It would've been more competitive than the Kovalev fight, I'm sure Hopkins would've won quite a few rounds if not even a decision. To be fair, there's also the chance Stevenson would have got the KO via his straight left.
100 out of 100 times Kovalev beats Hopkins. I can't say the same for Stevenson as I think he can get outboxed. However, I think Stevenson has a better shot at knocking Hopkins out then Kovalev does.
I think Hopkins would have decisioned him. Stevenson isn't as wild and unpredictable like Pascal. He is shorter than Hopkins, and a southpaw, with basically one punch. Stevenson also doesn't have Kovalev's footwork. Even old Hopkins isn't getting beat with one punch from a southpaw.
Stevenson flattens him. Kovalev was clearly pulling his punches and out of mercy didn't knock Hopkins out. Kovalev almost changed his mind in the 12th when Hopkins tried to clown him. Stevenson wouldn't show Hopkins that same mercy.
If Hopkins fought Stevenson instead of Kovalev I believe Hopkins would've been able to give Stevenson a little more trouble but I think Stevenson still clearly out points him if they went the distance and I give Stevenson a good chance of flattening Hopkins with his left. I'm a big Stevenson fan Ive heard stories around the gyms here in Toronto of his insane power. I favored him over Kovalev for a while now I'm not so sure after seeing Kovalev skills but still would give Stevenson a solid chance.
My man! These are my exact thoughts, too. Adonis only has one weapon. And although he is a southpaw, Hopkins has taken away a better left from a better fighter in Trinidad. Hopkins would have outsmarted Adonis, IMHO.
I think Hopkins could have got the decision to be honest. Even at this stage of his career, he's a better boxer than Stevenson
That's how I see it. Adonis isn't awful, but he's very one-dimensional. He never has a Plan B. Hopkins would exploit that.
