By Rick Reeno (Photo by Will Hart/HBO)
Later tonight at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (34-0 30KOs) takes a big career risk by meeting Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1 32KOs) at the contracted weight of 170-pounds. Pavlik jumps up by nearly two-weight divisions. The fight with Hopkins, even with Bernard almost pushing on 44 years of age, should tell us how well Pavlik performs at the higher weight. Most expect him to end up at super middleweight by next year and eventually make a move to light heavyweight in the next two years.
"I want to fight the best. People talk and ask about why I am fighting Bernard Hopkins. You’ve got a legend right here," Pavlik said.
Hopkins is also taking a big risk. Pavlik is 17-years younger, and probably the most active "big" puncher that Bernrad has faced in a very long time. Considering Bernard's one fight a year approach, he may get overwhelmed very quickly by Pavlik's high workrate.
"I know what makes a good fight, but I never thought I would be fighting him. Kelly has a lot of heart and determination, but saying that, I’ve never been afraid of a ghost. I believe I’m coming into this fight as the winner. People know me and boxing people know me and they know I’m a threat against anyone. I am willing to say that I am coming into this fight to win. When we get into the ring – it will just be me and him – and that means it is 50/50," Hopkins said. "Kelly comes in and throws the hammer down and it’s my job to take that away from him."
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