Something is different about Bernard, almost as if he understands the huge task of beating heavy hitter Pavlik. Bernard has faired very, very well out of his last 5 fights (Calzaghe, Wright, Tarver, Taylor x 2). But in all the build up to those fights I never heard Hopkins utter anything but confidence.
Take a look at this interview for example. At one point Bernard suggests that people shouldn't worry about him, because he's never been beaten up before. He goes on to say this fight may be the only one where he gets beat up, or it may not (alluding that Pavlik's power may be something he just can't avoid).
I also find it interesting how sincere Bernard comes across in this interview. Sometimes he can seem like a really good guy, when he's not saying ridiculous things.
All in all, I hope that he comes out of this fight safe and with the wisdom to call it a day, whatever the outcome. Although he does things to annoy me sometimes, he is still a great fighter and has been a fantastic character in the modern world of boxing.
Hopkins just wants to go out on good graces. He got some really bad publicity over the stunts he pulled before the Calzaghe fight.
I also think he respects Pavlik's willingness to fight anyone and his hard road to the top. Don't think for a second though that he is not confident. He thinks he is going to kick Pavlik's ass big time.
Hopkins will never have a loosing mindset. It is not in his mental makeup. He just wants to leave his last fight on a good note so he will be remembered for his achievements and not an ill advised way to promote a fight.
Seems like he's been around Calzaghe to much. "At the end of the day..."
haha yeah I noticed that too. Jim Lampley seems to be using it a lot more now aswell.
Interesting that he was talking of a Roy Jones rematch. I doubt it will happen but it would be a good finale, personally I'd pick Hopkins handily in that fight at this stage of their respective careers.
I also think BH realizes the gutter talk on JC backfired on him, so is being more respectful this time.
I also think BH thinks he can beat Pavlik. Because the so called great JC couldnt put a dent in the old man, and BH might have worried JC might have done him more damage.....but didnt. SO he now feels noone can hurt his defence. BH probably rates JC more than Pavlik.
But BH is putting Pavlik on a pedestal so he gets more credit.
I don't think so this isn't in front of national media. He seemed a bit more of a person, not a show boat. I think he truly knows what Pavlik means, and that could be a retirement. Pavlik is a stout young kid that is perhaps the strongest fighter he has fought yet and he is 43 years old. This kid KO'd a fighter he couldn't hurt. Tarver was a big strong fighter, but not the same type of fighter, Pavlik doesn't shimmer, he tracks, hunts, fires, kills. Nothing real flashy, just brute force.
Thats where you are wrong. Hopkins had Taylor hurt a few times in the later rounds of their first fight.
He's actually a very down-to-earth guy in this interview. I really like this side of him, his fun. I didn't like him when he was against Calzaghe, I believed he tried to be something he was not.
Btw. I easily see him giving Pavlik the hardest night of his life. I really can't score this... Pavlik really has to do something incredible because, no one kicks Hopkins' ass easy.
Hopkins has respect for Pavlik and knows what he's up against. He is nearing the end of his long career.
Hopkins could be playing another mind game though.
I don't think so this isn't in front of national media. He seemed a bit more of a person, not a show boat. I think he truly knows what Pavlik means, and that could be a retirement. Pavlik is a stout young kid that is perhaps the strongest fighter he has fought yet and he is 43 years old. This kid KO'd a fighter he couldn't hurt. Tarver was a big strong fighter, but not the same type of fighter, Pavlik doesn't shimmer, he tracks, hunts, fires, kills. Nothing real flashy, just brute force.
Hopkins has respect for Pavlik and knows what he's up against. He is nearing the end of his long career.
Hopkins could be playing another mind game though.
Something is different about Bernard, almost as if he understands the huge task of beating heavy hitter Pavlik. Bernard has faired very, very well out of his last 5 fights (Calzaghe, Wright, Tarver, Taylor x 2). But in all the build up to those fights I never heard Hopkins utter anything but confidence.
Take a look at this interview for example. At one point Bernard suggests that people shouldn't worry about him, because he's never been beaten up before. He goes on to say this fight may be the only one where he gets beat up, or it may not (alluding that Pavlik's power may be something he just can't avoid).
I also find it interesting how sincere Bernard comes across in this interview. Sometimes he can seem like a really good guy, when he's not saying ridiculous things.
All in all, I hope that he comes out of this fight safe and with the wisdom to call it a day, whatever the outcome. Although he does things to annoy me sometimes, he is still a great fighter and has been a fantastic character in the modern world of boxing.
hopkins is talking it up so that when he beats him, he'll get more credit. also he's trying to make up for that white boy comment. I'm pretty sure he's got good respect for pavlik.
hop knows the deal.he knows kelly ain't no joke.aside from being 6-2 he can punch like a hell.and the exchanges that they get into could very much end up in pav's favor.i think he knows he doesn't have enough legs to be as crafty as he used to be.
Bernards just giving Pavlik false hope.
Bernard took Calzaghe to a close split decision in his last fight, so he is still very much in contention to win this fight.
I have a feeling Hopkins will pull something special out of the bag.
hopkins is a broken man ............. that twinkles gone from his eyes .............. that conferdence he once had .......... hes been humbled ....... hes been broken ............................... thats what happens when you fight joe ................. he dont just beat you ......................... he breaks you :P
I think this is definatley his last fight. I don't think he will win but at least he's fighting top opposition still.
I don't like Hopkins but I can't deny that fact and respect him for that. On that note, "he will never lose to another white boy!"
BH is maybe scared because Pavlik beat JT twice, when he couldnt. BH is a real old warhorse though isnt he. He could happily retire and people would be happy for him. But BH always wants that last challenge. Its as if he is in a no lose situation as if he beats Pavlik the younger man.
It will be another major name on his CV. If BH loses, well he was too old to win. So its as if BH has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Obviously BH respects Pavlik because hes an American as well
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