Bernard Hopkins, the oldest champion in boxing history, had some choice words for Carl Froch, who wanted to fight popular Mexican fighter Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. instead of him. Hopkins blasted Froch for seeking out what he called an easy fight.
Chavez Jr. who is scheduled to fight Andrzej Fonfara on April 18, too exception to Hopkins' analysis of his chances to defeat Froch. Chavez Jr. labeled Hopkins a "dirty, coward" fighter who doesn't put on a show for the fans. He is referring to Hopkins' defense-first style of fighting, and his unabashed tendency to take liberties with the rules when a referee's eyes might be averted.
He also brought up a low moment of Hopkins' career, during his first fight with Chad Dawson in 2011. Hopkins was leaning on Dawson when the latter dumped him on the mat with a move more suited for WWE. Hopkins landed awkwardly on his shoulder and was unable to continue, but many fans believed he used it as an excuse to bow out of a legitimate fight against a fighter who posed a real threat.
Hopkins has accomplished much more in his storied career than Chavez Jr., but he still does not have the commercial appeal. His most recent fight, a unanimous decision loss to Sergey Kovalev in November, failed to register as much more than a blip despite Kovalev's knockout power and Hopkins' stature within the sport.
Hopkins presents a more difficult style to face-Chavez Jr.'s style is more straightforward and brawling-and less financial potential. Hopkins' barbs about Froch seeking an easier challenge could be accurate, but they're unlikely to change Froch's mind.
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