Hopkins vs Pavlik is one of the best fights a boxer can watch to learn

BHop had elite reflexes but even better was his anticipation and instinct. He was almost never out of place and had a way of getting opponents off their gameplan and focused on attacking him. His ability to identify patterns helped him become a master counter puncher w the Tito fight being his pinnacle moment

 

Yes this was an excellent performance by Hopkins, one of his most impressive probably.

I've always maintained that Bernard Hopkins became about 80% of the fighter he could have been, because his physical peak did not coincide with his boxing knowledge Peak, by the time he developed Super Ring smarts, he was pretty old.

 

Trinidad one as well. He absolutely schooled him.
Post 40 bhop was just pure boxing skills. Even when he beat Pascal he showed so many skills.

 

I think there's more to learn from the Hopkins - Smith fight.
We already knew Hopkins is a criminal and a scumbag but that fight clearly showed his lack of integrity in the sport too, getting KO'd through the ropes then pretending he couldn't continue because of a twisted ankle.

 

What would you tell a novice boxer who watches the fight?

 

One of the best singular performances I’ve ever seen.

 

That fight still blows me away. Never thought Bernard would do that. Pavlik was a force and Hopkins billed as washed up fighter on his last legs. Makes you appreciate the sweet science