Hopkins vs Dawson

I think on paper Dawson has the technique, speed, and combinations to really frustrate Bernard. But I can't put money down on him. He's too stupid. He's never at home in a fight. He's in la la land. I've never seen a more lackadaisical top class fighter than Chad Dawson. He needs an adderall prescription.

 

the lightheavyweights have been overrated for a few years now, and that is why Bernard can beat some of them. I am not sure what to think about the fight. Dawson could win if he boxes and uses his speed. Sort of an easy fight to see. I don't think it is that Hopkins is so good anymore, since he lost to Taylor years ago, who was not that great a fighter. It is that Hopkins is fighting weak opposition.

 

Dawson has natural skill, but seems on the decline. Hopkins, also skilled and should have been on the decline. I'd say this will be an interesting fight, and will go to the aggressive man in the ring.

Personally, Hopkins should win this one via decision. However, Dawson can win if he brings an A-game we haven't seen him use (yet, he's come close to using).

 

Yeah physically Dawson should be able to do it...but he just isn't a smart fighter, nor does he have real top level fighting spirit.

I'm feeling Nard by close decision...wouldn't be surprised by Dawson nicking it but I think Nard is just to cagey, to experienced and has enough left in the tank to beat the young pup.
Hopkins will kill Chad on the inside...he just needs to shut down Dawson's outside game, which is easier said then done for a 46 year old but I'm thinking he should do it.

 

I can see Hops crushing Chad mentally. He just isn't at home up top.

 

Exactly. Stylistically, Dawson is not an ideal matchup for Hopkins. But mentally, Hopkins might be able to exploit those weaknesses (Low activity, lack of concentration/focus, etc).

If I had to make a prediction it would probably be a close Dawson decision even with Chad leaving Steward. But who knows. Winnable fight for Hopkins, though.

 

Dawson is a very legitimate and capable opponent for hopkins. not sure why everyone is counting that out. He poses several features that have given Hopkins problems in the past.

for one he is faster with both hands. Hopkins doesn't struggle against fast opponents like some idiots suggest, but he does fight much more defensive.

Dawson is taller with better reach, the same attributes that Taylor possesd.

He has actual skill and does not open up much, which limits hopkins counter opportunities.

And he's stronger and younger. I think Hopkins wins, but Dawson poses all the problems that Jermain Taylor posed and more

 

Comfortable UD for Chad. I'll be rooting my lungs out for Hopkins, however.

 

Agree with this, Dawson has the ability to be great and the style to beat Hopkins but just has to get it together, question mark on whether he will

 

Dawson..if he moves and boxes with focus will be the guy to finally BEAT Hopkins. I see a career defining opportunity for Chad here. He will, I believe, step up to the plate and win a clear decision..Maybe even beat Hopkins like Ezzard Charles beat Joe Louis. At any rate Dawson will emerge as the Lightheavyweight King after this fight.

 

Wily Old Veteran Hopkins by close decision, based on the gulf in Ring Intelligence & Experience.

 

I think Chad might get a very very thin (and controversial) decision ala Calzaghe and then we'll have a rematch.

 

Couldnt have said it better than this. The guy has the goods, but hes nuts. I think Hopkins knows this too. With Emanuel Steward in his corner I felt he had a good chance to stop Hopkins. Now I really dont believe he will win. I think Hopkins will foul the hell out of him until he frustrates him to concede. Dawson is just not mentally tough enough to be an elite boxer, but he does have the skills.