I keep flip flopping on how I think this will go. Kovalevs power is absolutely insane and he has good boxing skills to go along with it. On the other hand Bhop has always done great against power punchers who come at him all night. I've had a lot of trouble this fight trying to decide who I am going to pick. I am going to go against a majority of the boxing writers out there and pick Kovalev. I think he will win going the distance.
Seriously, I see Hopkins quitting and blaming it on a shoulder or some made up injury. Kovalev will win because of that but it won't be a satisfying result.
HOWEVER, I'd like to think I am wrong and that this will be a very intriguing and entertaining fight... and that Kovalev stops Hopkins within 8.
Now, seriously: Hopkins might get actually injured in this one, in case Kovalev really rushes him... I didn't see Kovalev wrestling or grappling so far, but who knows what will happen -- I didn't the Russian frustrated up to now...
seems like in the non-casual-fans committee, kovalev is the underdog.
im going with kovalev by TKO before round 10.
kovalev's a boxer-puncher, not the perceived power-puncher most think he is lol.
hopkins "neutralizes" power-punchers, but i doubt he can deal with a boxer-puncher..
i would not be surprised if he proves me wrong tho. not 100% confident in my prediction lol
Seriously, I see Hopkins quitting and blaming it on a shoulder or some made up injury. Kovalev will win because of that but it won't be a satisfying result.
HOWEVER, I'd like to think I am wrong and that this will be a very intriguing and entertaining fight... and that Kovalev stops Hopkins within 8.
Close call.
I think white boys straight punching will undo Hopkins. Not sure about a KO.
My thinking is Dawson beat Hopkins fairly comfortably. And Hopkins hasnt beaten anyone special in a very long time.
Hopkins is very smart and cagey, but im not sure that will work against whiteys style.
kovalev KO/TKO. It will be weird watching BHOP get KO'ed. I just think kovalev is going to be too powerful, too good for the aging legend. BHOP's opponents lately have been mediocre. Kovalev is a different breed. KO power with the amateur pedigree to boot.
At some point Kovalev will land something big. I hope it doesn't end in controversy. BHOP does have a reputation of faking/acting when the going gets tough. I hope the referee is on top of hi game.
Let's bet
You are predicting bhop to quit somehow
I predict opposite
I was ready to bet that B-Hop doesn't fight Kovalev ever...
I never bet in favor or against Hopkins as he actually enters the ring -- he is a legend for me and he must stay a legend (no matter what he does into the ring.)
Later edit: I still hope that this one will be a demonstration fight of some sort -- no dirty boxing, no drama... I still hope...
game plans
I see Bhop coming out circling and initiating a lot of clinches first 1-2 rounds. Then he'll start the jab-right-duck inside combo and the right hand lead-headbutt-inside clinching combo. He'll probably cause a cut on Kov within 3 rounds. If he sees that Kov is uncomfortablbe inside, he'll stay inside and start firing a few inside hooks and right hands before tying up or ducking/circling out. He might even put Kov down or wobble him.
BUT, by middle rounds, Kov will find his distance. He'll start to trap him on the ropes and start hurting Hop to the body. Hop will retire on his stool by 10-11 round.
Of course, it could turn out just like Hop vs Pavlik, but I doubt it.