tentative prediction with this fight are that Hopkins is reported to have a good team including sparring partners that are experienced with Tarver for this bout. This contrasts against the fact that Tarver is the stronger, bigger guy that has the power to hurt Hopkins with a single shot, whilst Hopkins doesn’t have sleeping pills in his gloves at this stage of his career and in this weight class.
Hopkins is a junkyard dog that’s old school to the bone and I must admit that I enjoyed his work prior to and including Trinidad. Tarver probably will feel less psychological pressure coming into this his bout though, as he’ll draw from the power advantage knowing that he has knocked out guys he sincerely believes Hopkins can't.
Tarver by decision.
Richard McManus - A win for Tarver will prove almost nothing, but a win for Hopkins will allow him to retire on his terms. I'm leaning toward Hopkins for the reason he gave in a recent interview. When asked about his chances he responded with the quip: "Who's the better fighter?" Unless Bernard shows up and appears exceedingly old I give him an excellent chance to win the decision.
Hopkins by decision
Rusty Rubin - I think Bernard is too tough for Tarver after coming down in weight, from heavyweight. The fight will do too deep for the stamina of Tarver.
Hopkins by unanimous decision
Dave Wilcox - Tarver is the natural Light Heavyweight and can box as well. He will be too much for Hopkins to handle. I see a one-sided decision taking place for Tarver. Hopkins' usual pace won't be enough to land a win against Tarver.
Tarver by decision.
TK Stewart - I never really liked this fight from the time it was made. It holds no allure for me and it just doesn't get me excited. Tarver is 37 and Hopkins is 41 so you have to ask just what type of level will this fight be fought on? Both guys have really showed their age in recent bouts and they are still trying to participate in what is very much a young man's sport.
I look for this fight to be fought at a cautious and boring pace. Neither guy is a big risk taker at this point and they both fight like they are trying not to lose - instead of really going out there and trying to win big. Hopkins has grown overcautious as he has aged and it really takes Bernard five rounds to get warmed up and to begin fighting. I look for Tarver's size and southpaw style to trouble Hopkins greatly.
Tarver will likely weigh over 190 the night of the fight and Hopkins is rumored to weigh less than 175 right now so the size advantage is really going to be a factor in this one. Hopkins was pushed around pretty good by Jermain Taylor so a 190-pound guy should be able to do a pretty good job on him. Tarver showed he can handle smaller guys quite well, particularly Roy Jones and to a lesser extent Glen Johnson. The bottom line is that Hopkins is going to be at a severe size disadvantage despite all of Mackie Shilstone's efforts. Hopkins' only chance is to turn this fight into a brawl and attempt to manhandle Tarver and that just isn't going to happen at Bernard's age. I like Tarver to control the fight with his right jab and use his distance to create punching opportunities. On the inside, Tarver is the stronger, bigger man and I think he'll tie Bernard up and push him backwards. I don't see either guy landing enough sustained punches to score a knockout so as a result, I like Tarver to win by a wide unanimous decision.
JC Casarez - All I keep hearing is that Tarver is too big and strong for Hopkins at this stage of their careers. Well I think that's his downfall in this fight. Tarver has spent too much time above 200lbs, even if it was for a role in the upcoming Rocky film. The way he was forced to come back down in weight will leave him weak when the 2nd half of the fight approaches. Look for Hopkins and his new body which is compliments of his hard work with Mackey Shilstone to help him impose his will and do what he did best as the middleweight king.
Hopkins can still outbox them and when fatigue sets in you can expect Hopkins to execute.
Hopkins by decision
JE Grant - In this fight it won’t be age that is served, it will be size. Tarver is likely the slower puncher of the two but he is willing to get close and occasionally throw with abandon. He has faced the stiff punches of Glen Johnson and the desperation of Roy Jones and has proven unrelenting. He even fought hard against Eric Harding despite a broken jaw. It is unlikely that the cagey Hopkins has anything in his arsenal that will keep Tarver at a distance or cause him to slow his attack. Of course Hopkins won’t go quietly into the night.
He will fight hard in spots but won’t be able to sustain the kind of attack necessary to take the heat out of Tarver. When he can’t punch, however, he will prove hard to hit squarely or often. Look for a retreating Hopkins to give it a strong go but lose out to the heavy hands of Tarver. Antonio Tarver by clear decision.
Dan Creighton - The bigger and stronger Tarver will prove to be too much for Hopkins.
Hopkins by decision.
Carlos Irusta - Tarver will pull out the win because he is simply the bigger man. Hopkins has reached his the top of his game, and it's been downhill since.
Tarver by decision
Joe Harrison - Although Hopkins lost his last two fights to Jermain Taylor, he showed everyone that he still has what it takes to fight the big boys. However, I think it is a dangerous move to move up in weight and take on today's best light heavyweight, Antonio Tarver. Hopkins' age should continue to take it's toll on him, meaning that Tarver will be victorious.
Tarver over Hopkins by Unanimous Decision
George Phillips - It's a close fight, Hopkins is moving up 15 pounds and Tarver had to drop 40 pounds.
I think Hopkins will win a close split decision.
Alphonso Costello - Bernard Hopkins has made alot of noise about accomplishing what Sugar Ray Robinson couldn’t accomplish and that’s capture the light-heavyweight crown. Hopkins isn’t young enough to fight a 12-round bout at a steady pace. His extreme jump in weight may hurt his conditioning. The same can be said about Antonio Tarver's conditioning. He allegedly weighed close to 220 pounds during the filming of Rocky VI. Tarver must use his size advantage to wear down Hopkins. However, the silver screen curse will come crashing down on Tarver's crown. "The Legend Killer's" stamina will betray him and Hopkins will capitalize on the opportunity.
Hopkins defeats Tarver by eleventh round knockout.
Rick Reeno - Unless losing close to 40 pounds has drained Tarver, I think he should win this fight. If he keeps the fight at a distance, he can win easily, but it appears Tarver is set on trading with Hopkins in order to become the first man to stop him. I don't think Tarver will stop him, and I see Hopkins giving as good as he gets.
Tarver by close decision.
