People better not start saying Pavlik was just a one-dimensional fighter & that the victory is no big deal because that would be an insult to Hopkins. FFS, Bernard is fast approaching his 44th birthday. He's fighting a guy who's 26. If Hopkins wins, then it will be some, some accomplishment indeed. Bernard's place in the HOF is secure, so what would a victory do for his already-secure legacy? If Hopkins emerges victorious, then I bet Joe Calzaghe will be the first to say that Pavlik was overrated, never had no variety, etc. He will try to down-play a Hopkins victory if it happens! I like & respect Pavlik. He will fight anyone, doesn't duck anyone, despite what Calzaghe might try have us believe. However, I'm hoping for a Hopkins win. Put it this way, Bernard is a very live underdog indeed! I reckon Hopkins could box until he was 50 such is his dedication to the sport & looking after himself! Maybe if he does lose to Pavlik, then perhaps he should think about hanging up the gloves for good! Hopkins has done amazingly well for guy who made mistakes early in his life. He's a good role model for youngsters & I think he would be great at advising youngsters in this world today!
Hopkins is just too good and wily to lose to so many contempories IMO. I always thought he was the sort to have the last laugh. It's his destiny to win at the Boardwalk.
Im saying it before the fight, pavlik is over rated. Dont get me wrong, hes a good, solid fighter with a strong, come forward mentality but in my opinion, he would lose to Calzaghe, Kessler, AA and maybe even Froch (He hits like a fcuking mule)
This is a good test for Pav. He did great against come forward fighters like Miranda and Taylor, using their aggression against them. So how does he fare against a crafty, multidimensional fighter like Hopkins? We'll know on Saturday. Just hope he has more of a plan than thinking he's simplh gonna KO Hop.
Pavlik is around number 5-8 pound for pound. Hopkins is in that same area pound for pound as well. The winner of this fight should be considered for the spot behind Pac and JMM, garnering a top 5 spot at the minimum.
If Bernard wins, Calzaghe will retire in comfort saying Pavlik isn't worth his time (justifiably enough if Hop wins) Bernard might sneak into the top 5 P4P but he isn't going to be ahead of Pac, Calzaghe, Marquez....
Since Hopkins is natural LHW right now and Pavlik fights at 160lb that will be the next "small" guy on Hopkins resume ...
What if I'm already saying that Pavlik is a one-dimensional fighter and that Hopkins' victory will be no big deal? :?