Comments Thread For: Hopkins vs. Dawson Rematch: Sport Before Entertainment

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

by Cliff Rold - The college football bowl season delivered some gems in the deservedly maligned BCS matches. The Rose Bowl was outstanding. So was the Fiesta. Before the opening kickoff, there was concern the National Championship Game, a rematch between Alabama and LSU, wouldn’t match their thrills.

The first game between the two, a battle of big defense, field goals, and single digit scoring, was evidence as to why.

The rematch, an eventual rout in favor of Alabama, was a gem for hardcore football fans in love with big hits and great defense. For everyone else, hey, the remote control can land many a place.

Alabama-LSU II was a reminder major sports can exist on two platforms: competition between the best and entertainment. They aren’t mutually exclusive accept when they are.

On Wednesday, boxing fans were informed a rematch has been signed between ageless lineal World Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO) and former 175 lb. titlist Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KO). Hopkins already bested former lineal champion Jean Pascal, victorious in their second fight after a debated draw the first time around. In Dawson, he has an opponent who meets the standard of competition between the best.

Dawson is, on merits, the next best Light Heavyweight after Pascal.

Whether fans will be entertained remains to be seen. Slotted for Atlantic City on April 28th, it will be no surprise if tickets are still available during the co-feature. It wasn’t hard to find a seat the first time they faced off. [Click Here To Read More]

[jvsnypes]

I think this fight can be more competitive than what people think. If Hopkins can get the fight to later rounds, his experience can take over the way it did against Pascal. But in the end, Dawson is still a huge mountain to conquer.

[ShoulderRoll]

Bradley-Pacquiao would be competitive.

A little too competitive probably....I dont expect Arum to risk a big payday against Floyd by matching Manny up with Tim.

[EZ E]

Entertaining?? Hopkins?? I have a couple dozen of Hopkins' fights in my collection and I NEVER re-run his fights. Well... I actually do but only during my personal bouts with insomia, and they put me right to sleep by the 3rd round. Yes, he is a legend but a BORING one. As for the fight, well, the main/only interest value it has is due to the controversy surrounding their first encounter. Yes, I will tune in only if it's on regular cable, my moral principles won't permit me to PVV, I refuse to be pimped.

[jabba1]

Obviously this fight wont be Gatti-Ward but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Hopkins is such a master of his domain in the ring, it takes so much craft for someone of his age with his weapons severely blunted to still compete at such a high level. To see if he can pull it off against Dawson who is physically and technically one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world makes for a very good contest even if they don't tend to lay it all on the line like some fighters do.

[bojangles1987]

It's not always about entertainment. Figuring out who is the best of the best is always more important.

[Mr. Philadel]

It's not always about entertainment. Figuring out who is the best of the best is always more important.

my man!!!!

[delpilar]

Yeah, let's find out who's deathly boring....for the boring legacy of the world.

[Bushbaby]

I'm happy that the rematch will happen on principal alone. However this matchup will always favor Dawson. The fact is that Dawson preffers to fight at the pace B-Hop fights at. He's younger and faster.

Hopkins has a 40% chance of winning IMO. That's late in the fight when Chad gasses. I hope B-Hop wins. He'll further elevate himself from the pack of active atg's with Floyd being the only other in sight.

[nycsmooth]

hope Dawon's on his A game & has a defense for hopkins main combo: a straight right followed by his head...go Chad!!!!!!