Hopkins vs Dawson Does Not Make Sense for Hopkins

[P4P Opinion]

Don't get me wrong, it's a fight I'd like to see (although I suspect it won't be all that entertaining), but it doesn't make any sense for Hopkins for a few reasons. As good as his victories over Pavlik and Pascal were, they both fit a formula that works for Hopkins:

1. Big Payday:

- Pavlik: Great hometown and East coast following, pushed big time by HBO.
- Pascal: Great following in Canada, liked a lot by HBO after beating Dawson.
- Dawson: No real following, not an entertaining TV fighter.

2. Good Style Matchup:

- Pavlik: Straightforward boxer-puncher, little lateral movement, no great athlete.
- Pascal: Wild counter-puncher, bad defence, horrible stamina.
- Dawson: Technically sound, disciplined and with many athletic advantages over Hopkins.

3. Legacy Boost:

- Pavlik: Undefeated Middleweight champion of the world in his prime.
- Pascal: Prime legitimate Light Heavyweight champion of the world.
- Dawson: Former Light Heavyweight belt holder in his prime.

Dawson only qualifies for the third condition and doesn't match what Pavlik or Pascal offer even in that respect. Hopkins doesn't really have many options though, so he might have to take the fight. It's a good competitive fight, but I think it'll be difficult for Hopkins to look good in and I think Dawson would squeak out a decision, which would be a shame in my opinion.

Thoughts?

[tonyjones]

Don't get me wrong, it's a fight I'd like to see (although I suspect it won't be all that entertaining), but it doesn't make any sense for Hopkins for a few reasons. As good as his victories over Pavlik and Pascal were, they both fit a formula that works for Hopkins:

1. Big Payday:

- Pavlik: Great hometown and East coast following, pushed big time by HBO.
- Pascal: Great following in Canada, liked a lot by HBO after beating Dawson.
- Dawson: No real following, not an entertaining TV fighter.

2. Good Style Matchup:

- Pavlik: Straightforward boxer-puncher, little lateral movement, no great athlete.
- Pascal: Wild counter-puncher, bad defence, horrible stamina.
- Dawson: Technically sound, disciplined and with many athletic advantages over Hopkins.

3. Legacy Boost:

- Pavlik: Undefeated Middleweight champion of the world in his prime.
- Pascal: Prime legitimate Light Heavyweight champion of the world.
- Dawson: Former Light Heavyweight belt holder in his prime.

Dawson only qualifies for the third condition and doesn't match what Pavlik or Pascal offer even in that respect. Hopkins doesn't really have many options though, so he might have to take the fight. It's a good competitive fight, but I think it'll be difficult for Hopkins to look good in and I think Dawson would squeak out a decision, which would be a shame in my opinion.

Thoughts?

I see where your coming from but im not underestimating hopkins again,it will be a snoozefest but there the 2 best light-heavys goin so props for bernard wanting the fighting when he could prob have an easier time with nathan cleverly

[Scary]

Excelent breakdown. I agree. Dawson was unlucky to get so much hype at the wrong time, just before he could fix all his flaws and enter on the big stage in my opinion.

[#1Assassin]

i agree. dawson is a bad stylistic matchup for hopkins unlike pavlik and pascal. he doesnt bring as much money to the table either although i think hopkins-dawson would be a good (not great) payday for both guys.

as for legacy i agree too, but to be fair dawson will probably end up doing more for hopkins leacy down the road if hopkins beats him next. right now he migh not be considered as good as pavlik or pascal but by the time dawson retires i think he will have achieved more than both fighters put together.

its a huge high risk low reward scenario for hopkins, if he takes it that alone would be a statement. i always thought he would duck dawson til the end like calzaghe did. if he acctually beat dawson it would be amongst his greatest victories and clearly set him apart as the #1 fighter of his generation imo.

[hugh grant]

Yes maybe BH should just fight Martinez instead for the glory of beating a p4p guy.

[Bushbaby]

But that's what brings about greatness.Getting in there with Dawson right now is B-Hop reaching for the heavens in search of glory.I salute B-Hop,other great active fighters can learn a thing or 2 from such action.

[Gordon_Gekko]

He should fight one of the other top light-heavys - Dawson, Cloud, Cleverly. Agreed they don't really match the blueprint. Cleverly offers the most though, undefeated world champion, with a lucrative payday.

[P4P Opinion]

But that's what brings about greatness.Getting in there with Dawson right now is B-Hop reaching for the heavens in search of glory.I salute B-Hop,other great active fighters can learn a thing or 2 from such action.

I'm with you, it would show just how great Hopkins is. I was just pointing out that it really isn't a fight that works for him that well.

Who else is out there for Hopkins that does fit the bill though? I think the only fighter out there who does make sense is Carl Froch and Froch is tied up for the time being and won't make sense if he doesn't win the Super Six (strong chance).

[coreyg100]

When you at the top you will have people wanting to take your belt. This fight is not for Bernard Hopkins it is for Chad Dawson.


Answer this? - http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=483748

[P4P Opinion]

He should fight one of the other top light-heavys - Dawson, Cloud, Cleverly. Agreed they don't really match the blueprint. Cleverly offers the most though, undefeated world champion, with a lucrative payday.

Beating Cleverly wouldn't do anything for his legacy though. Cleverly may be an undefeated champion, but he hasn't beaten anyone of note and he didn't win that title in the ring.