[King Eugene]

Hopkins Wants Haye

By Mark Vester

It wasn't that long ago that Bernard Hopkins was considering a move to heavyweight for a bout with then WBC champion Oleg Maskaev. The fight never took place. He still wants a shot at some heavyweight gold. If on December 2 Hopkins beats Enrique Ornelas and Roy Jones Jr. beats IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green - Jones and Hopkins will clash on March 13 in Las Vegas [the tentative date for Manny Pacquiao's return].

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told the LA Times that Hopkins, should he beat Jones, will target a fight with WBA heavyweight champion David Haye.

"And Hopkins wants to move up to fight David Haye if he wins [against Jones]," Schaefer said.

It's not the first time that Schaefer mentioned Hopkins' desire to fight Haye for a world title. Back in May, there was talk of Hopkins going up to cruiserweight to fight Tomasz Adamek and Haye was scheduled to face WBO/IBF champion Wladmir Klitschko in June. Neither fight happened. But at the time, Schaefer told BoxingScene.com that Hopkins' plan was to beat Adamek and then move to up to heavyweight meet Haye [if he would have beaten Klitschko].

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com

I have a couple questions...

Where does this leave James Toney?
Would Hopkins have enough power at HW to hurt Haye or keep Haye off of him?

[ROLL DEEP]

What?!

Haye would stop Hopkins I think. Haye is very fast and has a great punch. His power would be magnified fighting a smaller and older Hopkins too.


Toney would be a better opponent for Hopkins, imo.

[Maxy]

Haye would knock Hopkins out.

It would prove nothing.

[The Original MrF...]

I think this is just talk. He dont want it with Haye. Haye is too fast and too big. Hopkins has trouble with fast guys. Haye is faster and bigger with power. He might stop Hopkins. If Hopkins fights and beats Haye, then he would be right up there with Ali and SRR. He would be as legendary, no joke. I'd love to see it happen, but it wont. The guy is 45 beating up on guys who are young enough to be his kids. Haye would make him look 45, imo...

[streetlion1]

I too think this is all just talk but IF it were to happen....Haye is not stopping B-Hop! Lets just say Hopkins was able to move up in weight with no problem....I can see him giving Haye alot of trouble. Haye has been over in Europe beating alot of bums and has never had to deal with anyone with the skill of Hopkins. Now true I would have to see what kind of shape and how he looks in his next 2 fights...but just to write Hopkins off against a guy whos fought a bunch of nobodys is nonsense. I could see B-Hop losing a decision but not being stopped.....I can also see him roughing pretty boy Haye up and giving him a boxing lesson.

[Method]

Fuck that. I would never count Hopkins out of any fight.

If he moved up to heavy, Im pretty sure he'd be able to hang w Haye. Obviously its pure spec, but I doubt they're just idly calling Haye out. until Hopkins gives me a reason to pick against him, I'd take him over Haye. Haye's chin is suspect, and Hopkins is just too good a fucking boxer.

[Douchebag]

Fuck that. I would never count Hopkins out of any fight.

If he moved up to heavy, Im pretty sure he'd be able to hang w Haye. Obviously its pure spec, but I doubt they're just idly calling Haye out. until Hopkins gives me a reason to pick against him, I'd take him over Haye. Haye's chin is suspect, and Hopkins is just too good a fucking boxer.

Aside from the power advantage I think the biggest factor as to why I would have favor Haye is the fact that he has pretty good feet. He won't stationary like Kelly and eventhough he probably won't stop B-Hop I could see him winning a clear decision.

[Snoop]

Hopkins usually takes fights because he sees something he can exploit. I've always made money in fights where he's been the underdog, i.e. Tarver, Pavlik, and I don't think I'd stop now.

[Lil-lightsout]

I would favor Haye for a few reasons. Power, speed, youth, and desire. I would have the ultimate respect for Hops if he would fight Haye. I mean Haye is a huge fast puncher who KO'd Mormeck who is no joke. I think Hops could be successful against some heavyweights today, I just think Haye is the wrong one. I mean I wonder how much weight could Hops put on comfortably without hurting his performance? I know Hops would make it interesting in there, but I think Haye just has too many physical advantages. But if Hops could surprise me and beat a Haye, should have never doubted him.

[moscow bear]

Fuck that. I would never count Hopkins out of any fight.

If he moved up to heavy, Im pretty sure he'd be able to hang w Haye. Obviously its pure spec, but I doubt they're just idly calling Haye out. until Hopkins gives me a reason to pick against him, I'd take him over Haye. Haye's chin is suspect, and Hopkins is just too good a fucking boxer.

I am getting a lot of shit over at boxrec for picking Hopkins in this fight, glad to see I am not the only one.