By Dave Sholler

Tomorrow night’s clash between Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs) and Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City features many subplots.

It’s Youngstown vs. Philadelphia.

It’s young vs. old.

It’s brawn vs. brains.

With so many underlying themes, the atmosphere at the historic South Jersey event center should be one to cherish. In one corner stands a 26-year-old world champion from Ohio, a ferocious puncher considered by many to be the future of the sport. When the humble Kelly Pavlik steps through the ropes on Saturday night, he will have the hopes and dreams of thousands of his fans resting squarely on his shoulders.

His opponent knows the feeling of carrying extra weight. A 43-year-old former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins has overcome much personal and professional strife in his life. Once incarcerated in the Graterford Prison in his native Pennsylvania, Hopkins broke free from his criminal rap sheet en route to becoming one of the finest boxers of all-time. What’s more, along the way he has inspired hordes of hard luck fans in search of a better life. In essence, Hopkins has become a role model to many, especially those growing up in rough inner-cities.

Despite all of the warm, fuzzy feelings surrounding this contest, the truth is that this fight is strictly about business. After failing to land bouts with Joe Calzaghe, Paul Williams, and a few others, Pavlik was forced to look to Hopkins as a candidate. Likewise, following a loss to Calzaghe in April, Hopkins had few options in terms of prospective bouts.

Thus, we get Pavlik vs. Hopkins. One fighter makes a living hunting down opponents. Another earns a paycheck by letting foes hunt him. Therefore, expect both fighters to be methodical. The powerful Pavlik will surely look to land his menacing right hand. On the flip side, Hopkins will absolutely look to counter and rough Pavlik up on the inside.

As we prepare for tomorrow night’s 170-pound battle, let’s take a look at the keys to victory for both fighters. We’ll assess what each fighter needs to do in order to be successful and pick up the win.

Bernard Hopkins

Key 1: Don’t Become Blinded by the Jab

Kelly Pavlik’s best weapon is his right hand. Clearly, he uses a stern jab to set it up. If Hopkins fails to neutralize the Ohio native’s jab, he could taste some heavy leather. He needs to find a way to thwart Pavlik’s lead punch.

However, the process of neutralization is easier said than done. A probable solution would be for Hopkins to do his best to keep the fight on the inside. From there, he can make it the type of rugged bout he prefers.

Key 2: Conserve Gas

Hopkins lost to Calzaghe in April because he only fought six rounds. Whether you chalk it up to age, diminished skills, or some other factor, Hopkins cannot afford to fade in a similar fashion against Pavlik. Simply put, he needs to pace himself for 12 rounds.

Clearly, Bernard has never been stopped in his 20-year career. But that can change very quickly against Pavlik and his 88-percent knockout ratio. He needs to be cognizant of his stamina and gear up for the long haul.

Key 3: Stay off the Ropes

Pavlik feasts on opponents who like to rest on the ropes. Just ask Jermain Taylor. And Edison Miranda. And Jose Luis Zertuche. Hopkins, no stranger to taking a breather on the ropes, needs to avoid pigeonholing himself. Against a savage hunter like Pavlik, pressing on the ropes is a major no-no.

Instead, Hopkins should keep the fight in close quarters and near the center of the ring. While he will still be exposed to Pavlik’s lethal right hand in the middle of the ring, he will not be a sitting duck.

Kelly Pavlik

Key 1: Jab Away

Facing a slick and cagey veteran in Hopkins, Pavlik will be best served to lay behind his jab. It is the only way he can guarantee himself the opportunity to land his patented right hand. Plus, if Pavlik struggles to land the right against the slippery Hopkins, he will still score points behind the jab.

Key 2: Stay Focused

Much has been written about Pavlik’s desire to be the first to stop Hopkins. But Pavlik isn’t the first to share in this desire. In fact, history speaks for itself. Many opponents have tried to floor “The Executioner” and it’s only come back to haunt them.

On Saturday night, the calculated Philadelphian would like nothing more than for Pavlik to swing for the fences. A counter-punching wizard, Hopkins would take equal joy in returning the favor and being the first to defeat, or dare we say stop, Pavlik. With that said, Pavlik needs to stay on point and let the win come by whatever means it is destined to come. If it is a knockout, it will come.

Also, Pavlik cannot head into Boardwalk Hall thinking past Hopkins. A fight with Calzaghe would be nice, but “The Ghost” needs to take care of the task at hand first.

Key 3: Avoid the Traps

Hopkins has been inviting opponents to fight his style for decades. He’s made boxers brawl. He’s made brawlers box. This recipe of versatility and adaptability has made Hopkins both feared and respected. With that said, Pavlik must remain committed to his game plan and his game plan only. The knockout artist does not want to engage in a brawl with Hopkins. He’ll only end up cut, bruised, or embarrassed. After all, Hopkins understands the thin line between legal and illegal in the sweet science.

Much like a spider, Hopkins wants opponents to get trapped in his web. Pavlik would be wise to resist such temptations.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Hopkins is the youngest 43-year-old on the planet. Still, he fades in fights and hasn’t showed the clear ability to finish an opponent in years. His defense has always been fun to watch, yet one must wonder if he can be slippery enough to avoid Pavlik’s power.

In the end, Hopkins will steer clear of most of Pavlik’s power. However, it won’t be enough. Behind a blistering jab and young legs, Pavlik will do enough to earn a decision victory. It may not be pretty, but it will be the type of character-building win that helps propel Pavlik into bigger bouts.

STIFF JABS: Anyone else salivating over the thought of an Israel Vazquez-Juan Manuel Lopez bout? Talk about edge-of-your-seat action. So let me get this straight. Vitali Klitschko wants to fight Lennox Lewis or Jolly Green Valuev. If he gets neither, does he retire again? Speaking of Valuev, here’s to hoping he doesn’t fight Evander Holyfield. I’d never begrudge someone from earning a living, but it’s just no longer safe for Holyfield. He’s markedly slower and he is shot. It’s time for EH to sit ringside and pick up a check as an analyst. We’re hearing that Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson will no longer face Galen Brown on Nov. 7 in Atlantic City. His replacement is rumored to be Matt Greer (12-3, 11 KOs) of St Louis, MO. Greer’s last three opponents have a combined record of 23-42-6.

Dave Sholler is a featured columnist for publications worldwide. Reach him at shollerholla4@hotmail.com .