Why Kovalev is so dangerous and why he'll knock Hopkins out

There are some things that Kovalev does that you just cannot teach. The guy is a pure fighter. A fearless, ruthless guy who loves to fight and win. He's also disciplined, and is dedicated to perfecting his craft. What makes Kovalev so dangerous?

- His power obviously. He's probably the best P4P puncher in boxing right now. He can hit with both hands and his bodyshots are pretty devastating. His punching technique is elite and nearly every punch is straight. His power is fluid and doesn't require much loading up.

- He's got skills. Aside from his high level punching technique, he's also a good boxer. People look at Hopkins and think he's a great boxer, but Kovalev is no slouch in that department. He sets his combinations up with a powerful jab. He goes to the body if he can't hit the head. His feints has fooled a lot of fighters into creating openings for him. He's got great timing and distance control. He's always in good punching range and he knows how to take advantage of every opening. His style actually reminds me of Pacquiao, except that he's a orthodox fighter.

- He's got really good footwork - He can move faster than the boxers he's been with. He is great at cutting off the ring and can close the distance very quickly. He's been in with some good boxers and they simply can't get away fast enough. If you look at this fights, you'll see he's no plodder like Pavlik.

- Ring intelligence. He's a lot smarter than he's given credit for. Look at his fights with Agnew, Shillakh, and Caparello and look at how he adjusts to each style. He used the first round to read Shillakh's style and he timed him coming in the 2nd round. Agnew had a turtle shell defensive, so he broke his rib instead...and he did broke Agnew's rib. He couldn't hit Caparello clean in the head, so what he did do? Feinted a headshot and threw a straight body shot that took him out.

Kovalev will have 2 gameplans against Hopkins. He's going to box the first 2 rounds. He'll try to feint the old man and time him. If he find that he's being outboxed, you're going to see the aggressive Kovalev, where he will club Hopkins into submission.

Hopkins likes to fight at a slow pace, so he can take advantage of his opponents mistakes and openings. Shumenov was a dream opponent for Hopkins because he likes to keep his hands down, had no trainer and throws one punch at a time. Against Murat, he had a bit more trouble. He got hit flush multiple times and lost a few rounds to the must slower, but aggressive fighter.

Against Kovalev, he won't have such liberties. Hopkins is going to get outgunned and will get knocked out for the first time in his career.

 

It's an awful fight for Hopkins. Facing a top ten puncher of the last 15 years spells disaster. I actually expect hop to retire after the fight. Not a fan of hop but hate to see a legend go out like that.

 

How about Hopkins is

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atsch

 

It is admirable. I just don't think he realizes what he's up against, and I think hop is pretty intelligent. I'd be shocked if he's not destroyed.

 

I think everyone that watched a couple of Kovalev fights knows he's no "come forward brawler" like his haters would like to make out, has very clean technique and he adapts very fast to the opponent in front of him.

The serioous boxfans have clearly picked up on that and give the man the props he deserves, but those too are devided on who is going to win that fight although most of them pick Kovalev anyway.
The whole reason what seems to hold the other part back is the fact that B-Hop is a master in upsetting the odds and making pretty good fighters look bad. Never bet against Hopkins is mostly very good advise.
Problem is, being able to outpoint/outhustle the likes of Shumenov, Cloud and Murat clearly isn't going to cut it against Kovalev, like history has already shown. You need more as that.
I think the mistake many boxfans make is that you have to be a HOF LHW to beat current Hopkins, and are not sure Kovalev is on that level. But Hopkins, although very good for his age, isn't close to the 2008 version of himself against who you still needed to be. Hopkins isn't even the Hopkins anymore who was able to edge Pascal, and I'm pretty sure (although that would be a fun discussion here on itself) Kovalev is better as that version of Pascal.

I can't see Hopkins win this one other than being Hopkins.

 

It's amazing. I give Hopkins all the credits in the world for being so ballsy. He could have just retired without fighting Kovalev and no one would criticize him. He's not supposed to be in this fight and if he beats Kovalev, I'd put him in the Top 25 all time.

 

I can't really rate the old timers properly, but in the last 30 years, if he wins, he's top ten since the 80s.

 

I think kovalev will hurt Hopkins to the body setting up his power shots. Safe bet is kovalev by ud. I will be cheering for Hopkins, but wish he wasn't taking this fight. hats of to his willingness to to get in with the best.

 

Good analysis :good

 

:deal

 

:thumbsup

Beautifully put!!

 

Whilst agree wholeheartedly with the first part of your post, I am not sure I would put him top 25 all time, simply because Kovalev's career probably has a long way to go!!

Were BHop to beat Krusher and Kovalev then went on to dominate the LHW division following Bernard's retirement, then Hopkins may well be a top 20-25 ATG! Bernard's longevity and dedication (along with a win over Kovalev) would more than compensate for the losses/poor performances on his record.

To be honest, whilst I have always admired Hopkins, I have never been a true fan of his..... But, in his fight with Krusher, I may find myself cheering the old legend on, even if my money is on Kovalev (which is most bizarre)!!!