Hopkins vs Jones II by Andrew Lapachet

Hopkins vs. Jones Jr. II 2010 Both Fighters Ready To Settle Score By. Andrew Lapachet Primer Round Magazine www.Profightnetwork.com Sixteen years ago on May 22, 1993 two young undefeated prospects entered the ring at RFK Stadium, Washington D.C. They were fighting for their first world title – the vacant IBF Middleweight title.  Roy Jones was an American Olympian who was robbed of his gold medal while Bernard Hopkins was a convicted felon looking for a way to survive after prison. Two different drives, two different styles: one a pure boxer with unnatural talent and speed while the other a brawler, a fighter with flaws that tries to make up for it with pressure and determination.  It showed the night they fought as Jones out-boxed a young and inexperienced Hopkins. His hands and feet were too fast and his boxing skills were far more advanced. To sum it up it was a mismatch. Jones beat Hopkins via unanimous decision. All three cards had it the same at 116-112.   Now let’s fast forward the clock sixteen years where both fighters are at the end of their legendary careers. No longer is there a gap between the two. No longer is Hopkins the Philly thug learning on the job. Not only did he secure his family financially years ago but he also mastered the sweet science after years of hard work and study. That’s what makes this fight compelling, Jones is still going to be faster than Hopkins, and the only question here is what has the executioner learned over the years to beat his conqueror? We all know he has improved since the first fight but will it show when he enters the ring with the first man to ever defeat him? Just imagine – if Hopkins loses one more time on his way out to Jones what it would do to the legacy he’s built after their first encounter. There was a time when many felt he had passed Jones on the all-time greatest list; a loss to him at this stage in their careers would change that forever.  This fight may have taken a long time to put together but with these implications the timing seems to be right.   Golden Boy Promotions has not set a date on this fight but reportedly both fighters have agreed on a contract of 50/50 with one little twist.  If the fight does not go the distance and one fighter gets knocked out then the purse would be 60/40 for the winner.   Stay tuned to Profightnetwork.com and Fight Net Radio for the latest on this match-up.

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