Hopkins at this stage in his career has a harsh dilemma to deal with which concerns how he approaches a fight. In both of the bouts against Taylor, Hopkins elected to start off slow so as to conserve energy but in the process he gave up too many early rounds and end up losing both fights by decision. In Hopkins fight against Calzaghe he decided to start fast but paid the price because he was gassed by the middle of the fight and against Pavlik he ultimately have to face the dilemma on whether to start early or try to conserve energy and risk losing the early rounds. Hopkins has proved me wrong before and he just might still be crafty enough to not even have to worry about what I posted above but no matter what happens even in a losing effort Hopkins always gives a good account of himself.
That's a solid analysis, Benny. I'm sure that thought is in the minds of Hop and his trainer. Good post.
I disagree with the part in red. I think he came out with the mindset to do the exact same thing he did against Taylor and that is try to counter him once in a while so he can conserve his energy for the later rounds but Calzaghe's pace was so harsh that it wore Hopkins out. I mean this is the guy who was known for finishing incredibly strong.
If your speaking of Hopkins yes your right that he was known for finishing strong but things are diffrent now this is not the prime Hopkins of 1997-2003.
Yes,good point,Bernard will just have to do whatever he thinks might be most suitable,he might start slow to keep a phase cuz Team Pavlik are all saying he will gass out,maybe they don't have a plan for him not gassing out.
