Beating Hopkins does absolutely NOTHING for Pavlik's legacy.

[TheGreatA]

It would do a lot for Pavlik if he were able to dominate Hopkins.

But since I think it will likely be another dull, close contest by old Hopkins, it probably won't do much for Pavlik's legacy. It didn't do a whole lot for Calzaghe's to be honest.

Beating Hopkins does make a good case for Pavlik to be given a shot at Joe Calzaghe though.

[Derranged_]

I think it all depends on how Pavlik beats Hopkins. A Joe Calzaghe-like win doesn't do much for Pavlik's legacy. However, if Kelly is able to dominate Hop and possibly KO him, then I think he deserves recognition of a huge accomplishment...

[Stickman]

He needs to KO Hopkins for it to help his record much. I think he'll do just that, too.

[hookoutofhell]

couldn't disagree with you more, hopkins was as mentioned before reagrded as the number 1 light heavy prior to his loss to JC. now you're telling me that beating a big name like hopkins who also happens to be the 2nd best fighter atl light heavy and a top 10 p4p name on his resume wont look good.

whats more if he beats pavlik and looks good while doing it the calls for pavlik and JC will start to get louder. in fact joes legacy could depend on it - it could be the difference between him being a ATG and a HOF'er.

if kelly beats hopkins well, he will do it one of either 2 ways - either his power and strength is enough to overcome any sort of defensive fighter, or he is actually alot cleverer than we initially give him credit for.
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Ford bantam specifications

[The Gully Gad]

A split win over Hopkins just wouldnt do would it?


A stoppage if anything...

[Derranged_]

I'm hoping Pavlik beats Hopkins handily so we can have this discussion and so a Calzaghe-Pavlik fight becomes a viable option...

[Dynamite Kid]

He will get a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ probably a career high for him and if he beats him impressively it will likely set up a fight with Calzaghe, another career high payday.

i agree

also he will have a name on his record that ordinarily he would not have prayer of beating in his prime

[joseph5620]

Pavlik already beat Taylor 2x, who in return beat Hopkins 2x. On top of that, he has lost 3 of his last 5 fights. Its a lose lose situation for Pavlik. If he wins, they will say he beat an old/shot version of Bhop. If he loses, then he lost to an old/shot version of Bhop. Either way he gets no real recognition.

I agree. This fight really made no sense other than money.

[ophqui]

i agree, its a ridiculous fight to take, dangerous, it does nothing for him in terms of status if he wins (hopkins has been beaten too many times for it to mean much, even if he is still a great fighter with a very decent chance of winning this), and it will be boring as hell, which could, if anything lose kelly a few fans (i mean casual fans).
Theres money, sure, but i think abraham or williams would have been more, and probably less risk too. if pavlik loses this his management are going to get hung out to dry.

[Xplosivo]

Still, it will be something of an achievement if he KOs the durable Hopkins. And if so, I'm going to LOVE seeing the old ex-convict hit the canvas.