I might venure a guess that Carlos Monzon is just a weeeeeee bit more talented than "The Ghost". (and would probably appreciate a great horror movie as well.opcorn: )
If "The Ghost" was fighting the same guys Monzon was fighting he would have probably dominated for a decade also. Besides we're talking about PRIME Hopkins here when discussing this matchup..not 43 yr old Hopkins and so even IF for argument sake..Monzon is a little better than Pavlik...Hopkins at 30 was significantly better than Hopkins at 43 and so it balances out....
Revisionist history at it's finest...gotta love it. Younger doesn't always = better. You're saying the Hopkins who fought Segundo Mercado is better than the Hopkins that beat Trinidad, Tarver and Pavlik? He must be, since he was younger. Past-it Bennie Briscoe and Emile Griffith would both have embarassed Pavlik, much worse than Hopkins did. And those are just two examples. Nino Benvenutti would have done the same. To suggest that Pavlik would have dominated for a decade if he fought the same calibre of opponents as Monzon merely highlights your lack of in-depth knowledge of any boxers that fought before the 80's.
Sly, I wouldnt discount B-Hop's chances against Monzon at all, but please dont insult Monzon by comparing him to Kelly. Carlos was far more multi-dimensional, and more elusive than Pavlik. Not to mention alot quicker. Saying that Hopkins would shut out Monzon makes you look like a complete fool.
How isnt it an insult? Monzon is arguably the greatest middle of all time, and a top 15 all timer, and what is Pavlik? A guy who's beaten Jermain Taylor twice.