Im convinced. Calzaghe only won against Hopkins tonight as he had the intelligence to adapt. The 2 smartest fighters in boxing fought tonight. Kelly Pavlik is a level below, I'd see hopkins fighting to a wide umpire decision as pavliks defense is SO pourous.
Hopkins would beat him by decision. Too many angles, too accurate, and Pavlik is too upright, slow, and stationary.
Pavlik would take some rounds off of his pressure behind the jab, but he doesn't have Calzaghe's versatility or speed. Calzaghe made it tough for Bernard to time him. But even with Bernard's fading timing, he'd find Pavlik a much easier target.
I agree that Hopkins would probably outpoint Pavlik, but if Pavlik lands, it's goodnight, even for someone with a great chin like Hopkins. Based on how boxers react to Pavliks power, I'd say he hits more like a cruiserweight.
I don't see it that way. Now if it's Bob Foster we're talking about, then yeah, Hopkins gets knocked out when he's hit with a flush one. But Pavlik doesn't have one-punch KO power because he doesn't have the speed or the snap on his punches. He wears guys down.
Nah, I really think Pavlik hits much harder than people think he does. His physique reminds me of tall baseball pitchers. Usually, those long armed players can really rifle the ball because their arms are like levers. I think Pavlik throws power punches like he's trying to throw a ball. Those little fists at the end of those long arms hit like hell.
