My thoughts on Pavlik vs. Hopkins

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by compukiller, Oct 18, 2008.


  1. compukiller

    compukiller Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I have been torn about this fight ever since it was announced. I thought it was mostly unnescessary as it wasn't for a title, and really had no huge ramifications.

    I wanted Pavlik to fight Winky or Abraham (actually, I wanted him to fight both). I wanted to him to stay at 160 and dominate.

    Hopkins, even though I thought he edged Calzaghe, I felt should have retired. He has absolutely nothing to prove, and is an ATG legend. Outside of fighting Jones for revenge, I saw no reason for him to continue.

    But the fight is on, and I had to deal with what's in front of me. You see, Hopkins is my favorite fighter. I hate see him lose (whether legit or by robbery) and I was afraid that Pavlik might be a bridge too far for him at this age.

    As for Pavlik, there's nothing to not like about the guy. He earned his shot by brutally running through the division, and for me, he has a lifetime pass for Destroying Jermain Taylor. He seems down to earth, trains hard and comes to fight everytime. He is a true champion.

    Leading up to now, I was drinking the Kool Aid everyone else was. I was thinking that Pavlik would be too much for the old man and pull out a decisive win. The youth and the power are overwhelming.

    But taking a look at the styles, it occurred to me that this fight may be a whole lot closer than people think.

    First of all, as much as I like Pavlik, he has some very serious flaws. He is too flat footed, he has a wide legged stance, and he has no real defense to speak of. A person who moves in and out on him and gives him angles can offset alot of his explosive offense which will leave him open to counters.

    Also, I wonder if he can fight on the inside. He needs full extention on his punches to have the optimum effect, and I have never really seen him throw too many short punches in his fights. He hasn't really had to do this due to his long reach, but he never really fought any skilled inside fighters.

    BHOP has a style than can present many, many problems for a guy with Pavlik's flaws. BHOP is a master at giving odd angles, and he is also a great inside fighter. He can move in an out with the best, and Pavlik will be open for his right hands all night.

    The fact that Pavlik bleeds very easily can work against him as well. BHOP will hit him flush and often. Also, the weight. Pavlik has not fought anyone of note above 164 lbs. Pavlik is a big guy, but will his punches be as effective at the higher weight? Can he take a light heavy weight punch?

    On BHOP's side, the question is age. He is 43, and is slower than he once was. Also, you have to wonder, even with his crazy training and conditioning, will he get old overnight? If the BHOP that fought Tarver were to fight Pavlik, I would say Hopkins would probably blow him out. But that was 2 + years ago, and Pavlik is a much younger beast.

    I am pulling for BHOP to win, but leading up to today, I was very nervous. I really don't think Pavlik can stop him, but it is always a possibility.

    But in the last few days, I became less and less nervous. In fact, as of right now, I feel very confident that BHOP will not only win, but will actually win convincingly.

    If he does not, or if he falls to Pavlik, there should be no hatred of the man. He has been a great champion, and his competition level over the last several years has been insane. All the people on here who hate on a man like him have no business posting in this forum. He is a legend and should be treated as such.

    And if BHOP kicks Pavlik's ass, Pavlik should not be cast aside. He is a true warrior and that status should not be questioned. There would be no shame in losing to BHOP, I don't care how old he is. The hatred of Pavlik on here is truly nuts, especially since everyone loves these come forward, no defense fighters these days.

    In closing, I say, let's all get shitfaced and watch two Pound for Pound elites do their thing. :good

    BHOP on points.:yep:deal
     
    Garrus likes this.
  2. catasyou

    catasyou Lucian Bute Full Member

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    I'm with you,very calm waiting for Bernard to beat Pavlik.A few days ago was worried tough
     
  3. BRICKS

    BRICKS the Pride of the Tribe Full Member

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    :yep
     
  4. MacManJr.

    MacManJr. Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I don't know what to expect but i would bet real money that B Hop won't get stopped.
     
  5. Gandul

    Gandul Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I my perfect world, I would like to see B-Hop and RJJ win so they can make a super mega farewell dance and walk in the sunset like the true legends they are.

    Let's see what happens... I'm starting with my first beer right now!!
     
  6. getup

    getup Say Yeah! Full Member

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    im with ya on this CK..,if ya turn tarver around orthodox he resembles KP's body movements...,

    i think bhop will win this one also..,KELLYS style IE..,boxing skills wont pose problems although some of his other attributes might..,

    DAN LAW
     
  7. compukiller

    compukiller Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    It feels good to be right!!!:yep


    ALL Hail St. Bernard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



    This content is protected
    :happy:happy:happy:happy:happy:happy:happy:happy
     
  8. zicas

    zicas Boxing Addict Full Member

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    great post :good
    .. and great prediction too. I just watched the fight.. I thought hopkins would school him in the first half, then fade in the later rounds..but hopefully hold on to a close decision. Never thought he would dominate him so thoroughly. Damn B hops is amazing - you gotta love the man :rasta
     
  9. lillarry

    lillarry Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Damn, good post and props for the accurate prediction:good
     
  10. socrates

    socrates THE ORIGINAL... Full Member

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    "Hopkins, even though I thought he edged Calzaghe".he didnt.
     
  11. klion22

    klion22 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Kudos for the accurate prediction.
     
  12. dits

    dits Active Member Full Member

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    Props to BHop for schooling Pavlik as well as compukiller for that Nostradamus-like analysis.
     
  13. Pimp C

    Pimp C Too Much Motion Full Member

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    Gotta give props where they are due.:good
     
  14. compukiller

    compukiller Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    That was my opinion. I am allowed to have one.:deal
     
  15. PATSYS

    PATSYS Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Yes Hopkins dominated Pavlik, partly because Pavlik is too slow to load up punches.

    But nobody can deny Hopkins style is almost identical to Ruiz. It frustrates any fighters, even Calzaghe albeit winning. I am not talking only about htis fight, but in all of Hopkins' big fights except perhaps back then against Jones. I think if he and Jones fought a rematch, it would have been a different outcome if Hopkins fights like this.

    He hops in, throws a punch or 2 then clinch. If an opponent is slow like Pavlik, then he can afford to throw combinations and reduce the amount of holding. But against a fighter like Calzaghe, he turns into a LHW version of Ruiz.

    It is no coincidence that in all fight that Hopkins fought in, the fight turns out dull and boring. There is 1 common denominator - Hopkins himself. Same with Ruiz' fights.