Bernard Hopkins feels Joshua is better than Wilder

[GilFilmore]

Do you agree with the legend?

Bernard Hopkins Full Interview Feb 1 2018

[IKSRTFO]

Do you agree with the legend?

Bernard Hopkins Full Interview Feb 1 2018

He also said Mosley would beat Mayweather

[SenorPipino]

Well duhh. Wilder is about to have his first real fight soon while Joshua repeated Ross Purrity's feat from 1998 and koed Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round. The real question is if either of these men Joshua and Wilder can beat Fury and the answer to that one is that its highly unlikely.

If Wilder and Joshua can't beat a guy who has had major drug/alcohol/mental issues and hasn't fought in 2 1/2 years, then the heavyweight division is in worse shape than I think it is.

And no, I don't agree with Hopkins. Maybe GBP has it's eye on Joshua for future reference, so Hopkins has to spout the company line.

That's the only reason he picked Mosley over Money.

[jamamb]

ajs better technically, wilder has faster feet and maybe hands. both have the power to ktfo the other.

[Deleted_Scenes]

Hopkins is nearly always talking bollocks. Usually because he's nearly always about as biased as a Murdoch tabloid in an election run up...

I think I agree with him here though. Mostly based on seeing Wilder outboxed in spells by such greats as Gerald Washington and Artur Szpilka, and taking 9 rounds to catch up with an out of shape plodder like the drummer boy. As robotic as Joshua is, and as much as he could do with shedding 20 pounds of muscle, he knows how to corner his prey before putting the hurt on.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Well duhh. Wilder is about to have his first real fight soon while Joshua repeated Ross Purrity's feat from 1998 and koed Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round. The real question is if either of these men Joshua and Wilder can beat Fury and the answer to that one is that its highly unlikely.

If Wilder and Joshua can't beat a guy who has had major drug/alcohol/mental issues and hasn't fought in 2 1/2 years, then the heavyweight division is in worse shape than I think it is.

And no, I don't agree with Hopkins. Maybe GBP has it's eye on Joshua for future reference, so Hopkins has to spout the company line.

That's the only reason he picked Mosley over Money.

So you think Wilder is the superior fighter? Based on what precisely?

[SenorPipino]

His power. At least equal to Joshua. Probably a better 1 shot punch.

Speed. Joshua's speed is decent. Wilder's hand speed is well above average. Dangerous. You don't see his oft-times unorthodox shots coming.

Athleticism. Wilder is WILDly athletic. Haven't seen a heavyweight ruler that athletic in decades.

Joshua plods somewhat. Could stand to lose 15 lbs. and reduce muscle. That bulk will haunt him in any fast paced future fight.

Wilder, despite his KO power, has shown he can remain dangerous in the late rounds. He shows no sign of weariness. Just superbly conditioned.

Joshua remains a question in the late rounds. At this point I don't trust his conditioning. He was fortunate the aging Wlad was at a stage where he faded late.

I really can't see Wilder losing to Joshua. He had almost no amateur experience and still copped an Olympic medal.

That's because he's the natural fighter between the 2, and natural talent will predictably come out on top.

Every fighter needs to be refined. Needs to learn. But Wilder has those terrific intangibles that are simply god given.

You can create a Joshua in the gym. But you can't build a Deontay Wilder. What he possesses is special.

[Freedom2013]

Without a doubt, Joshua is MUCH better.

There's a reason why Wilder has been so protected and carefully matched. Wilder has been a pro four years longer than Joshua, yet has fought very poor opposition compared to Joshua. Joshua's next fight will be against a prime heavyweight titleholder, while Wilder will fight another old man.

Anybody who thinks Wilder is better than Joshua is either being nationalistic or doesn't watch their fights.

[jamamb]

wilder and aj had about the same amateur experience both in fights and years. aj was worlds silver medalist losing only by 1 point after like 3 years boxing (and then won olympic gold), which id say is also pretty indicative of natural talent

[jamesmcdonnell]

His power. At least equal to Joshua. Probably a better 1 shot punch.

Speed. Joshua's speed is decent. Wilder's hand speed is well above average. Dangerous. You don't see his oft-times unorthodox shots coming.

Athleticism. Wilder is WILDly athletic. Haven't seen a heavyweight ruler that athletic in decades.

Joshua plods somewhat. Could stand to lose 15 lbs. and reduce muscle. That bulk will haunt him in any fast paced future fight.

Wilder, despite his KO power, has shown he can remain dangerous in the late rounds. He shows no sign of weariness. Just superbly conditioned.

Joshua remains a question in the late rounds. At this point I don't trust his conditioning. He was fortunate the aging Wlad was at a stage where he faded late.

I really can't see Wilder losing to Joshua. He had almost no amateur experience and still copped an Olympic medal.

That's because he's the natural fighter between the 2, and natural talent will predictably come out on top.

Every fighter needs to be refined. Needs to learn. But Wilder has those terrific intangibles that are simply god given.

You can create a Joshua in the gym. But you can't build a Deontay Wilder. What he possesses is special.

Wlad didn't fade late at all. He was just too cautious ad always to take a risk and finish it.

Joshua won't have great stamina with all that bulk; but he doesnt rely on output; he's n9t a pressure fighter, he sets up his power shots with a thumping jab and detonates big shots. He has solid fundamentals, good balance and punch technique.

Define athletic. What does that mean?

[KiwiRider]

His power. At least equal to Joshua. Probably a better 1 shot punch.

Speed. Joshua's speed is decent. Wilder's hand speed is well above average. Dangerous. You don't see his oft-times unorthodox shots coming.

Athleticism. Wilder is WILDly athletic. Haven't seen a heavyweight ruler that athletic in decades.

Joshua plods somewhat. Could stand to lose 15 lbs. and reduce muscle. That bulk will haunt him in any fast paced future fight.

Wilder, despite his KO power, has shown he can remain dangerous in the late rounds. He shows no sign of weariness. Just superbly conditioned.

Joshua remains a question in the late rounds. At this point I don't trust his conditioning. He was fortunate the aging Wlad was at a stage where he faded late.

I really can't see Wilder losing to Joshua. He had almost no amateur experience and still copped an Olympic medal.

That's because he's the natural fighter between the 2, and natural talent will predictably come out on top.

Every fighter needs to be refined. Needs to learn. But Wilder has those terrific intangibles that are simply god given.

You can create a Joshua in the gym. But you can't build a Deontay Wilder. What he possesses is special.

You put forward some valid points.
Think back to the Washington fight, Washington's jab for the first 3 rounds was bothering Wilder. He was getting hit flush with it repeatedly, and getting stunned by it.
Now compare what you have seen of AJ's jab snapping heads back, he has even scored KD's with it. It's faster, harder, and more accurate than Washington's one.
Not that I'm saying the fight can be won on the jab. But AJ knows how to finish when his jab does it's job. Wilder has a good jab too, that only seems to land on statues.

[jamamb]

who did aj drop with a jab i forgot

to me its a fight where i think joshua is more refined and more likely to get through for the win. but wilder is dangerous at any moment and he does keep his power throghout the fight.

they both ko povetkin, ortiz, fury, parker, etc

[jamesmcdonnell]

who did aj drop with a jab i forgot

to me its a fight where i think joshua is more refined and more likely to get through for the win. but wilder is dangerous at any moment and he does keep his power throghout the fight.

they both ko povetkin, ortiz, fury, parker, etc

Of the two, Wilder is far more likely to leave his chin out to get tagged. Wilder's defence is sloppy and porous.

[gilgamesh]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

[gilgamesh]

Do you agree with the legend?

Bernard Hopkins Full Interview Feb 1 2018

He also said Mosley would beat Mayweather

Mosley was a partner with Golden Boy. They were promoting Mosley going into that fight. Of course B-Hop is gonna stand by a business partner in a situation like that.

[Deleted_Scenes]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

So does Wilder...

Since both picked up titles, I don't think anyone can argue who's defended against the stronger opposition. Joshua's weakest (Molina) is at least the equal of Wilder's best (Duhaupas). Yet still, Joshua has brushed his challengers aside with far less effort (Klitschko aside, but that's Klitschko). That speaks volumes, for me.

As much as people have mentioned Wilder's (slight) one punch power advantage, and his speed, he's very quick to swing at fresh air with all of that power and speed. His accuracy is almost non-existent, as quick as his feet are he has no clue how to cut off a ring, he doesn't use his size/reach well at all, and he's there to be hit, even against lower tier opposition - especially with jabs and straight shots...

He's been befuddled by lesser fighters on a few occasions now, only for his power to get him out of jail. I just can't see that working against a calculated and composed top fighter with either power of their own, a strong jab, or a solid inside game. The fact he's a world champion and ranked in the top 2 just shows how pathetically weak this division is at the moment.

Let's be brutally honest, neither Wilder nor Joshua are special fighters. Both take a spanking from Lewis or either Klitschko in their prime - especially Vitali.

I agree they need to show it in the ring though. I just don't for a second expect Wilder to come away on top.

[gilgamesh]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

So does Wilder...

Since both picked up titles, I don't think anyone can argue who's defended against the stronger opposition. Joshua's weakest (Molina) is at least the equal of Wilder's best (Duhaupas). Yet still, Joshua has brushed his challengers aside with far less effort (Klitschko aside, but that's Klitschko). That speaks volumes, for me.

As much as people have mentioned Wilder's (slight) one punch power advantage, and his speed, he's very quick to swing at fresh air with all of that power and speed. His accuracy is almost non-existent, as quick as his feet are he has no clue how to cut off a ring, he doesn't use his size/reach well at all, and he's there to be hit, even against lower tier opposition - especially with jabs and straight shots...

He's been befuddled by lesser fighters on a few occasions now, only for his power to get him out of jail. I just can't see that working against a calculated and composed top fighter with either power of their own, a strong jab, or a solid inside game. The fact he's a world champion and ranked in the top 2 just shows how pathetically weak this division is at the moment.

Let's be brutally honest, neither Wilder nor Joshua are special fighters. Both take a spanking from Lewis or either Klitschko in their prime - especially Vitali.

I agree they need to show it in the ring though. I just don't for a second expect Wilder to come away on top.

Did I ever say Wilder didn't have it to do?

Wilder still needs to defend his title against a Top 10 ranked opponent for f*cks sake. Joe Louis was fighting Top 10 ranked opposition within 6 months of turning pro. Wilder has fought ONE Top 10 ranked opponent in a near 10 year career now, and None since becoming a "Heavyweight Champion"

If not for the fact that he was in the same era as Fury he'd be one of the biggest disgraces in the history of Heavyweight Boxing. Instead he's just part of the sickening overall picture that has become the Heavyweight division.

[Deleted_Scenes]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

So does Wilder...

Since both picked up titles, I don't think anyone can argue who's defended against the stronger opposition. Joshua's weakest (Molina) is at least the equal of Wilder's best (Duhaupas). Yet still, Joshua has brushed his challengers aside with far less effort (Klitschko aside, but that's Klitschko). That speaks volumes, for me.

As much as people have mentioned Wilder's (slight) one punch power advantage, and his speed, he's very quick to swing at fresh air with all of that power and speed. His accuracy is almost non-existent, as quick as his feet are he has no clue how to cut off a ring, he doesn't use his size/reach well at all, and he's there to be hit, even against lower tier opposition - especially with jabs and straight shots...

He's been befuddled by lesser fighters on a few occasions now, only for his power to get him out of jail. I just can't see that working against a calculated and composed top fighter with either power of their own, a strong jab, or a solid inside game. The fact he's a world champion and ranked in the top 2 just shows how pathetically weak this division is at the moment.

Let's be brutally honest, neither Wilder nor Joshua are special fighters. Both take a spanking from Lewis or either Klitschko in their prime - especially Vitali.

I agree they need to show it in the ring though. I just don't for a second expect Wilder to come away on top.

Did I ever say Wilder didn't have it to do?

Wilder still needs to defend his title against a Top 10 ranked opponent for f*cks sake. Joe Louis was fighting Top 10 ranked opposition within 6 months of turning pro. Wilder has fought ONE Top 10 ranked opponent in a near 10 year career now, and None since becoming a "Heavyweight Champion"

If not for the fact that he was in the same era as Fury he'd be one of the biggest disgraces in the history of Heavyweight Boxing. Instead he's just part of the sickening overall picture that has become the Heavyweight division.

Not meaning to pick a fight. Reading back, that probably came across sharper than intended. I get what you were saying - they need to fight the fights. I guess Wilder just irritates me a bit...

[gilgamesh]

You and me both

[Freedom2013]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

He's doing it.

Klitschko, now Parker. Then Povetkin. Thats three of the top five (Klitschko was still highly ranked before his fight with Joshua and subsequent retirement).

I have a feeling Wilder and Fury will avoid Joshua.

Fury has apparently decided he's not going to fight Shannon Briggs in his first fight back, and is in talks with Antonio Tarver.

[gilgamesh]

A lot of people feel that way, but opinions don't put wins on your record. Joshua's still got it to do.

He's doing it.

Klitschko, now Parker. Then Povetkin. Thats three of the top five (Klitschko was still highly ranked before his fight with Joshua and subsequent retirement).

I have a feeling Wilder and Fury will avoid Joshua.

Fury has apparently decided he's not going to fight Shannon Briggs in his first fight back, and is in talks with Antonio Tarver.

Tarver is a better opponent than Briggs. Tarver would beat Briggs. Briggs is shot to pieces. That being said. They're both crap opponents, but what do you expect for a comebacking obese cokehead?

[Nile4000]

The thing is in the long run, Bernard may be right.

[JCS]

The thing is in the long run, Bernard may be right.

Why do you keep digging up old threads?

[Nile4000]

The thing is in the long run, Bernard may be right.

Why do you keep digging up old threads?

It it that time of season. .