bookies cant split Hopkins-Dawson

He was good in the first Johnson fight (and you can make an argument he lost) but he looked **** against an old, shopworn Tarver twice. He was flat in the Johnson rematch but actually won this time. And he lost to Pascal.

Did I mention that Hopkins beat better versions of the first two well before Chad did?

 

Yep agree Roe, Plus once Nard worked out Pascal it was easy work in second fight and many of us knew he'd win and win well. With Dawson he's a better boxer and has better skill level then Pascal but Pascal presents a hard style to negotiate early and that's why he and Nard struggled early doors. He lacks the fighters mentality that's the problem with him and a worry if you bet on him tonight. When B-Hop gets going will he fold mentally..

I'm intrigued to see how Hopkins goes about his work tonight against Pascal he used a old school stance in terms of handplacements.

 

The old adage about every great fighter has one great fight left in him seems to have been said about Hopkins for every fight he has had against significant opposition over the last 6-8 years.

And yet, bar his performance against Calzaghe when he tried to create the appearance of winning and the pointless re-match against Roy Jones Jr, which was simply a poor fight, there is been nothing to suggst that he is still not at the top of his game.

Age, of course, can suddenly creep up and take someone by surprise, but I honestly think that is the sole chance Dawson has of winning this one. He, Chad Dawson, has a poor work-rate which will allow Hopkins to dictate the pace of the fight and once this has happened he will be in his element.

Hopkins' style has never been pretty to watch and it can alienate judges and fans alike, but I expect him to win either a narrow UD or SD.

 

Money must be going on Dawson at Hills, the odds have shortened to 7/10 and Hopkins is out to 6/5.

Think I'm sticking another £20 on Hopkins by KO at 9/1 with Betfred, just seems to generous.