Hopkins Is Being Underestimated, Pavlik Hyped

[IMDAZED]

I agree that Hopkins is being written off way too much for this fight and Pavlik's power is being exagerrated by some people and I expect it to be an ugly fight at times that would make some rounds hard to score because of Hopkins' tactics, which could lead to the fight being close.

But Hopkins' stamina is bad, really bad, he can't throw over 35 punches a round now, I do think it was more apparent towards the end of the Calzaghe fight because Calzaghe wore him down but his stamina hasn't been good for years now.

35 might even be too much.

[Silencers]

35 might even be too much.

It might be.

[Dan...]

Bottom line - Bernard is done. Joe fought awfully and still managed to get the better of him. The man is old and only has the physical capabilities to fight for 6 rounds, if that. Pavlik will definately win this fight - too young, too strong, too hungry, too fit - too many advantages. The cunning old bastard will probably make it closer than it should be but Pavlik will still win a reasonably comfortable decision.

[tito yuca]

I believe Pavlik will win, but I don't agree that Hopkins stamina is bad and has been for years. In the Winky fight he threw A LOT more than 35 punches a round and controlled the fight to the very end. Also, in the first Taylor fight, he turned up the heat in the last 4 rounds.

[IMDAZED]

You have to favor Pavlik but am I the only one that can see Bernard setting a big trap for him? Like one HUGE right hand that badly hurts him or knocks him out? Word is that he looks reborn in the gym.

[Dan...]

You have to favor Pavlik but am I the only one that can see Bernard setting a big trap for him? Like one HUGE right hand that badly hurts him or knocks him out? Word is that he looks reborn in the gym.

It would be a huge win if he could do it. The thing is guys in their mid-40s don't get younger. He just looked so spent so early against Calzaghe, I just think Pavlik's workrate will be too much for Bernard.

[IMDAZED]

It would be a huge win if he could do it. The thing is guys in their mid-40s don't get younger. He just looked so spent so early against Calzaghe, I just think Pavlik's workrate will be too much for Bernard.

Yeah - that's what troubled me. He did an excellent job cutting Calzaghe's workrate down but could do nothing himself. And once Calzaghe started ratcheting up the pace...forget it.

Pavlik will try and do the same but I'm not sure he's as sturdy as Joe is. He just hits harder. If he struggles to land the one-two he could look pretty bad. And if Hops is able to tag him...look out. The flip side is, Hopkins may have to knock Pavlik out. Cuz if he slows down like he did against Calzaghe, he's going to get tagged. People forget that Calzaghe tagged him with some nice clean lefts late in their fight. If Pavlik does the same...ouch.

[abadger]

You have to favor Pavlik but am I the only one that can see Bernard setting a big trap for him? Like one HUGE right hand that badly hurts him or knocks him out? Word is that he looks reborn in the gym.

I have a strong feeling Hopkins is going to win. It's easy to see why Pavlik should be favoured, against both Taylor and Calzaghe Hopkins just did not do enough to take it, so even if Pavlik has an off night he should be in position to win simply by default, but I'm simply not so sure. I cannot see a fighter like Pavlik getting through a fight with Hopkins without at least one extremely scary moment. I think if I were betting my bet would be a Hopkins stoppage victory, but its mostly just a feeling.

[IMDAZED]

I have a strong feeling Hopkins is going to win. It's easy to see why Pavlik should be favoured, against both Taylor and Calzaghe Hopkins just did not do enough to take it, so even if Pavlik has an off night he should be in position to win simply by default, but I'm simply not so sure. I cannot see a fighter like Pavlik getting through a fight with Hopkins without at least one extremely scary moment. I think if I were betting my bet would be a Hopkins stoppage victory, but its mostly just a feeling.

Actually, I had Hopkins winning the first Taylor fight rather comfortably. I've watched that fight 100 times and it gets less and less closer each time. I scored the second fight 7-5 for JT, though.

Anyway, this fight is a pick 'em. If B-Hop can lose a disputed split decision to Joe I don't see why he can't do even better against a guy who's never fought at this weight before and is quite hittable. But that age man...43. GOOD LORD.

[Drunk Punch]

I think it will be a lot like Taylor-Pavlik II. The highly skilled Taylor against the relentless (but more limited) Pavlik. Taylor was so worried about getting KO'd again he never let his guard down and never risked enough to pressure Pavlik. It was cagey and it will be the same with Hopkins. I'd be very surprised if Pavlik gets a KO, it will be a long, drawn out contest ending in a Pavlik decision (on work rate).

Abadger is right about Hopkins. One fight ago he was the best LHW in the world, in some people's eyes he still is. This will be no walk in the park for Pavlik.