Dawson by close decision. Hopkins makes it ugly but loses yet again to his achilles heel: a good boxer with great speed.
I agree with alot of the Taylor comparisons. The problem for Dawson is that Hopkins lands VERY well vs. lefties. I think Hopkins would put Chad on his ass but the decision will be very close in the end. I see it as a 55-45 fight in favor of the Old Master and I voted that Hopkins would win.
B-Hop had close fights with Taylor only because of the weight. Hell, he looked **** against Eastman the fight before. It has nothing to do with Taylor's speed, every round Bernard threw punches, he won big. Dawson is a small lightheavyweight, a southpaw, and has chin issues. If an old Glen Johnson figured him out, I know that B-Hop will beat him. Like Pavlik, Dawson has been put against bangers like Adamek and Johnson. He's never been in the ring with a fighter that is even close to B-Hop in terms of skills and slickness.
I tend to agree with this, and would add, Hopkins is not only more efficient with picking his spots, but he's more difficult to hit as well.
I'm somewhat surprised at the voting. Perhaps people's opinion of Hopkins has been swayed by his latest performance against Pavlik? Pavlik and Dawson are completely different fighters. Pavlik is about as predictable as one can get. But that one dimension works well. But against a guy like Hopkins, he completely nuetralized this one dimension. Dawson is a supremely gifted fighter with great hand speed and he throws from different angles. He's also doesn't fight flat footed like Pavlik and can move on his toes. If you look at the guys Hopkins have had trouble with in the past and the guys he figured out and took to school, Dawson fits perfectly with the guys Hopkins has had trouble with.
You think? I reckon as long as Calz keeps his word and retires this fight will be on, BHOP seems to always seek out big challenges and take them on, wish more were like him. Anyway, I go Hopkins but that could be my heart ruling my head, think Dawson has the style to give Hops problems but if his chin is as suspect as some make out Hops will find it...