Recently I had the pleasure of talking with former light-heavyweight and cruiser weight world champion, Bobby Czyz. Aside form being a boxer, Czyz is also one of the finest boxing analysts in the sport currently. A number of topics were discussed in this interview, which include the continuing legacy of Bernard Hopkins, the prospect of a Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather fight, his prediction on who would win that fight if it was to happen, and much more. Here is what Bobby Czyz had to say in part 2 of his interview.

Robert Brown: Bernard Hopkins recently unified the light heavyweight title against Beibut Shumenov. How do you think Hopkins is able to do what he does at age 49?

Bobby Czyz: Well, within life in general everybody is born with a different set of genetics. He has as it turns out, genetics that are superior to most — maybe not all, but to very many. He also takes care of himself, he’s a person that doesn’t abuse alcohol or drugs, and he keeps himself in great shape.

He’s never not in shape, he doesn’t let his down time destroy what he’s built with his body. He’s a very focused and intelligent individual. I’ve known Bernard a long time, I know him very well — one of the best world champions of this time and ever.

You know, Jersey Joe Walcott didn’t win his heavyweight title till he was 37, and for most heavyweights 37 isn’t even a number that they can compete at. George Foreman also at 45 after a 10 year lay off.

There are a number of people that can do the extraordinary — not just because they want to, but because their bodies allow them to. So far, Bernard Hopkins’ body is allowing him to compete at the right levels.

Robert Brown: How would Hopkins compete with someone like Archie Moore in your opinion?

Bobby Czyz: It’s so difficult to do the throwbacks because of a number of reasons. Number one, the training techniques have been sophisticated, the diets.

Back in the old days, in the 40’s to 60’s, they were eating steak before a fight — that’s one of the worst things you can possibly eat for energy. Now it would be a complex carbohydrate — a baked potato, or a sophisticated pasta.

The training techniques are more unique now, and conducive to long term endurance. So many things are not equitable because of the time frame. All I know is, it would be a hell of a fight.

Robert Brown: Why is it that Hopkins can make his opponents fight at his pace, and have them severely reduce their punch output?

Bobby Czyz: I’ll tell you why that is, and with all due respect, it’s a slight misinterpretation from your point of views. What Bernard Hopkins is doing is not allowing them to put that kind of output. He’s not allowing them to throw their punches in bunches. He’s neutralizing them through his brains and his experience.

Bernard Hopkins is a boxing genius in many ways, and that’s what he does. His experience, his smarts and his control of his own body can compromise what other people are able to do with him by positioning and speed, thought process and reflexes. He’s brilliant.

Robert Brown: Manny Pacquiao recently defeated Timothy Bradley. Bradley seemed to let the pressure of the previous fight get to him and he went in with the wrong game plan. What were your thoughts on the fight?

Bobby Czyz: I didn’t see the first Pacquiao fight with Bradley, but I have a lot of close friends who watch the game and whose opinions I respect, and they said it was a blatant robbery.

I watched the second fight live with about five friends, after about the 4th round I said, “Listen guys, I’m gonna say this now, Bradley is gonna say he’s got an injury.” After the 9th round I said, “Bradley still isn’t complaining, but something on him is not right, he’s got an injury.”

After the fight was over and they announced the decision, in the interview, he had this violent cramp in his right calf I believe, but I knew something was wrong. I don’t believe he’s as good as Pacquiao — never was, never will be. However, he wasn’t fighting to his best ability, which was much better than he displayed that day.

Robert Brown: Manny Pacquiao hasn’t resigned with Top Rank yet. Do you think we will have any chance of getting a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather? What do you think the original catalyst for the war between the big two promoters was?

Bobby Czyz: I don’t think that we’ll ever see Pacquiao with Mayweather. With all due respect to Mayweather, who is one of the greatest fighters of his time, and any time, the first fight he had with Castillo, he got beat. They gave him a split decision but he lost that fight. He came back and destroyed Castillo in the second fight.

Here’s where the decision becomes a matter of record for the promotion, the promoter and the fighter, keeping the undefeated legacy alive keeps the money coming in. Follow the money and you’ll follow the agenda.

In this particular set of sequences, Pacquiao is far too old and he’s slowed down enough that he doesn’t really have a good shot at beating Mayweather if they fight, and I don’t think they’ll fight.

Robert Brown: So if they fought, in your opinion Mayweather would win at this stage?

Bobby Czyz: Yes.

Robert Brown: Looking back at your career, are you satisfied with what you were able to achieve?

Bobby Czyz: I am satisfied with the legacy I will leave behind, yes I am.

Robert Brown: You’re not involved in boxing anymore, what are you doing these days?

Bobby Czyz: I’m actually involved in the commodities business, and buy sell trades. As it turns out I make more money doing this than I did in my entire boxing career, so I’m on my way to bigger and better things. Now that I’m 52 years old, I’m relaxing and trying to enjoy life.

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BOBBY CZYZ: “I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT EVANDER HOLYFIELD DID — USE A FOREIGN SUBSTANCE IN OUR FIGHT”

Read Part 1 here —-> https://ontheropesboxing.com/?p=3877