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When the news that former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins could be facing reigning Middleweight kingpin Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, most observers had two words in mind: “Yeah, right.” You mean the 43 year-old former champion, recently out-pointed by Joe Calzaghe in April, would be facing the hardest puncher in or around 160 pounds? Well, what once seemed unlikely is now more than likely to take place.
Tentative for October 18th, Pavlik-Hopkins provides no real reward for either fighter, especially Pavlik. Many think the Youngstown, Ohio native should remain at 160 and defend his titles against worthy contenders, and eventually unify titles with belt holders Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm. With a Hopkins bout at a proposed catch weight of 170 pounds, the latter does not seem possible. Though Hopkins could put a stamp on an already well-rounded Hall of Fame career by beating the gritty, hard punching Pavlik, a victory would be muddled by the fact that it came above his opponent’s best weight.
Pavlik’s last tour of duty above 160 came in February of this year, when he successfully defeated Jermain Taylor in a rematch of their classic Middleweight title fight from September 2007. The agreed-upon weight was 166 pounds, and with Pavlik weighing in at 164 (unofficially higher on fight night), maybe believed it would favor the tall power puncher. What ensued was a hard fought victory in which Pavlik (34-0, 30 KO’s) seemed out of his comfort zone, moving with extra weight he was unaccustomed to in the ring. However, what eventually guaranteed the win for the Middleweight champ was his relentless work rate and stinging right hand, both of which he will need plenty of in order to beat the wily veteran in Hopkins.
For Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KO’s), a victory will be determined by just the opposite. In his last bout against undefeated Super Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe, B-Hop eventually succumbed to his opponent’s speed and punch output, losing a split decision in what became a cagey match-up that saw Hopkins come as close as anyone of handing the Welshman his first professional defeat. The determining factor for the aging fighter became stamina, and even with a dedication and training regime unparalleled in today’s sport, Hopkins’ limited punch output proved not enough. Fighting at 170, five pounds south of the Light Heavyweight limit, could prove detrimental to the Philadelphian’s already declining work rate, and with a tall, pressure fighter such as Pavlik could put him at a disadvantage.
The question remains: Can you execute a Ghost? Such a question has many possible explanations, only one of which will come to light in October. Can the crafty veteran, who seemed to gas out even under the supervision of extraordinary conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone, pull off what will be seen even at 170 as a colossal upset? Or will the 26 year-old power puncher who made such an impression at Middleweight less than year ago commit to being undeterred by Hopkins’ slick right hand and dirty tactics?
Only time, perhaps Father Time, will tell.
Article I wrote, comments?
Tentative for October 18th, Pavlik-Hopkins provides no real reward for either fighter, especially Pavlik. Many think the Youngstown, Ohio native should remain at 160 and defend his titles against worthy contenders, and eventually unify titles with belt holders Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm. With a Hopkins bout at a proposed catch weight of 170 pounds, the latter does not seem possible. Though Hopkins could put a stamp on an already well-rounded Hall of Fame career by beating the gritty, hard punching Pavlik, a victory would be muddled by the fact that it came above his opponent’s best weight.
Pavlik’s last tour of duty above 160 came in February of this year, when he successfully defeated Jermain Taylor in a rematch of their classic Middleweight title fight from September 2007. The agreed-upon weight was 166 pounds, and with Pavlik weighing in at 164 (unofficially higher on fight night), maybe believed it would favor the tall power puncher. What ensued was a hard fought victory in which Pavlik (34-0, 30 KO’s) seemed out of his comfort zone, moving with extra weight he was unaccustomed to in the ring. However, what eventually guaranteed the win for the Middleweight champ was his relentless work rate and stinging right hand, both of which he will need plenty of in order to beat the wily veteran in Hopkins.
For Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KO’s), a victory will be determined by just the opposite. In his last bout against undefeated Super Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe, B-Hop eventually succumbed to his opponent’s speed and punch output, losing a split decision in what became a cagey match-up that saw Hopkins come as close as anyone of handing the Welshman his first professional defeat. The determining factor for the aging fighter became stamina, and even with a dedication and training regime unparalleled in today’s sport, Hopkins’ limited punch output proved not enough. Fighting at 170, five pounds south of the Light Heavyweight limit, could prove detrimental to the Philadelphian’s already declining work rate, and with a tall, pressure fighter such as Pavlik could put him at a disadvantage.
The question remains: Can you execute a Ghost? Such a question has many possible explanations, only one of which will come to light in October. Can the crafty veteran, who seemed to gas out even under the supervision of extraordinary conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone, pull off what will be seen even at 170 as a colossal upset? Or will the 26 year-old power puncher who made such an impression at Middleweight less than year ago commit to being undeterred by Hopkins’ slick right hand and dirty tactics?
Only time, perhaps Father Time, will tell.
Article I wrote, comments?
If the more well rounded Calzaghe had such a difficult time with Hopkins unorthodox tactics Pavlik will have a very tough fight ahead of him.
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