About the fight between Hopkins and Pavlik, I am not surprized that we witnessed Hopkins being the slicker, wisest or fastest man in the ring because that was obvious before it even started. Many of you mention that Pavlik got schooled by a master and was easily outclassed but the only thing that's getting my attention is how in the world can Hopkins pull this win off being the most active he's been since possibly his fight with Trinidad back in 2001 !! I think Hopkins hasn't fought that well and most importantly with such a high workrate from round 1 to 12 over the last 7 years or so !!! That's litterally like jumpin' out a fountain of youth.... I just hope that if RJJ can pull such an incredible feat against Calzaghe for one last time..fans won't start doubting if he used illegal substances and such...
Actually Hopkins dismantling of Glen Johnson was his best performance until this fight. I hope this fight shows the usual fan boys here that tend to only be hysterical over knockout/slugger types that theres more to boxing than mere knockouts. I can't believe there were some idiots posting that Hop would be knocked out. To lose is one thing but we haven't seen Hopkins get hit flush since Echols let alone knocked down. Why suddenly would he be a candidate for a knockout?? The workrate was fine but what really won the fight for him was his concerted effort to put combinations together and how he moved left (to pavliks right) which made Kelly have to re-adjust. Amazing the "old" man had the better footwork. I saw Pavlik's feet cross so many times it was unreal..
I know Pavlik didn't even get close to taking the wind out of Hopkins sails but his effort and workrate, for a man of his age, was incredible to say the least. Best boxing performance for a long, long time.
NO NO and NO Hopkins did not outwork Pavlik. Pavlik 'underworked' Hopkins. .. .. .. that is what is so amazing about Pavlik. Outworking is outthrowing a 50 punches per round guy by throwing 60 punches. Pavlik is a 80 punches per round guy who underworked a 35 punches per round guy. That is amazing and something was up with Pavlik in that fight. I am not saying that Kelly would have won if he had been well and mentally and physically fresh for the fight, but I am saying that he would have thrown more. That would have given Bernard more to counter - which I think he would have done. And in the end he would probably have won just as convincing. But something was definitely up with Kelly that night (besides a masterful opponent).
If he can't get up for the big fights, then there will always be something wrong with him on the night of the fight.
