Kovalev Vs Hopkins

I'm sorry, but while Hopkins may eat guys like Cloud, Pascal like nothing. Kovalev is a different kind of beast. First off, he's a white Russian. Kovalev isn't on the level of Pascal-Cloud.

I sway towards Kovalev mid-rounds knockout. Hopkins UD possible.

 

BHop's style would handle Kovalev's style. But Kovalev's power would handle a 50 year old.

 

RJJ's in-his-prime style would handle Kovalev. Hopkins in-his-prime style would maybe be able to handle Kovalev, but he'd have his hands full. Current Hopkins fighting Kovalev would be a survival fight for Hopkins, where it would take a perfect fight to even go 12 rounds and to lose a wide decision vs Kovalev. Unless Kovalev held back like many other fighters have in respect for Hopkins, but I don't think Kovalev would. And that's why I don't believe Hopkins would take the fight. It would be the end of Hopkins career if he fought Kovalev.

 

Kovalev probably

 

Kovalev would knock Hopkins out!!! Why do you think Hopkins refused to fight him? Kovalev will take care of Ward, Stevenson, Cloud, any light heavyweight!!! He is good fighter, not just a huge puncher, but good boxer and has one of the best trainers today....................

 

I agree bad style matchup at this point for Hopkins. Pascal had him hurt bad in both of their fights, I can only imagine what Kovalev with genuine KO power at LHW would do to old man Hopkins. It wouldn't be pretty.

I'm a huge Bhop fan BTW, I think he is the best of the past generation. He just doesn't have it in him to go 12 rounds against a beast like Kovalev.

 

I think the last few fights shows that Kovalev is able to handle different styles. He's been knocking out boxers and punchers.

Hopkins is a legend and he's a bit sneaky, but Kovalev isn't Pavlik. He's a lot better than Pavlik. If we remember correctly, both Pavlik and Trinidad has AWFUL footwork. They couldn't keep up on the feet so they couldn't get close enough.

Kovalev knows how to cut off the ring. He can move around easily and deliver his punches in bunches. Hopkins isn't winning this fight...he'll most likely get KO'ed inside 8 rounds.

 

hopkins loves those types of fighters who come forward. im 50/50.

 

Hype train getting a little out of hand now, isn't it? Prime Hopkins would have his hands full against Kovalev? Really? Kovalev beats Ward? REALLY? Kovalev hits harder than Antonio Tarver? BASED ON WHAT? Kovalev is the #1 in the divison even though his resume is utterly dwarfed by Bhop's? CMON!

Kovalev seems to be really good but we're talking about P4P boxer here he's supposed to stomp. That's surely not gonna happen.

Also, Hopkins has never been bested by big punchers. Being a heavy handed boxer is not the recipe to beat him, period. Dawson and Taylor managed to outwork him (barely in Taylor's case) which is about the only way I can see anyone beat him. And even then, you expose yourself to nasty counters when you're on the offensive all night which is probably exactly what he wants. That said, I'm not claiming Kovalev is a mere puncher. He combines power and a very clean technique but is he more skilled than Hopkins, even a 50yo version of him? Of course not, not even remotely.

Also, PLEASE provide evidence that Kovalev hits harder than Pascal or Tarver. There is none, I know that, but go ahead and show me anyway.

 

There isn't. Different styles. Pascal & Tarver may even have better punching power, but they lack the faith to deliver it like Kovalev does.

They throw one shot at time, where as Kovalev throws multiple. Pascal had Hopkins hurt multiple times, but Hopkins was able to take advantage of him because well, Pascal is like Judah...he lacks faith in himself and can't fight at the same pace for more than 4 rounds.

Kovalev is a volume puncher and he throws them with good technique. Sometimes the difference between a great fighter and a good one is just confidence.

 

I see. Valid point, I guess.

 

Kovalev would be the first person to stop BHOP in my opinion

 

Hopkins ud

 

It would be a very good fight. People are still under estimating Kovalev, he isn't just a puncher he's a very good boxer too.