Hopkins vs Dawson Does Not Make Sense for Hopkins

Don't get me wrong, it's a fight I'd like to see (although I suspect it won't be all that entertaining), but it doesn't make any sense for Hopkins for a few reasons. As good as his victories over Pavlik and Pascal were, they both fit a formula that works for Hopkins: 1. Big Payday: - Pavlik: Great hometown and East coast following, pushed big time by HBO. - Pascal: Great following in Canada, liked a lot by HBO after beating Dawson. - Dawson: No real following, not an entertaining TV fighter. 2. Good Style Matchup: - Pavlik: Straightforward boxer-puncher, little lateral movement, no great athlete. - Pascal: Wild counter-puncher, bad defence, horrible stamina. - Dawson: Technically sound, disciplined and with many athletic advantages over Hopkins. 3. Legacy Boost: - Pavlik: Undefeated Middleweight champion of the world in his prime. - Pascal: Prime legitimate Light Heavyweight champion of the world. - Dawson: Former Light Heavyweight belt holder in his prime. Dawson only qualifies for the third condition and doesn't match what Pavlik or Pascal offer even in that respect. Hopkins doesn't really have many options though, so he might have to take the fight. It's a good competitive fight, but I think it'll be difficult for Hopkins to look good in and I think Dawson would squeak out a decision, which would be a shame in my opinion. Thoughts?

Comments (20)

Rocky_Rode

Hopkins doesn't have to do anything, some stupid belt isn't going to dictate a living legend's career get that right. The man is a legend and he moves how he wants to now, he's earned that privilege and we should be thankful he's still stepping into the ring for our entertainment at his age. His belt probably won't make him. But that 3 fight deal he signed with HBO will make him fight Dawson next. The contract he signed said the winner of Pascal/Hopkins has to fight Chad Dawson in their next fight.

15y ago

LarryX

Hopkins doesn't have to do anything, some stupid belt isn't going to dictate a living legend's career get that right. The man is a legend and he moves how he wants to now, he's earned that privilege and we should be thankful he's still stepping into the ring for our entertainment at his age. obviously the man would like to keep the belt he worked so hard to get

15y ago

_original_

he doesnt have a choice..dawson is his mandatory..hes been stepped aside for the hopkins-pascal rematch..hopkins HAS to fight him Hopkins doesn't have to do anything, some stupid belt isn't going to dictate a living legend's career get that right. The man is a legend and he moves how he wants to now, he's earned that privilege and we should be thankful he's still stepping into the ring for our entertainment at his age.

15y ago

LarryX

So why has Hopkins become so active again all of a sudden? Didn't he only have like 2 fights in 2 years before his first fight with Pascal? caue he doesnt have a choice..hes obligated to fight dawson.

15y ago

LarryX

he doesnt have a choice..dawson is his mandatory..hes been stepped aside for the hopkins-pascal rematch..hopkins HAS to fight him

15y ago

OG_Wenger

So why has Hopkins become so active again all of a sudden? Didn't he only have like 2 fights in 2 years before his first fight with Pascal?

15y ago

lyonheart

He has already said Dawson is next and he doesnt plan on stopping until he's near 50. I really dont think he needs to do anymore, but, he's gonna fight Dawson.

15y ago

hookoutofhell

yeah i was wondering this myself, look at the fighters that b-hop has been linked with recently are highly regarded but they all have styles tailor made for b-hop. for instance fighters like haye and pascal are athleticlally gifted and powerful but they aren't well schooled and could be beat by a fighter with a good skill set. the likes of froch and pavlik bring power and a sturdy chin but again they lack the skills of say dawson or ward. imo b-hop isn't interested in another fight he might take on someone like froch or adamek but i don't see him fighting again. maybe if dawson looks really bad in his next fight we will see b-hop flirt with another big fight but imo hes gonna ride off into the sunset

15y ago

Fish_Scotland

Bad style match up? To some extent that's true, but Dawson is passive, doesn't have a killer instinct, nor does he have an inside game, still alot Hopkins can exploit. I'd rather Hopkins-Bute because as I said before...this fight can do more harm than good but Dawson-Hopkins needs to happen. You got it spot on there. Dawson will not cope with the old man leaning, clinching and spoiling. It's amazing how many of BH opponents tire and end up fighting his game. I personlly think this will be a snooze fest of a fight that BH wins.

15y ago

fordhamboxing

Who cares if it doesnt make sense for hopkins as long as it makes sense for boxing Exactly, if BHop wins his legend grows which is great for boxing, think of how much more love his fight got than Manny's fight with Mosley got. Just coverage wise alone, not even opinions. If Dawson wins then BHop passed the torch and, proud as BHop is, I really think he's old school and would be okay with that. Honestly the following BHop's opponent has doesn't matter all that much, right now he'll be popular enough to put butts in seats himself. ****, if the fight's nearby I'll absolutely buy tickets.

15y ago

Pullcounter7451

Who cares if it doesnt make sense for hopkins as long as it makes sense for boxing

15y ago

lyonheart

Hopkins poses problems for Dawson as well and he surely wont run away with this one. I like Hopkins until proven otherwise. The only thing I dont like about Dawson is him backing straight up all the time. That will gie Hopkins opportunities. Plus, Hopkins will make this ugly and that is only to his advantage. I love Chad Dawson's style....smooth, always relaXED MAND A VERY VERY GOOD FIGHTER. But, I also think Hopkins mental strength and superioirity over most fighters he faces has to come into play as well. It shouyld be a good fight.

15y ago

tomatocantender

Excellent breakdown, OP. I commend Hop for honoring this fight and repaying Chad in a way for stepping aside and smoothing the path for Hop/Pascal II, but I can't see Hop winning this fight. I think Hop will have to reach back in the old, dirty trick bag and try to head butt early (unfortunately), b/c this fight will get away from him quickly. I don't see a motivation factor for Hop like I saw for him leading up to Tarver, Winky (b/c so much smaller), Pavlik, Pascal I & II etc or even Calzaghe even though he lost. I have to think that Chad outworks and gets off first in the center against Hop in at least 8 of those 12 rds and Hop starts to look old from about the 7th on (similar to the Jones II fight minus the rabbit punch). Hop will not win this fight fighting 30 sec spurts like he tried against Calzaghe, and I see this fight playing out similar especially giving Steward another training camp with Chad; plus Chad's confidence of getting the rebound fight vs. Diaconu under his belt.

15y ago

Doctor_Tenma4618

15y ago

P4P_Opinion

He should fight one of the other top light-heavys - Dawson, Cloud, Cleverly. Agreed they don't really match the blueprint. Cleverly offers the most though, undefeated world champion, with a lucrative payday. Beating Cleverly wouldn't do anything for his legacy though. Cleverly may be an undefeated champion, but he hasn't beaten anyone of note and he didn't win that title in the ring.

15y ago

coreyg100

When you at the top you will have people wanting to take your belt. This fight is not for Bernard Hopkins it is for Chad Dawson. Answer this? - http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483748

15y ago

P4P_Opinion

But that's what brings about greatness.Getting in there with Dawson right now is B-Hop reaching for the heavens in search of glory.I salute B-Hop,other great active fighters can learn a thing or 2 from such action. I'm with you, it would show just how great Hopkins is. I was just pointing out that it really isn't a fight that works for him that well. Who else is out there for Hopkins that does fit the bill though? I think the only fighter out there who does make sense is Carl Froch and Froch is tied up for the time being and won't make sense if he doesn't win the Super Six (strong chance).

15y ago

Gordon_Gekko

15y ago

Bushbaby

15y ago

hugh_grant

Yes maybe BH should just fight Martinez instead for the glory of beating a p4p guy.

15y ago