My prediction : Barnard Hopkins vs Kelly Pavlik

[mojack]

I know this may seem like a pretty controversial post for all you Pavlik fans, however I'm willing for anyone to bump this thread after the fight if I'm wrong and I will hold my hands up.

Bernard Hopkins for Kelly Pavlik is a terrible risk and terrible fight. He's moving up a lot of weight to 170 (4lbs more than Taylor), I wonder how Pavlik will carry himself / power / speed etc to that weight against a crafty veteran.

Kelly Pavlik has everything to beat Bernard, however, this is Bernard Hopkins we're talking about who's ring manipulation and being able to nullify fighters is incredible.

There's no way he'll KO Hopkins, the man's chin is pure granite. It will go 12 rounds if anything. So far Pavlik has been able to get by with his power and heavy pressure that have allowed him a win, but against opponents no where near the pedigree of Hopkins.

I predict Hopkins will nullify Pavlik’s power at close range, shortening the gap between both fighters and disable Pavlik's much needed distance for hurting him. Hopkins is the best in close, giving short punches to the head and body.

Hopkins will grab Pavlik, not allowing him to get his big shots in.

There's no fighter on Pavlik’s record that can compare to Hopkins fighting ability, experience, dirty tactics and defense.

So I'm going to predict a Bernard Hopkins win by decision / possible KO (but not warming to a KO). A purely logical unbiased prediction where I've put my head before my heart. Kelly Pavlik is one of my favourite fighters, but I think he's bitten off more than he can chew at this stage in his career. I hope I'm wrong.

[T-97]

I agree. Hopkins is the man to beat him, angles is the key and Bernards footwork is fantastic. Calzaghe would beat Pavlik the same way imo.

[Sage84]

I dont think it SHOULD upset people, its a pretty decent break down and highly possible. For the record i agree with most of what u said, i picked Hopkins for the win as soon as i heard about this fight

[T-97]

I dont think it SHOULD upset people, its a pretty decent break down and highly possible. For the record i agree with most of what u said, i picked Hopkins for the win as soon as i heard about this fight

At first, i though Kelly would win. But when i thought about it i saw Hopkins has the tools to beat him. If he doesn't, then he should probably retire.

[Drunk Punch]

Will Hopkins get away with taking breathers in the later rounds by feigning low blows and all the other tricks up his sleeve?

I think Pavlik will shine at 170, the guy's frame can easily carry more weight - he's a beanpole! He's got power and accuracy - he's also got the determination and drive to chase BHop down and wear away at him.

I honestly can't see anything other than a Pavlik victory.

To win BHop has to do more than one or two flashy punches followed by 2½ minutes of evasive action.

EDIT: Good analysis though, well thought out post.

[The Gully Gad]

Yeh the old fox Bernard will sly his way through this one me thinks

[Silencers]

Hopkins' style will give Pavlik a lot of problems but I'm not sure if he's active enough to beat Pavlik and Hopkins' offense does become a bit predictable as his fights go on now, coming forward throwing a right hand with his head down, he can't throw much more than 1 punch at a time most of the time.

[T-97]

Hopkins' style will give Pavlik a lot of problems but I'm not sure if he's active enough to beat Pavlik and Hopkins' offense does become a bit predictable as his fights go on now, coming forward throwing a right hand with his head down, he can't throw much more than 1 punch at a time most of the time.

Yeah, that's true. He can't put shots together anymore.

[mojack]

I think this is going to go the same way (build up wise) as Calzaghe vs Hopkins. The odds being now in Pavlik's favour now (like Calzaghe), but come closer the time, the odds will start to fall in Hopkins favour.

[Chunk..]

Pavlik doesn't have the knowledge to beat Bernard Hopkins, even as old as Hopkins is. Pavlik hits hard, but Hopkins has been hit by much harder.

Pavlik is much slower..and yeah although his punches are hard as hell...Hopkins could limit those also, neither Pavlik nor his trainer have any idea how to deal with his expertise.

Hopkins would likely show up in better shape.

And to negate this nonsense....Bernard Hopkins hasn't taken a knee or seen the canvas in ten years. Some fighters are just built like that.