[[email protected]]

Bernard Hopkins vs Howard Eastman in HD 2/19 (HBO WCB).


It'll be Hopkins' 20th title defense and I don't expect much of a challenge from Eastman.


Hopefully, Jermain Taylor (also on the undercard) and Hopkins meet in the ring later during the year.

 

[ca1avera]

Do not be so sure.... Eastman is a decent fighter and Hopkins has other things on his mind now, being a partner with DLH and all.


Hopkins vs. Taylor.... not this year. The money man in that division is Trinidad but Tito has to get past Winky first. Not an easy task.

 

[wasting]

yup, been looking forward to this!

 

[rbutts14]

How good a fighter is this Eastman Guy? Will he really pose a serious challenge to Hopkins?

 

[ca1avera]

Eastman is from England, I believe, so most of his fight were in Europe. I did see him fight William Joppy and the fight could have gone either way. He took some good shots and gave some good shots, actually IMO he hurt Joppy a few times but he still lost the decision. Will be a better fight than most people think.


won 40 (34 ko's) - lost 1

 

[tommyc_295]

Isn't Jermain Taylor fighting this weekend too?

 

[tommyc_295]

I guess I can answer my own question. I looked it up which I should have done before I posted the question.


Saturday, February 19th


Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor (22-0,16 KOs)

vs.

"Haitian Sensation" Daniel Edouard (16-0-2, 9 KOs)


Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA

 

[[email protected]]

Eastman has predicted he'll stop Hopkins in 5 rounds. I truly hope he puts up a good fight this weekend. Anywho, it's hard for me to criticize any fight broadcasted by HBO in HD. PQ is truly amazing! If only the audio was DD 5.1, this would make it the ultimate boxing experience.


I've never been a fan of Hopkins, but I do admire his knockout victories against Tito/DLH, 12 year winning streak, and 20th title defenses.


I can see Taylor's handlers being reluctant to a fight against Hopkins at this stage of his young career. I just think it's time for Taylor to step up against better competition. Hopkins probably only has a handful of fights left in his bag.


Hopkins vs Tito/Winky winner would also be ideal. I'm also looking forward to Tito vs Winky. I've already saved my pennies for the PPV event.

 

[hotsauce]

Quote:

Originally posted by [email protected] I can see Taylor's handlers being reluctant to a fight against Hopkins at this stage of his young career. I just think it's time for Taylor to step up against better competition. Hopkins probably only has a handful of fights left in his bag.

After Taylor's last fight his people made it clear that they are ready to fight anybody. Hopkins and Wright were both named. If I'm not mistaken they were asking for a 75/25 split. As far as his competition goes I know of at least two former champs he has destroyed (Marquez & Joppy) and there may be another. If he doesn't get a big showdown soon it won't be his fault.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

Taylor is having a problem making weight. He is really a more natural Super Middleweight (168 pounds). But he has no real pop, so he and his handlers are keeping him at 160.

 

[[email protected]]

Quote:

As far as his competition goes I know of at least two former champs he has destroyed (Marquez & Joppy)

Two washed-up former champs. Marquez had recently came out of retirement to face Mosley and Taylor. Joppy should had retired a long time ago. (I believe he retired after the Hopkins fight - but not too sure)


Now, as a young fighter, I do agree these bouts were necessary tests which he passed. I just feel it's time for him to step up. How much longer will he continue to walk through "sparring partners". Hopkins is at the end of his career and will demand a higher purse for a bout against Taylor.

 

[hotsauce]

How did I know you would say that? If he was to walk through Bernard will you call him a washed up "sparring partner?" Sure both fighters were past their prime but they were more than worthy opponants for a young fighter moving up the ranks. Just off the top of my head Joppy has lost to Taylor, Hopkins, and Trinidad which is nothing to be ashamed of. I think the pace he is on is a good one and you will have to worry more about the big boys ducking him than him ducking them. Like I said before Taylor called their names and 75/25 is more than fair.

 

[ca1avera]

Joppys last fight was against Taylor. Taylor beat him easily. The next logical fight for Hopkins is against Tito. Big purse and lots of PPV money there. I see Hopkins fighting his last fight against Taylor and losing a decision. Sort of like passing the buck to the next young champ.

 

[[email protected]]

I'm sure the question of Taylor vs Hopkins will be presented by Larry Merchant on Sat since HBO would bank on this fight. I'm sure they'll both say they are willing to fight each other, but only time will tell.


Should it happen and Taylor beats Hopkins, no way I'm calling BHop a "washed up sparring partner".


hotsauce,

Do you think Taylor is ready to face stiffer competition, Winky/Tito/BHop? Taylor is an excellent young talent with great potential. I'm just saying he's passed every challenge and should be thinking about bigger paydays. But you're right, he has called them out.

 

[hotsauce]

Quote:

Originally posted by [email protected] hotsauce, Do you think Taylor is ready to face stiffer competition, Winky/Tito/BHop? Taylor is an excellent young talent with great potential. I'm just saying he's passed every challenge and should be thinking about bigger paydays. But you're right, he has called them out.

I think now is his time to go for the gold as they say. Which is what you are saying also. I just get angry inside when it seems like fighters are ducking someone or when they try to pick and choose soft opponents and I don't think Jermain is doing that. Tell me this, how do you like his chances against the three names you posted?

 

[[email protected]]

I like his chances against Winky and Hopkins, but I don't think he can defeat Tito. Tito is still a dangerous fighter who KO'd Mayorga in his previous fight. Tito showed he still has the skills to complete inside the ring.


Does anyone know much about "Haitian Sensation" Daniel Edouard, (16-0-2, 9 KOs)? His record seems good.

 

[rbutts14]

I'm not sure Taylor could beat Hopkins. Taylor is a good young fighter, but I believe Hopkins is to crafty for him. Now, I do realize time isn't on the side of Hopkins(40yrs), but Taylor would not beat Hopkins at this point.

 

[ser182]

It is going to be great fight. hobkins should win but it can go any way.

Taylor is not on Hobkins level. if any of you watched him in his last fight you would know what i was talking about. He looked looked slugish and did not want to fight. he won but did get any respect for a big fight.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

I don't see it that way. Taylor wanted to fight, but Joppy quite after a few rounds and just decided to survive and not get knocked out. Translation: He ran away for 6 rounds. There was nothing Taylor could do about that.

 

[shaneotool]

Quote:

Originally posted by ser182 It is going to be great fight. hobkins should win but it can go any way. Taylor is not on Hobkins level. if any of you watched him in his last fight you would know what i was talking about. He looked looked slugish and did not want to fight. he won but did get any respect for a big fight.

I must have seen a different fight than you did. After a few rounds of getting pummeled, Joppy realized there was no way he could beat Taylor so he just gave up and started running away from from him and acting like a damn fool. Jermain made him look real bad.