Extremely tough to call. McCallum had a lot of tools and no glaring weaknesses. Although he was very good at 160, 154 was his best weight. Hopkins is a savy as they come and i think he'd be able to dictace the pace of the fight which would be the difference. McCallum's aggresssion and body work would often be negated by a combination of Nard's tactics like holding on the inside, low blows and lead right hands while the 'Body Snatcher' moves in. I like Hopkins by very close decision as McCallum can't quite get his rhythm going againt the Executioner.
I pick Hopkins also. To me it seems than when necessary, he can always come up with something new to overcome his opponent (save for the Taylor fights, even though he won both). In McCallum he would find his match in ring craft so perhaps he would add movement and box carefully to a decision
McCallum. Hopkins would try to hold and hit him and "street" his way to a dirty stink decision, but McCallum would beat his ass.
Agreed. Great match-up! I lean towards Hopkins via very close UD ONLY because it's at 160 and not PxP.....especially as I remember the Kalambay and Graham fights. I think PxP McCallum could take it. This is the one fight where Hopkins is hurt to the body. I think Hopkins would elect to box from the outside and try to counter McCallum as he comes in behind his jab to set up the body attack and the left hook upstairs. Would not be easy as Mike has very good head movement, a good off-setting jab and a good right counter himself. However, I think to the head Hopkins shortens his punches better than McCallum. ANd overall Hopkins can keep up a higher workrate. Hopkins via very close UD in a fight where he tries to keep distance and counterpunch.....and is hurt enough later in the fight to the body to force the fight inside as he relies more on mauling and smothering McCallum, holding his own in exchanges inside. Peace.
