Freddie Roach worried about Hopkins for the Pavlik fight

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by DINAMITA, Aug 4, 2008.


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  1. DINAMITA

    DINAMITA Guest

    Lifted from a UK boxing site:

    Legendary trainer Freddie Roach has expressed his fears for the health of Bernard Hopkins ahead of The Executioner's October showdown with Kelly Pavlik.
    Roach was in B-Hop's corner for his split-decision defeat by Joe Calzaghe in April and was concerned by what he saw from the 43-year-old American.
    Indeed, Roach, a former boxer who now suffers from Parkinson's disease, does not believe that Hopkins should have agreed to fight again, especially against a heavy-handed opponent like Pavlik.
    "I’m a little bit worried about that fight," Roach admitted in an excellent interview with Ron Borges of thesweetscience.com.
    “Bernard is my friend. I asked him to retire after the last fight. I saw some things I didn’t like and I told him that.
    “Four times in that fight he walked to the wrong corner after the end of the round.
    "One time they showed it on TV and made a joke about him looking for the ring card girls but it happened four times. Why do you go to the wrong corner four times?
    "Something’s not right because Calzaghe hadn’t buzzed him. Calzaghe couldn’t hurt Bernard but Kelly is a big puncher.
    "He’s a different cat. He’s a young, strong, hungry guy. Timing-wise this is not right [for Hopkins]."
    As a result, Roach says that he is not interested in training Hopkins for his meeting with The Ghost.
    “Would I train him for this fight? I don’t think I can do that," he stated.
    "I don’t think I can help him win that fight. I think if he asks, I’ll say no."


    I hated this fight for B-Hop when I first heard about it, and I'm pretty much terrified now. He should've retired after the Calzaghe fight. It was obvious he was the better fighter but once you don't have the stamina/energy/workrate to last 12 rounds without stealing a break, you know it's time to pack it in. This could be a nasty end for a legend.
     
    DINAMITA, Aug 4, 2008
    DINAMITA, Aug 4, 2008
    #1
  2. loveforboxing

    loveforboxing Active Member Full Member

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    His whole lige has been about facing adversity. Dont worry B-hop knows what he's doing
     
    loveforboxing, Aug 4, 2008
    loveforboxing, Aug 4, 2008
    #2
  3. EpsilonAxis

    EpsilonAxis HNIC Full Member

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    I thought Bernard edged Calzaghe last fight (although extremely closely).

    But Roach is right, a high-workrate, hard punching opponent is not what an old veteran like BHop needs. His legacy is already secure.
     
    EpsilonAxis, Aug 4, 2008
    EpsilonAxis, Aug 4, 2008
    #3
  4. maximumsg

    maximumsg Active Member Full Member

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    The worst thing for boxing would be for hopkins to win this fight. These are two of my favorate fighters but I hope pavlik wins, it will only make him the next star however if hopkins wins it slows the role to look for the next ticket seller.
     
    maximumsg, Aug 4, 2008
    maximumsg, Aug 4, 2008
    #4
  5. victor879

    victor879 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I am worried about Hopkins as well.

    I hope it doesn't end up like many other fighters who held on too long and fought a young and hungry champion.

    I have a feeling we may witness a sad end to Hopkins career.
     
    victor879, Aug 4, 2008
    victor879, Aug 4, 2008
    #5
  6. BigBone

    BigBone Boxing Addict Full Member

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    How's that Roach is worried about Hopkins but not worried about PacMan vs. De La Hoya? :think
     
    BigBone, Aug 4, 2008
    BigBone, Aug 4, 2008
    #6
  7. Tuavale

    Tuavale Well-Known Member Full Member

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    He was worried about Israel Vasquez in his second fight with Rafael Marquez, too. It may be a bit of sour grapes because he was probably relieved of his duties like he was with Vasquez.:rofl :rofl

    Hopkins won't win but I don't think he's neurologically scrambled yet.:smoke :smoke
     
    Tuavale, Aug 4, 2008
    Tuavale, Aug 4, 2008
    #7
  8. dan-b

    dan-b Guest

    If I was Roach I'd be more concerned about Pac jumping up to 147 to face a former 154 champ. Thats got to be unhealthy & dangerous.
     
    dan-b, Aug 4, 2008
    dan-b, Aug 4, 2008
    #8
  9. Samurai

    Samurai I lost an avatar bet Full Member

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    :deal
     
    Samurai, Aug 4, 2008
    Samurai, Aug 4, 2008
    #9
  10. mturner77

    mturner77 Member Full Member

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    I'm not worried for Hopkins. He didn't take any punishment in his last fight (has he ever, really?) and he can probably deal with Pavlik's style better since he's more predictable and slower.
     
    mturner77, Aug 4, 2008
    mturner77, Aug 4, 2008
    #10
  11. sugarngold

    sugarngold RIDDUM Full Member

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    Freddie's words are just what Bernard looks for to motivate himself to do something spectacular.

    I am dying to see this fight. Pavlik needs to get in the ring with Bernard to complete the passing of the torch from the last great middleweight - to the man who would be the new king.
     
    sugarngold, Aug 4, 2008
    sugarngold, Aug 4, 2008
    #11
  12. Hermit

    Hermit Loyal Member banned

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    I started a thread yesterday asking if this would change anyone's pick. Doesn't seem to matter to most folks. I guess trainers are over rated. :D
     
    Hermit, Aug 4, 2008
    Hermit, Aug 4, 2008
    #12
  13. Punisher33

    Punisher33 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I see Pavlik having a hard time with Hopkins' style, Hopkins, unlike Taylor, will not stay in range for him to land his big straight right. I honestly think Pavlik should of not took this fight, other than money, Pavlik has nothing really to gain by beating 43/44 yearold Hopkins.
     
    Punisher33, Aug 4, 2008
    Punisher33, Aug 4, 2008
    #13
  14. imp4pdabest

    imp4pdabest Guest

    Yeah, he better be worried.
     
    imp4pdabest, Aug 4, 2008
    imp4pdabest, Aug 4, 2008
    #14
  15. BewareofDawg

    BewareofDawg P4P Champ Full Member

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    I'm not worried about this fight at all. I can't wait for Hopkins to get Knocked out.
     
    BewareofDawg, Aug 4, 2008
    BewareofDawg, Aug 4, 2008
    #15
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