BHop won't do this, BHop won't do that - but how will Pavlik deal with the old fox?

I will pick pavlik to end the fight in the mid rounds.

 

Hopkins can probably take several 'hard shots,' his chin seems to be solid. If Pavlike wants a KO, he needs to work the body-that's one thing that weakens with age and cannot be compensated for with good conditioning.

 

I'm sure he'll be stronger than both Wright and Hopkins. His youth makes that a nonfactor. Stamina will be the issue here, with Hopkins grinding on him for 12 rounds.

 

I really dont see pavlik stopping bhop even at this point in his career. Bhop will prove to be to slick and crafty for pavlik. i see pavlik winning a UD for being to more active and offensive fighter.

 

I agree some are writing off Bernard a bit too easy.
The main thing Bernard really has going against in this fight is his age, which can be a big issue depending on the pace at which this fight will be fought. However, he has experience on his side and pretty much has seen it all in the ring. I am sure he will be able to disrupt Kelly's pace and rhythm. For how long determines to be seen. If he is very successful early on and still has enough gas towards the end, he may be able to pull of a decision victory. I don't see either guy getting knocked out.

In regards to the Calzaghe fight, although Bernard didn't look good, neither did Calzaghe. I believe a lot of it had to do with the stylistic match-up. Calzaghe is a hard cookie to control completely, because although he may have rhythm, he is more random and has a lot of experience as well. Kelly, on the other hand, in his second fight against Taylor, again proved to be more predictable than a Calzaghe and not as versatile. However, he always carries his strength and heavy hands in the ring with him.

As far as power is concerned, I can say that Hopkin's punches look like they have more pop and explosiveness to them, while Kelly's look heavy, thudding type shots that do as much damage if you eat them cleanly. I would have to say as far as one punch power is concerned, Hopkin's explosive power seems it could do more damage. He demonstrated this against Antonio Tarver when he knocked him down and stunned him, he demonstrated against many other fighter's who he has knocked down, including Calzaghe. The problem is that Hopkin's doesn't go for the kill these days, as he is more of a tactician and conservative in the ring rather than a risk taker.

 

It is obvious what Bernard Ruiz will do:

He will hold, grab, clinch just like he did in the Calzaghe fight and make it boring as hell. Hopkins is ripping the public off with this crap.

 

Right now, A LOT of fighters can beat Hopkins based simply on activity and aggression. Hopkins' activity and output is just pathetic. It's very hard to win rounds when you throw 15-20 punches a round.

 

Forget that. If you think Hopkins is going to win, bet on him to win a decision. He's nearly a 6/1 underdog which means if you bet $1, you win $6.

 

I think Pavlik will simply KO Bernard ... that's how he will deal with him.

 

Agreed wholly on this post.

 

The only way i envision Hopkins winning this fight given his current stamina issues is if most of his defensive movements are working to a tee with minimal effort. So nothing like the Calzaghe fight where Hopkins seemed to be always guessing where Calzaghe was coming from next. That had to tire him out more quickly due to the added exertion.

But if Hopkins can pretty much read Pavlik's attack like a book where almost all of movements are countering Pavlik's attack to a tee then Hopkins would have just enough stamina to land enough clean, hard shots to win 7 or more rounds. But that's a big if. I hope it happens though.