Yeah, well even a shot Jones has more skills and cageyness than Pavlik who isnt dynamic at all. Plus 2008 Hopkins is probably better than 2010 Hopkins. Jones would probably have beat Pavlik too in 2008.
I actually still can't believe how good Hopkins did against Pavlik. Against Jones, he had a low punch output mixed with his usual clinching, low blow crying and headbutts. Against Calzaghe, I can understand this because he was pressured constantly. Against Tarver and Wright, he was somewhat similar. But against Pavlik for some reason he threw 40 punches a round (?), in combos, was on his toes, etc.
Yes, no doubt about it. Hopkins vs. Pavlik was a clinic. Hopkins vs. Jones II was a dirty, **** up mess.
Not hard to figure out. Pavlik is pretty one-dimensional. He's going to come forward, pressure you, and try to bang you out. Hopkins simply took that right hand and put it in his pocket and the fight was won before the bell rang for the first round. The difference between Jones/Tarver/Wright and Pavlik is very clear. Those three are veterans who will do more than try to bang you out. Pavlik got confused when he couldn't land big right hands since he went in thinking Hopkins was old and ready to get his chin shattered. Jones/Tarver/Wright knew who they were facing whereas Pavlik made a bad judgment call before the fight.
Roy was always more elusive than Pavlik. Different styles also. I would say Roy did better, but I think Hopkins knew he had to stay consistent and aware with Pavlik or he could get stopped. With Roy he was a little more aggresive and left himself more open to Roy's punches.
Pavlik had fought as heavy before (twice at LHW) when he fought Hopkins at LHW and had fought at SMW 14 times all before fighting Hopkins
