BoxRec

An intriguing fight. I'm tempted to say that Kovalev batters Hopkins into retirement but with everyone giving the old man more than a decent shot, I'm beginning to wonder.

Could Hopkins expose Kovalev as the new Jeff Lacey? It's possible, but my money is on a Kovalev stoppage.

Interesting, I've heard the rumours Kov's chin might not be the best.... You can't really read too much into the amateurs ...but that looks a heavy knockdown and I heard it was KO 1

http://youtu.be/TB2pBTdbXOo

milpool wrote:I'm tempted to say that Kovalev batters Hopkins into retirement but with everyone giving the old man more than a decent shot, I'm beginning to wonder.

Although Kovalev is a slight favorite, I'm surprised at how divided the predictions are. It seems like a lot of support has built for Hopkins in the last few weeks.

MightyWarrior wrote:Interesting, I've heard the rumours Kov's chin might not be the best.... You can't really read too much into the amateurs ...but that looks a heavy knockdown and I heard it was KO 1

http://youtu.be/TB2pBTdbXOo

Yes, it was a loss to double world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Abbos Atoev. Kovalev's chin is still in question, though I doubt there's a serious problem with it, but I don't think it will be tested against a fighter without a stoppage in ten years. A bigger issue will be how his skin holds up and how he deals with cuts he may sustain given Hopkins' tendency to headbutt and land sneaky shots that have often cut opponents.

True, but don't forget Hop dropped Joe Calzaghe and not many could do that.

The list of fighters he hasn't dropped over the last several years is much longer than the list of those he dropped. Even when he scored knockdowns the opponents didn't seem that hurt and they recovered quickly.

Calzaghe wasn't chinny, but he did get dropped 4-5 times and each of them were fairly similar; down and hurt with a single shot then quickly back to normal. Hop may drop or hurt Kovalev but I doubt the quality of the latter's chin will be a significant factor in the bout's outcome. Seeing him floored like that by a left is something that I'd be worried about against a southpaw banger like Stevenson though.

SNG wrote:but I learned a long time ago not to back against Hopkins

I never understand it when people say this, and even boxing journalists like Dan Rafael are saying it. Don't assess the fight based on what Hopkins did or didn't do in the past, just assess it as a standalone matchup. The fact is Bernard is facing a bigger problem than any before.

Riddick Blowe wrote:

SNG wrote:but I learned a long time ago not to back against Hopkins

I never understand it when people say this, and even boxing journalists like Dan Rafael are saying it. Don't assess the fight based on what Hopkins did or didn't do in the past, just assess it as a standalone matchup. The fact is Bernard is facing a bigger problem than any before.

That's quite a bizarre post. How else are we to asses potential fight outcomes if not based on what each fighter has previously done?

On the one hand I like Kovalev as having a wrecking machine around is great to watch. On the other I like BHOP and don't want to see him pasted at the end of his career. I don't think he will anyway and if Kov can be put on his ass then Hopkins is definitely sneaky enough to do that on route to a points victory. It will be close mind as Kovalev will try until the last second of the fight.

I'm actually excited about a Bernard Hopkins fight. Pinch me.

I think the same as many, if Kovalev manages to land a couple of clean shots early on then I can see him stopping B-Hop in the first half of the fight, if B-Hop can take him into the second half of the fight and not be too far behind on the scorecards then I could see him maybe stealing a points win.

SNG wrote:

Riddick Blowe wrote:

SNG wrote:but I learned a long time ago not to back against Hopkins

I never understand it when people say this, and even boxing journalists like Dan Rafael are saying it. Don't assess the fight based on what Hopkins did or didn't do in the past, just assess it as a standalone matchup. The fact is Bernard is facing a bigger problem than any before.

That's quite a bizarre post. How else are we to asses potential fight outcomes if not based on what each fighter has previously done?

Not really, it makes perfect sense.
In the betting world, there's no logic in saying "I never bet against ( whoever )" because obviously it's all about who they're up against next - it's not a serious line of thought, because Dan's hardly going to back Hop if he steps up to heavy and takes on Wlad is he

And ironically, there where loads of people who said the same about about Tito Trinidad: never bet against him. Then Hop went and proved them all wrong.

You seem to be arguing with yourself there. I took issue with the not using previous form and fights as a way to evaluate next fight outcomes. The line about betting against Hopkins is just a line, it's a way of saying I wouldn't be too surprised if he managed to beat the opponent, and that he's possibly seen a flaw he feels he can exploit. Do we really have to be so literal on this forum? I don't even bet on boxing, if that helps.

Riddick Blowe wrote:

SNG wrote:but I learned a long time ago not to back against Hopkins

I never understand it when people say this, and even boxing journalists like Dan Rafael are saying it. Don't assess the fight based on what Hopkins did or didn't do in the past, just assess it as a standalone matchup. The fact is Bernard is facing a bigger problem than any before.

You do see how contradictory that post is don't you?

187 wrote:

Riddick Blowe wrote:

SNG wrote:but I learned a long time ago not to back against Hopkins

I never understand it when people say this, and even boxing journalists like Dan Rafael are saying it. Don't assess the fight based on what Hopkins did or didn't do in the past, just assess it as a standalone matchup. The fact is Bernard is facing a bigger problem than any before.

You do see how contradictory that post is don't you?

No. Maybe you can help me out.

All I meant was some people put way too much stock in the notion of Hopkins 'doing it again' without considering how much it's different this time. Not saying SNG was guilty of it, but a lot of people are saying 'I've learned my lesson' without appreciating just how much of a challenge Kovalev is compared to the guys who were 'supposed' to beat Hopkins before.

Hopkins wouldn't have taken this fight unless he knew he could beat Kovalev.

Kovalev is without a doubt one of the best light heavyweights in the world right now, but to write off Hopkins or say he is going to get destroyed is disrespecting a legend of boxing, the man has been in the ring with the best and is still here today and at the top of the division when many of the others have long since faltered or retired.

whether this is Hopkins last fight or one of the biggest upsets this year, show both men the respect they deserve when they get in the ring.

northern wrote:Hopkins wouldn't have taken this fight unless he knew he could beat Kovalev.

Another cliche about Hopkins.

Haymon lawsuit.

Also Hopkins' ego and delusion.

northern wrote:Hopkins wouldn't have taken this fight unless he knew he could beat Kovalev.

It has been widely reported that there was pressure on him to take this fight due to the lawsuit Main Events had against Al Haymon, and I believe when Kovalev was his mandatory he made a comment akin to 'go fight Cleverly then come to me'. I don't doubt that Hopkins thinks, and that's the important word, that he can beat Kovalev, but there are out of the ring factors that may have induced him to take the bout.

Kovalev looking very relaxed indeed at some of the final press calls....no sign off nerves or being particularly spooked by the big fight atmosphere or any infamous B-Hop 'mess-with-the-head' antics. The fight with Nathan C was a league below this one....but I remember from the clips that he held himself very well when he was over in the UK, very composed guy.

My prediction the hitter will get hit!

I predict.... PAIN

I see either you or I didn't mention any names.

FW would have never let him near Clev unless he thought Clev would win, there must be some weaknesses in his armoury. The Russian has never been past 7 and it don't matter how hard he hits, it's landing them that is the hard thing. Does anyone think b-hop will be as hittable as Clev??? It's a huge step up.
Hopkins will take him into the deep water and drown him.

Just like E.T,

This will be the alien's plant after Saturday:

The poll on Boxing News's site has Hopkins up 336-205. He's also favored in the a poll in the CS and in a major American media poll. Seems like there is a lot of support for BHOP.

northern wrote:Hopkins wouldn't have taken this fight unless he knew he could beat Kovalev.

Kovalev is without a doubt one of the best light heavyweights in the world right now, but to write off Hopkins or say he is going to get destroyed is disrespecting a legend of boxing, the man has been in the ring with the best and is still here today and at the top of the division when many of the others have long since faltered or retired.

whether this is Hopkins last fight or one of the biggest upsets this year, show both men the respect they deserve when they get in the ring.

Hear Hear.

I really hope B-Hop sees the final bell, or even better wins. Neither would be a surprise. The longer it goes the better for the Alien, and that's saying something for a true legend approaching 50!

hurlock wrote:I don't really like this fight!! Hopkins could get potentially killed!

To be fair to BHop, that's no more likely to happen to him than anyone else in the ring. Yes, he's old but he's an old guy who can fight. He's not some fragile piece of china.