Pavlik vs Hopkins Oct. 18

[JayDawg]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...ory?id=3494448 Look in the boxing section.

I think this is gonna be a pretty good fight.

[bigdawg]

This is turning out to be a damn good year in boxing. I'll Holla 5000

[Arben]

I think it's a teriffic fight.

[steve_dave]

I'm sick and tired of Hopkins.

[Hex-One]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...ory?id=3494448 Look in the boxing section.

I think this is gonna be a pretty good fight. Too bad! Hopkins would have outclassed Pavlik back in the day but not this version. I think Hopkins has declined enough for this fight to be interesting. I won't count out Hopkins but his age worries me.

[jaws1216]

guys this will not be a good fight, despite pavlik.

Hopkins is physically strong, and will hold, foul his way to a close fight.

[Double L]

hopkins is a boring imposter of his former self. when he tastes kelly's power, he'll blossom like an o'keif painting.

[Mitchell Kane]

I guess Pavlik wasn't going to be in a fight unless somebody was moving up a weight class or two.

[jaws1216]

hopkins is a boring imposter of his former self. when he tastes kelly's power, he'll blossom like an o'keif painting.

O'Keefe, but yeah thats possible

[Mitchell Kane]

hopkins is a boring imposter of his former self. when he tastes kelly's power, he'll blossom like an o'keif painting.

Hopkins will still be the stronger fighter, and it's yet to be seen what Pavlik looks like at light heavy.

More weight didn't help him much against Taylor.

[jaman]

o'keeffe

[whiskey]

I'm sick and tired of Hopkins.

Me too, but this is better than a Williams fight.

[LATIN KING]

It's funny how Arum critizes Hopkins, Jones, and Tito for being old fighters that need to retire and stop the "retirement tour". Unless of course Pavlik fights either one. Then it's a great fight. :lol:

I can't stand Hopkins' style at this stage. If it's ppv than I'll pass on it.

[Xplosive]

I can picture Hopkins getting in Kelly's face now saying "I'll NEVER lose twice to a white boy! I'll NEVER lose twice to a white boy!"

[LOK]

you guys gotta be kidding with "this will be a good fight"

this is hopkins last fight.. Pavlik will retire him

[steve_dave]

Me too, but this is better than a Williams fight.

Honestly, I would way rather see Williams.

[TFK]

I'm sick and tired of Hopkins.


I agree. For as much as I like Pavlik, I have no desire to see Hopkins ever fight again.

The fight will start, Pavlik will tag Hopkins with a shot or two, Hopkins won't want to deal with Pavlik's power, so he'll hold and hold and hold, throwing one punch at a time, not wanting to fight, and Pavlik will win a boring, ugly, unanimous decision.

TFK

[skeedaddle]

Honestly, I would way rather see Williams.


It's no contest, i would rather see williams also. A young bernard hopkins was exciting, an old bernard hopkins is worse than waterboarding at club gitmo.

[Pascals Wager]

Intriguing fight.

[Xplosive]

Honestly, I would way rather see Williams.

Same here. Hopkins has been eye cancer since 2004.

[Bob N. Weave]

Damn, gotta give it to Kelly though. Put anyone in front of him, and hell fight 'em.

[panchyprsss]

Yes!!!! I hope Pavlik KO's him silly in two rounds! :pray: I want to enjoy that beating!

[IMDAZED]

Yes!!!! I hope Pavlik KO's him silly in two rounds! :pray: I want to enjoy that beating!

Don't get your hopes too high.

[REEDsART]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

[IMDAZED]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

Now that is plausible.

[jaws1216]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

I think the difference with Pavlik will be strength. Hopkins tried to hold and hug but he eventually got tired trying to throw around Calzaghe because he(Joe) is an exceptionally strong bigger guy.

I attribute a lot of Hopkins success at middle to being physically stronger than his opponents and being able to fight the way he wants by wearing out his opponents, and bullying people. The key to this fight would be who can outmuscle the other person. With Pavlik's suspect defense/chin, a cagey veteran/heavy handed person like Hopkins could asily win rounds and score the points required to win.

Very interesting fight on paper.

[bigdawg]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

I agree with this post 100%. I would much rather see Pavlik/Hopkins then Pavlik and a welterweight. Anyways in 2009 we can expect to see Pavlik vs Jones after Pavlik beats the shit outta Hopkins and Jones KO's Calzaghe. Damn Roy is gonna return to the top of the p4p list. I'll Holla 5000

[Haymaker]

I'd rather watch QVC channel

Hops has become unbearable to watch

[mexican wedding shirt]

Well, Pavlik - Williams was not a good fight, but to be honest I'd rather see that than this fight.

At least it would have been fun, with Williams coming forward and actually throwing punches, something Hopkins seems to have forgotten about recently.

Hopkins did well against wright and tarver, but his showing against Calzaghe was disgraceful, and he also tried to bitch out and get joe DQ'd.

I expect a similar, pathetic showing agaisnt Pavlik.

Not an interesting fight.

I'd rather Pavlik fought Smurf.

[joony]

not sure if hopkins has the legs to win this fight, but pavlik will be in the most difficult fight of his career.

[IMDAZED]

not sure if hopkins has the legs to win this fight, but pavlik will be in the most difficult fight of his career.

Yeah, this is a fight where he may be in serious trouble late. Pavlik's gonna be coming forward all night and Hops doesn't have the stamina or workrate he once had. It could get ugly in the latter rounds.

On the flip side, I could see Hops knocking Pavlik the fukk out with one punch. And I'm sure he'll be training to land some perfectly placed counter rights. If he can catch Pavlik coming in with a hard shot, look out.

[LOK]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

:bears:

[Arben]

Hopkins' overhand right looks like the perfect punch against Pavlik, but whetehr or not he drops him, when is the last time Hopkins has been able to put anyone away?

[IMDAZED]

Hopkins' overhand right looks like the perfect punch against Pavlik, but whetehr or not he drops him, when is the last time Hopkins has been able to put anyone away?

He dropped Calzaghe pretty hard and that guy's chin is rock solid. I think he can do it to Pavlik and put him away but its not likely.

[joony]

he landed a perfectly timed overhand right vs. robert allen in their 3rd fight, but failed to finish him.

i doubt hopkins stops pavlik. i'd have to go w/ pavlik via decision here.

[Xplosive]

Old man Hopkins has no chance in this fight! None! The guy throws one shot at a time, and then grapples, thats not gonna be enough to beat Pavlik. RJ has much more of a chance at beating Calz, then Hopkins has of beating Kelly.

[Arben]

It would be huge if Pavlik were to stop him.

[joony]

what's up w/ this catchweight bullshit? just do it at 168 or 175.

[boxingnotboxers]

Old man Hopkins has no chance in this fight! None! The guy throws one shot at a time, and then grapples, thats not gonna be enough to beat Pavlik. RJ has much more of a chance at beating Calz, then Hopkins has of beating Kelly.

I don't agree with this at all.

Calzaghe is a fighter who spent his major career at a weight higher than Hopkins OR Pavlik, punches at a high rate and is heavy handed (that's why he can get away with that "slapping" style of punching)...AND HE WAS PUT ON HIS ASS. There is no way you can tell me that a man who got rocked by Taylor at 160 is automatically going to bring the exact same power and workrate but miraculously not be open to the one thing that Hopkins continues to throw well, and say Hopkins has little chance.

I'm picking Pavlik, but this is a close fight, no doubt. If the decision comes down to who landed the cleaner punches, and the judges look at Pavlik's face after 12 rounds with Bernard...

It's not that he throws one punch and grapples. He literally leaps to create space, gets defensive as hell, throws his one good punch, follows with his shoulder, follows with his head, grapples, throws a kidney punch, throws a low blow (all on the opposite side of the ref), ref calls for break, and it repeats. I think Pavlik is tough enough to handle it, and get even enough (just like Calzaghe) that Bernard won't have the reserve tank like he usually does.

[Trplsec]

Bad match up for Bernard. The perfect remedy for a punch and clutch guy like Hopkins is a stiff jab and a persistent work rate. Those just happen to be Kelly's biggest assets.

On top of that, Pavlik has draining punching power. His shots don't look flashy or particularly hard, but they are heavy and take their toll. This is probably the first guy since Taylor that Hopkins has faced with the power to actually hurt him.

If Hopkins was tired and looking for a way out against Calzaghe, against Pavlik he might actually quit.

[mexican wedding shirt]

Bad match up for Bernard. The perfect remedy for a punch and clutch guy like Hopkins is a stiff jab and a persistent work rate. Those just happen to be Kelly's biggest assets.

On top of that, Pavlik has draining punching power. His shots don't look flashy or particularly hard, but they are heavy and take their toll. This is probably the first guy since Taylor that Hopkins has faced with the power to actually hurt him.

If Hopkins was tired and looking for a way out against Calzaghe, against Pavlik he might actually quit.

I agree. For some reason people seem to be very forgiving to bernard in that fight (despite the fact that he has quite a few haters) - but he ABSOLUTELY wanted to quit, and was looking to get Joe DQ'd. He wasn't looking for a point taken off there, he wanted to bitch out and was gunning for a full on DQ win.

I used to be a hopkins fan, but that fight really put me off him, the bitching out for 1, and the fact that after the fight he just seemed like a real cock, and didn't give Calzaghe 1 ounce of credit.

[Mitchell Kane]

Bad match up for Bernard. The perfect remedy for a punch and clutch guy like Hopkins is a stiff jab and a persistent work rate. Those just happen to be Kelly's biggest assets.

On top of that, Pavlik has draining punching power. His shots don't look flashy or particularly hard, but they are heavy and take their toll. This is probably the first guy since Taylor that Hopkins has faced with the power to actually hurt him.

If Hopkins was tired and looking for a way out against Calzaghe, against Pavlik he might actually quit.

Hopkins may lose, but I don't think it will be before he makes Pavlik's defense and footspeed look worse than they've ever looked in his career...and I very much question how Pavlik will look at 170.

[Trplsec]

Hopkins may lose, but I don't think it will be before he makes Pavlik's defense and footspeed look worse than they've ever looked in his career...and I very much question how Pavlik will look at 170.

I think you are seriously discounting 2 things:

1) Pavlik can control range with his jab and keep Hopkins from punching and then falling into repeated clinches.

2) Hopkins will be a couple of months away from being 44 when this fight comes off. Age, believe it or not, is starting to catch-up with Bernard.

Hopkins will have some moments early, but Pavlik will just overwhelm him as the fight progresses.

[Hitman]

I hate to side with what seems to be the majority, but I just can't stand Hopkins anymore. What's worse is after his fights I will occasionally run into people who try and lecture ME about how you have to be a true boxing fan to appreciate Hopkins style. ITS CALLED DEFENSE, HIT AND NOT BE HIT - they say. I know what I am watching, and I hate it. It would be appreciated if he mixed in more than 3 punches per round with all his defense.

Watching Hopkins fight is like watching the movie "Jabberwocky." And for those who have seen that movie, my condolences - and I am sure you concur

[Xplosive]

I don't agree with this at all.

Calzaghe is a fighter who spent his major career at a weight higher than Hopkins OR Pavlik, punches at a high rate and is heavy handed (that's why he can get away with that "slapping" style of punching)...AND HE WAS PUT ON HIS ASS. There is no way you can tell me that a man who got rocked by Taylor at 160 is automatically going to bring the exact same power and workrate but miraculously not be open to the one thing that Hopkins continues to throw well, and say Hopkins has little chance.

I'm picking Pavlik, but this is a close fight, no doubt. If the decision comes down to who landed the cleaner punches, and the judges look at Pavlik's face after 12 rounds with Bernard...

It's not that he throws one punch and grapples. He literally leaps to create space, gets defensive as hell, throws his one good punch, follows with his shoulder, follows with his head, grapples, throws a kidney punch, throws a low blow (all on the opposite side of the ref), ref calls for break, and it repeats. I think Pavlik is tough enough to handle it, and get even enough (just like Calzaghe) that Bernard won't have the reserve tank like he usually does.

Kelly's jab, power, REACH, and workrate will quickly discourage Hopkins from leaping in with anything. I expect B-Hop to go into stictly survival mode after about 3 rounds. If he actually fights Kelly like a man, instead of fighting like a bitch like he's been doing the last 4 years, then he'll get stopped for the first time.

[whiskey]

If Pavlik were to drop Nard 8 times i wonder if he'd still complain about the decision.

[KaukipRrr]

I fucken hate Hopkins worse than any fighter who ever lived, I pray for further damage to his brain, whats Pavlik doing meddling in Jermaine's scraps anyway, a 3rd fight is obviously better than this?..:cheer:

[Breeze]

Kelly's jab, power, REACH, and workrate will quickly discourage Hopkins from leaping in with anything. I expect B-Hop to go into stictly survival mode after about 3 rounds. If he actually fights Kelly like a man, instead of fighting like a bitch like he's been doing the last 4 years, then he'll get stopped for the first time.

What reach advantage? From what I've checked from their stats, they both have "75 reaches. We have yet to see his power at that weight, and does he really hit any harder than Tarver at 175? or even significantly harder than Echols at 160? Doubtful. When was the last time wev'e seen Hopkins hurt? I don't think Pavlik has the power to hurt Hopkin's at all. In fact, In fact I'll be very surprised if Pavlik manages to connect and hit Hopkins consistently. Considering the fact that Pavlik' is often wide open (he gets hit quite a lot) for counters it will most likely be the opposite.


Maybe I need to see Pavliks' last fight against Taylor because he doesn't strke me as a guy with an extremely highworkrate. He likes to measure range and throw accordingly, and Pavlik has pedestrian handspeed and slow footspeed. Even at Hopkins advanced age, he significantly lowered Calzaghe's punch output.

[puerto rock]

At 170, I think Hopkins has a chance, honestly. He'll be able to hurt Pavlik I think. What will be a problem is Kelly's consistent punch rate and late rounds stamina. Hopkins will need every bit of experience and old school tricks of his to win this one thats for sure.

[Jake]

What reach advantage? From what I've checked from their stats, they both have "75 reaches. We have yet to see his power at that weight, and does he really hit any harder than Tarver at 175? or even significantly harder than Echols at 160? Doubtful. When was the last time wev'e seen Hopkins hurt? I don't think Pavlik has the power to hurt Hopkin's at all. In fact, In fact I'll be very surprised if Pavlik manages to connect and hit Hopkins consistently. Considering the fact that Pavlik' is often wide open (he gets hit quite a lot) for counters it will most likely be the opposite.


Maybe I need to see Pavliks' last fight against Taylor because he doesn't strke me as a guy with an extremely highworkrate. He likes to measure range and throw accordingly, and Pavlik has pedestrian handspeed and slow footspeed. Even at Hopkins advanced age, he significantly lowered Calzaghe's punch output.
I'm not sure of your definition of high workrate. But in his last four fights, Pavlik averaged 90 punches per round against Miranda, 80 v. Taylor (1st fight) 70 in the Taylor rematch, and 85 per round in his brief encounter w/ Lockett. I forget the totals for the Zertuche fight, but recall it being somewhere around 80 per round.

I'm just surprised that anyone would question that of Pavlik - rate of activity and punching power are his two biggest traits.

[Hitman]

I'm not sure of your definition of high workrate. But in his last four fights, Pavlik averaged 90 punches per round against Miranda, 80 v. Taylor (1st fight) 70 in the Taylor rematch, and 85 per round in his brief encounter w/ Lockett. I forget the totals for the Zertuche fight, but recall it being somewhere around 80 per round.

I'm just surprised that anyone would question that of Pavlik - rate of activity and punching power are his two biggest traits.

does anyone have a list of the average punches that get thrown per round for weight classes? Lampley will throw out those figures randomly and i usually try and i never remember to write them down

[Breeze]

I'm not sure of your definition of high workrate. But in his last four fights, Pavlik averaged 90 punches per round against Miranda, 80 v. Taylor (1st fight) 70 in the Taylor rematch, and 85 per round in his brief encounter w/ Lockett. I forget the totals for the Zertuche fight, but recall it being somewhere around 80 per round.

I'm just surprised that anyone would question that of Pavlik - rate of activity and punching power are his two biggest traits.

Thanks for the posting the numbers. I stand corrected on Pavliks' workrate. Also, I wasnt questioning his punching power however. I think Pavlik is a good puncher, I just dont think he will hurt Hopkins, considering Hopkin's track record.

[The Genius]

I'm sick and tired of Hopkins.

Agreed.

[Jake]

Thanks for the posting the numbers. I stand corrected on Pavliks' workrate. Also, I wasnt questioning his punching power however. I think Pavlik is a good puncher, I just dont think he will hurt Hopkins, considering Hopkin's track record.
Oh I agree on the power part. I was just earlier noting Pavlik's two biggest strengths, not that you questioned his power along with his workrate. But yeah, I'm not exactly optimistic that he stops Hopkins or that the fight is even watchable.

[*Z*]

So I guess this will shut up the people who were already harping on Pavlik's level of comp that he hadn't even faced yet.

Is he picking on small guys now? :nono:

[LOK]

this is a bad fight for Pav..

Hopkins is hard to fight.. and if Pav wins.. So what? he's old..

unless Pav stops him.. this is a lose-lose

[Mitchell Kane]

So I guess this will shut up the people who were already harping on Pavlik's level of comp that he hadn't even faced yet.

Is he picking on small guys now? :nono:

No, now he's picking on the elderly.:nono::old:

[*Z*]

No, now he's picking on the elderly.:nono::old:

There is not a guy in the MW division I'd pick over Hopkins right now besides Pavlik.

[puerto rock]

I'm pretty hyped about this fight right here. I see a good one.

Pavlik is the rightful favorite because of his youth and power, but I think Hopkins will pull off the upset here with his defense and counter punching skills. He'll be able to hit Pavlik often and Pavlik will have alot of trouble finding him.

[MassaCure]

Kudos to Pavlik:partie:
This is a MUCH More Meaningful Fight than a Paul Williams Bout Would've Been...Williams does Absolutely NATHAN for Pavlik's Legacy...

For All of Bernard's EXPERIENCE & CRAFTINESS, the Way to Circumvent that is w/the Type of PERSISTENT, In your Face, PHYSICAL Style that Pavlik Possesses...

As we Saw N the Calzaghe Fight, Bernard's Punch a Minute Gameplan DOESN'T Mix Well Against a Guy who Throws ALOT of Punches...

So Bernard's Gonna HAVE to Throw MORE than he Wants (Especially EARLY), to the DETRIMENT of his Latter Rounds Stamina...OR, he's Gonna have to LITERALLY Bring a Bicycle into the Ring w/Him, to Keep AWAY from Pavlik...

This is Gonna B a Physically TAXING Fight for Bernard & Considering he was Looking for a Way OUT of the Calzaghe Fight, just Imagine how He'll React After 8-10 HARD Rounds w/Pavlik???...

It'll B Interesting to See if Bernard's Psychological Tactics & Shittalk can Bring Pavlik Out of his Customary Lowkey, Humble, Pre-Fight Persona...

The Most Likely Scenario is Pavlik UD, but REED Can Envision Pavlik Stopping Bernard N the 11th or 12th...



REED:hammert:

yeah because jops goes out on his back all the time, he hasnt declined that much, he still knows how to stink it out and stay safe

[steve_dave]

Hopkins is going to retire with a very impressive list of names on his resume, win or lose.

[Anthony]

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[D MAN]

I agree. For as much as I like Pavlik, I have no desire to see Hopkins ever fight again.

The fight will start, Pavlik will tag Hopkins with a shot or two, Hopkins won't want to deal with Pavlik's power, so he'll hold and hold and hold, throwing one punch at a time, not wanting to fight, and Pavlik will win a boring, ugly, unanimous decision.

TFK

And Hopkins will scream robbery and make yet another disgraceful scene at the post-fight press conference.

[D MAN]

Just like he did against Tito and Tarver, Hopkins will shock everyone, and make it look easy.

[Xplosive]

Just like he did against Tito and Tarver, Hopkins will shock everyone, and make it look easy.

The Hopkins that beat Tito is GONE, and will never resurface again! That fight was 7 years ago for Christ sake! Hopkins is a shell of the fighter he was in 2001.

And Tarver was an easy fight for Hopkins cause Antonio was just waiting on one punch. Pavlik will keeping busy, and forcing a pace that a 43 yr old Hopkins wont be able to keep up with. I cant see how Hopkins has ANY chance in this fight. Like I said before, Roy has a chance of upsetting Calz, but Hopkins has no chance in this fight against Kelly.

[slystaff]

I'm sick and tired of Hopkins.I'm not.

WAR EXECUTIONER!!! :kidcool:

[slystaff]

The Hopkins that beat Tito is GONE, and will never resurface again! That fight was 7 years ago for Christ sake! Hopkins is a shell of the fighter he was in 2001.

And Tarver was an easy fight for Hopkins cause Antonio was just waiting on one punch. Pavlik will keeping busy, and forcing a pace that a 43 yr old Hopkins wont be able to keep up with. I cant see how Hopkins has ANY chance in this fight. Like I said before, Roy has a chance of upsetting Calz, but Hopkins has no chance in this fight against Kelly.X I have to disagree with you.

I'm a huge Jones fan...but Hopkins has a much better chance of beating Pavlik than Jones has of beating Calzaghe.

[TKO]

Hopkins is getting stopped. He had nothing in the later rounds against Calzaghe and I think the younger Pavlik will stop him late on.

[meetthefeebles]

I really don't see the easy win for Pavlik that others are predicting here. Not be a long shot.

Kelly will start the favourite, and rightly so, with the smart money will be on him establishing himself in the centre of the ring, working Nard behing that ramrod jab, looking to set up the heavy straight right hand, especially late on as his high punch and work rate take their toll on the aging Hopkins, especially late on when stamina becomes an issue.

If it happens anything like that, I'll be very surprised.

Hopkins has become arguably the most eye bleedingly awful boxer to watch in the professional game. As age has taken its inevitable toll on his skills, he has managed to remain competative with P4P elite guys, despite his advancing age, by becoming the most horrible fighter in the world. Hopkins, you can state with certainty, will look to foul, to spoil, to butt, to clinch, to slooooooooooooooooooow rounds down to a snails pace, to retreat to the back foot looking to set single, hard right hand counters, to make the gap between the two men negligable and to lean on and sap the strength out of Kelly- all with the simple aim of making sure that Pavlik fights in a way he doesn't wish to.

I'm pretty sure he'll be successful, too. I remember confidently predicting on these very pages that Calzaghe, an experienced, wily and intelligent operator throwing tons of punches per round, would be able to fight at his range and pace throughout. Although Joe won that fight, he looked pretty clumsy in doing it and certainly didn't fight like he usually does. He probably threw less punches in that fight than he has done in any other, ever. Hopkins succeeded in spoiling, closing the gap, clinching often and frustrating Joe at every opportunity.

If Calzaghe (and may, many others over the years) can't fight like he usually does against Hopkins, why will Kelly Pavlik be able to?

There are other issues, too. Pavlik is completely untried at this catchweight of 170, whereas Bernard has campaigned with success between 160-175. Even Kelly's greatest fans would admit that Pavlik is hittable, and for all that Hopkins hardly throws any shots any more, he has enough timing and power to dent Pavlik's chin if he catches him cold (as he did Calzaghe). Also, arguably Pavlik's major strength, the power in his straight 1-2, is far from proven at any weight above 160. I just can't see him KO-ing Hopkins unless he really CAN impose his will throughout and drains Nard's stamina so much that late on he is able to tee off at will.

This is gonna be one ugly, ugly fight, where Hopkins makes Kelly look worse than anyone has or will again. I was gonna go right against the grain and pick Hopkins to win a controversial decision, but then I saw that D-MAN was picking Hopkins and changed my mind... :lol:

So, Kelly will probably be able to work his way to a decision, but it will be close and it will be an absolute insomnia cure.

Mark my words...

MTF :bangh:

[joony]

IF pavlik wins in an impressive fashion, he would be my pick for fighter of the year.

[meetthefeebles]

IF pavlik wins in an impressive fashion, he would be my pick for fighter of the year.

No-one beats old man Hopkins in impressive fashion...

If Kelly did, it would be a greater achievement than everything else he has done in his entire career to date.

[TKO]

No-one beats old man Hopkins in impressive fashion...

If Kelly did, it would be a greater achievement than everything else he has done in his entire career to date.

I agree no body dishes out a beat down to B-Hop but I think time will catch up with him eventually...won't it.

He was really struggling in the later rounds against Joe.

[*Z*]

I'm not.

WAR EXECUTIONER!!! :kidcool:

Big Surprise. Rooting against the white guy. :stir:

[meetthefeebles]

I agree no body dishes out a beat down to B-Hop but I think time will catch up with him eventually...won't it.

He was really struggling in the later rounds against Joe.

Time has to catch up with the old bastard sooner rather than later, but I learned a long time ago not to rely solely on this when considering a B-Hop fight... :lol:

He was really struggling late on for stamina, on that you are right. But by that time, the tone of the fight had been completely established, and even when he was tired and struggled, at absolutely no stage did Joe look like he was really putting the hurt on or threatening to knock out Bernard. And Joe is a naturally bigger guy that Kelly Pavlik.

Like I also said, I'm far from convinced that Kelly carries his pop to higher weights. In the Taylor rematch at 166, he caught Jermain flush on a number of ocassions but couldn't budge him, whereas he KO-ed him at 160. He didn't look quite as concussive with that extra weight to carry.

So with even more weight, there is a considerable unknown IMHO.

MTF

[meetthefeebles]

Big Surprise. Rooting against the white guy. :stir:

:lol:

Honestly Z, that was the EXACT thought that popped into my head when I read that post. The EXACT (as in 'to the very word) thought...

MTF :lol: