Is Taylor Mentally Prepared for Hopkins?

[abdiel2k3]

I don't think Hop has the power to really **** Taylor's career up. I think Tito would be more suited to doing that kind of damage to Taylor. I still think Hopkins is crafty enough to grind out a decision and take Taylors heart out in the championship rounds. Taylor has a legitimate chance to press the action in the early rounds and make it harder on Hopkins later on in the fight, but who knows if he'll jump out early and take initiative. AND, if Taylor wins I won't say that Hop was old and washed up. If Taylor wins, that's a GREAT win against one of the best middleweights ever. I think Hopkins is far from washed up.

i could see hopkins pounding on taylor like he did joppy
i just dont see taylor taken it as good as joppy
somehtin about him i dont like
the way he moves form punches
the way he seems to hurt easy when he does get hit
im just not sold on taylor

[The Fix]

taylor might start off poorly but hopkins usually takes it slow in the begining anyway. taylor will take the fight to b-hop from 4 on.

[oldgringo]

taylor might start off poorly but hopkins usually takes it slow in the begining anyway. taylor will take the fight to b-hop from 4 on.

I think you got it the other way around. Taylor NEEDS to get in the early work. Once Hop figures out what he wants to do and gets comfortable with him Taylor is going to have a rough time trying to crack Nards D. I'd also be interested to see how good Taylors conditioning down the stretch is. We all know what X is going to bring to the table and thats a 24 in waist.

[Red_Menace]

Hopkins is easily the most sound defensive boxer I've ever seen, and he really wears his opponents down. I don't think I've seen enough of Taylor to be convinced that he would beat Hopkins. Mind you, Hopkins is old, and the longer you box, the closer you get to your first loss.

[SacTown1]

Jermain Taylor reminds me (too much) of Michael Grant, an awesome athlete who just ain't ready for the big time in prizefighting, I love Taylor's fight style and he has great ability but Bernard Hopkins is on a whole new level for Jermain and we don't know how the kid will react to the bright lights on the big stage, Bernard has "been there done that" many times over

[oldgringo]

Jermain Taylor reminds me (too much) of Michael Grant, an awesome athlete who just ain't ready for the big time in prizefighting, I love Taylor's fight style and he has great ability but Bernard Hopkins is on a whole new level for Jermain and we don't know how the kid will react to the bright lights on the big stage, Bernard has "been there done that" many times over

Grant with a better chin...maybe

[fightcardproductions]

I see this is being a pretty slow defensive fight. Taylor is big and stong and has the strong jab.

What is also interesting is that they are both 6'1, but Taylor looks about 20 pounds heavier than Hop.

It looks like I am in the minority here, but I think that Hop needs a guy to come after him so Hop can pot shot and counter all night.

If this was 2-3 years ago, Hop KO 8-9, but in June or July, Taylor doesn't do anything ****** and wins the UD and everyone talks about how old and washed up Hop was when Taylor beats him.

i agree with your statement about Hopkins pot-shotting Taylor all night, but i have to jump ship after that. someone made a valid point that Taylor is in the position where he pretty much has to fight Hopkins or lose a lot of respect. i don't think he wants this.

Hopkins beats you as much mentally as he breaks you down physically. Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare. the man is brilliant when it comes to taking you out of your fight plan. look what he did to Trinidad. that fight was over when the PR flag was thrown down. if Taylor has reservations going into the ring with Hopkins, it's over already.

[xrhythmxnxbluesx]

too soon for taylor i agree but will not have the respect if he doesnt fight hopkins... he doesnt look confident at all always embracing bhop as a king... bhop will wear him down to a decision...

[the_powerpuncher]

I think Taylor's hand speed is going to cause problems for Hopkins, Taylor has to take it to Hopkins early and get his respect,

I think Taylor is going to win this fight, with Taylor's hand speed it could be a KO,

[Kimmy]

I tend to agree with the other posters. Taylor seems......not the finished article. He has had a pretty easy ride so far and he has liked it. Hopkins will beat this guy, he`s too sound and compact for Taylor.
Nard: W12