I read on a forum where someone stated that Bhop is a tune up fight for Pav...how absurd and disrespectful in my opinion. Bhop is a step up in class for Kelly, not the other way around. We all know, like him or not, that Kells is a beast...the Mariano Rivera of boxing(best closer) but bhop has been in with greats...so, tell me without biased how do you see this fight going? I see it going to the cards in an ugly...though at times exciting fight...winner...ummmm Bhop.
I think B-hop has a good chance. Pavlik comes straight forward, lacks the awkward style and the ability to change strategy mid-fight that Calzaghe showed against Hopkins, and Pavlik is vulnerable to counters. Hopkins certainly won't hit Pavlik with a lot of shots (too low punch output) but he could definitely rock Pavlik and will frustrate the hell out of him with holding and rough-house inside tactics. And at 170, he'll probably be the hardest puncher Pavlik will have faced. I wouldn't be surprised by an upset.
I think Pavlik by UD. It will be a clearer than Joe C's win. Anyone else feel Bhop may be using reverse psychology with Pavlik? I can't really remember Hopkins ever giving a guy this much respect.
Right...It's kinda weird too. Maybe Jack Lowe running his mouth will light a fire...Bhop is seeming way too nice right now.
Bernard stated he has a lot of respect for Pavlik because of his fights with Miranda and Jermaine Taylor. Pavlik's trainer also sided with Hopkins in the Calzaghe fight concerning the outcome/scoring. I don't think there's genuine animosity here (which there was with Taylor/Calzaghe/Trinidad/Allen/Tarver etc...)which is why Hopkins isn't as vocal as he typically is.
The fight is still 2 months away. Just give it some time and see if Hops is still talking nice. I'd be surprised if he was.
This fight perfectly represents the expression : ''You gotta know when to hold'em and when to fold'em'' I just see B-Hop being overwhelmed and finally showing he's 43 and not 33 anymore !! This fight is one he never should have taken !!
I agree I just feel that Hopkins is too far past his prime to pull this one out. I think Pavlik will win by late stoppage or UD.
Pavlik. Most likely UD; but a stoppage victory isn't out of the cards. If it is though I see it as a late stoppage. B-hop just don't have the energy to go running round at fast pace for 12 rounds anymore. And he won't be facing slaps, either. He'll be getting pounded for the first time in a long time by a relentless fighter who cuts off space in the ring. :ko If this was a few years back counterpunching would become an issue - but given Hops is likely gonna be throwing 2.5 punches per round I don't see it being important. This is not including something silly like a DQ coz Hops wants to call it quits. Hopefully won't be a boring fight though. :bbb