You guys think Hopkins will ATTACK Dawson straight off?

15% id says, wouldn't rule it out. Hopkins is one of the most disciplined fighters in the ring but I do remember he did rush at RJJ in their disasterous rematch after he got pissed about those rabbit punches.

EDIT: By 'jump' I hope you mean will Hopkins start off very aggressive and not implying some sort literal jump :huh

 

As in a rodeo and ride him?

 

He tried last time out, and we all know how that went down :yep

 

Chances slim. Wouldn't want to chance throwing his backout or pop something out of socket :!: I do think there's a good chance will see him crawling around the canvas trying to adjust his cup for a couple of rounds. Dawson by TKO :hat

 

he won't jump on him. Hopkins wants to land his lead rights and get a possible flash knockdown on Chad and then get Chad on the defensive and win rounds with counterpunching.

 

I reckon one of the most important keys to victory for Hopkins is to make Dawson fight at a slower pace - so no.

 

Maybe - it would surprise me if he did so, but you never know. I still believe the key is for Bhop to survive early, put in bodyshots and then start to steal rounds from round 5 onwards. But surprises happen.

 

B-Hop has nothing to upset Dawson with. No punch or move that Dawson won't see coming from the middle of last week. If Bernard does get through he'll come back right away and throw and three of four combo, with maybe only one punch landing, but it will hold more sway with the judges than Hopkin's ugly right.

It will be like the Taylor fights. Everybody waiting for Hopkins to pull a rabbit out of the hat but as the rounds tick on, and Dawson with the proverbial cigar in his mouth - stepping forward with the jab and staying out of range at the same time - and piling up the rounds. B-Hop will realise attempting any genuine offence will lead to possibility of shipping substantial damage, so he'll back off and accept his fate.

At the end and as the bell rings he'll have a big grin on his face to somewhat jokingly give off the impression he's won the fight, when deep down he'll know he's lost it by a UD

 

Jump on, like climb his back again?

 

I think you are pretty much spot on...been doing a bit of homework on it haven't you?....I don't think Hopkins will jump on anything against a younger, bigger, stronger, faster etc etc opponent...I think your first point holds the key in Hopkins being able to slow down the pace better. Hopkins will fight much better according to the pace being slower...a combination of circling tighter, crowding, and spoiling will give Dawson some pause tonight I think...Hopkins can nullify some of that reach and speed that way. If Dawson tries one punch repeatedly with without variation like that uppercut...and he looks somewhat programmed at times (albeit super talented) he will be countered. The safe pick...the logical pick is Dawson. But put me down for Hopkins...Sure completely sold on Dawson remaining focused enough to pressure Hopkins for 12 rounds. And if he doesn't pressure Hopkins like he did in that abbreviated first fight, he won't do as well...Hopkins UD.