How the fans wished that the fight between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. happened a few years ago or maybe even before Jones fought Danny Green. Now, many boxing fans are looking at this fight as only a fight for both boxers to make a big payday before they ride onto the sunset.
Still, this fight will attract a number of fans due to curiosity and the fact that there is now an ongoing debate in regards to who has had the better career, particularly given the recent accomplishments of Hopkins.
But the fight that certainly could have received more attention or respect from the fans is a fight between Bernard Hopkins and James Toney. Hopkins had made it known a few times in the past about his interest in competing at the heavyweight division.
While no one expects Hopkins to contend or share the ring with some of the bigger heavyweights such as the Klitschkos, he might be able to compete with the smaller heavyweights such as Toney.
Unlike RJJ, Toney is still performing well and might be a better matchup for Hopkins at this point. While RJJ often relied on his physical gifts in his career, James Toney much like Hopkins relied on guile and fundamentals, which has allowed both of them to have continued success. They are also two of the best defensive and technical fighters of their generation.
It would be a treat just to watch how they try to outsmart each other in a fight. They are also two of the best trash talkers in the sport, so the promotional tour should be an event in itself. Also beside a fight with Dawson or Adamek; there might not be another fight that makes sense for Hopkins than a fight with Toney.
A fight with Dawson should provide Hopkins a good paycheck and fans will certainly pay to see it, but so far Hopkins has shown no interest in fighting the young champion. A fight with Adamek also makes sense, but might not provide Hopkins the payday he’s looking for since the polish fighter is a virtual unknown to casual fans.
Who else is out there for ‘The Executioner’? He’s already beaten Pavlik. Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams may have recognizable names, but neither has ever fought above the middleweight division. There are probably fighters in the super middleweight division, that makes sense in terms of credibility and money, but the best fighters in that division are currently tied into a tournament.
So why not make a fight with Toney if he defeats Roy Jones Jr? A win over Toney at the heavyweight divisions certainly will add to his legacy and provide more ammo for his fans when arguing for him as the more accomplished fighter in comparison to RJJ.
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