I think HBO wants Krusher to get this win, which (to them) would put the full stamp on his "arrival" as a network Superstar. That's why I seriously doubt there will be a conspiracy going on in favor of Hopkins. I truly doubt that, guys.
They kinda opposites. Bhops will get under opponents skin before fight, make it intense, but fight anything "but" intense. While Kov is very calm before a fight, but doesn't fight that way he fights very intense. Bhops is like Floyd, power won't be a big factor in beating them, but a smothering style or a great jab will. Kov hasn't shown that. And in Bhops losses, all have been very close, razor thin. It will take more than a ko punch to beat Bhops. Neutralizing Kovs right, using angles, clinching, short, compact combinations, and esp some body work can lead to a clear ud or even a late tko for Hopkins. Systematic breakdown.
Hopkins hasn't got a KO in over a decade, so that is unlikely. I think he either outpoints Kovalev - or gets KO'd himself.
That's true, but a stoppage I think wouldn't be out of the question, especially if Hopkins uses headbutts, elbows, body shots, accumulation of powershots, etc. Kov not going 12 rounds is also a big ??? His stamina might be questionable.
Father Time is on his way to see B-Hop. The question is, if he's going to make it by this coming Saturday. That is the key intangible in this one that people acknowledge somewhat, but still kind of overlook. B-Hop is going to need to be closer to his "old" self in there if he's going to pull this one off. If he can't execute the way he used to, he's not winning this fight. We'll see if he's got enough left soon enough.
Keep the fight in close, roll as many of the punches as he can - try to work Kovalev's body to take the sting out of his punches early and then outwork him in the last 5 or so rounds to take a tight decision on the scorecards. That's how he should be trying to win, at least. I suspect we'll see Krusher at his devastating best. Hopkins hasn't tasted many KDs in his career, but Kovalev is comfortably the best puncher he's ever faced.
The thing is, you know Hopkins is going to try all of these yet somehow the dumbed down, moronic American public love a cheater and will applaud him for it likewise the refs will refuse to deduct points even after his 8th blatant headbutt when, if it was a European doing it the yanks would be screaming blue murder and Obama would be firing up the drones to hunt them down. Hopkins is a disgrace. Why refs let him get away with it is baffling.
Why dont you avert your energies to Wladmir instead, afterall hes just as bad if not worse. Oh but we know why you wont look that way :roll:
Not a chance! Technique and delivery wise, he isn't even close to the best puncher Hopkins has faced. BIGGEST puncher? Probably. Best puncher? No f'ing way! :smoke
He has to be first and keep going forward , feint and land the straight right hand to the body. I just dont think his body will let his mind do it though. Its over in about 6 - 8.