Kelly Pavlik vs Bernard Hopkins Oct 18.....

[shadio3]

IM probly the biggest hopkins fans, i but im so tired of him doing this to himself. I dont want to see this man hurt at 43. I still belive hopkins can win this fight, but WHY WASTE time doing this.


"Unable to secure a meaningful title defense at middleweight, Kelly Pavlik is moving up to light heavyweight to face Bernard Hopkins on Oct. 18 in Atlantic City, N.J."

shadio: true boxing fan

[Chairman]

Thanks for the info. I have to agree, why is Hopkins doing this to himself?

Pavlik is in his prime, 30 out of 34 fights have ended with KO's or TKO's.

I'm not excited to see this fight as I would have seeing Pav fight Wright, (which I understand the money wasn't right for wright lol that looks weird typing) or Calzaghe.

However, I will be watching it, bc as you I'm a true boxing fan.

If Pav wins (which I believe Pav will) there are hopes he will face Calzaghe - that will be a good boxing match. Don't care for RJJ vs Pav if Roy we're to win.

[Charlie Murphy]

This fight won't happen, if Joe beats Roy, which he most likely will, then he'll fight Pavlik, Hopkins just needs to give it up, he's had a great career and he'll go down as an all time great.

[Charlie Murphy]

Oh, my bad, just seen the ESPN.com page, this isn't good news for Hopkins.

[ray_glenn]

It's ridiculous that this fight will be on another HBO PPV card. With the cost of everything going up, I can't believe they haven't re-considered going to a non-PPV route or at least tagging the fight along with another one of Arum's big fights.

With so many PPV fights happening in close proximity to each other (JMM vs. Casamayor, Calzhage vs. RJJ, Pavlik vs. Hopkins, Pac-Man vs Valero or Soto), something's going to give (and that's probably the boxing fan's wallet). What the promoters/organizers should do is coordinate these fights and have multiple-headliners on their events, similar to how MMA promoters organize their PPV events. Asking boxing fans to pay $50 a pop for a series of single-headline events is just asking too much.

Even now, we're seeing the ill effects of HBO flooding the market with poorly-stocked PPV events: the July 26 Cotto-Margarito fight (a potential fight of the year candidate, IMHO) isn't generating many buys, and ticket sales are sluggish as well. When the card only has the one worthwhile fight, it's going to be tough convincing the casual boxing fan to pay $50 for something that they'll see on cable in a week's time anyway.

[korey1980]

It's ridiculous that this fight will be on another HBO PPV card. With the cost of everything going up, I can't believe they haven't re-considered going to a non-PPV route or at least tagging the fight along with another one of Arum's big fights.

With so many PPV fights happening in close proximity to each other (JMM vs. Casamayor, Calzhage vs. RJJ, Pavlik vs. Hopkins, Pac-Man vs Valero or Soto), something's going to give (and that's probably the boxing fan's wallet). What the promoters/organizers should do is coordinate these fights and have multiple-headliners on their events, similar to how MMA promoters organize their PPV events. Asking boxing fans to pay $50 a pop for a series of single-headline events is just asking too much.

Even now, we're seeing the ill effects of HBO flooding the market with poorly-stocked PPV events: the July 26 Cotto-Margarito fight (a potential fight of the year candidate, IMHO) isn't generating many buys, and ticket sales are sluggish as well. When the card only has the one worthwhile fight, it's going to be tough convincing the casual boxing fan to pay $50 for something that they'll see on cable in a week's time anyway.

Agreed. I can see Marquez vs Casamayor, and Margo vs Cotto belonging on PPV, but the rest belong on regular HBO. I read an article saying that HBO only did 6 ppv events last year and said they were going to limit the # of ppvs this year as well(which wouldve been nice). Where the hell did that idea go?

[CircleChange11]

IM probly the biggest hopkins fans, i but im so tired of him doing this to himself. I dont want to see this man hurt at 43. I still belive hopkins can win this fight, but WHY WASTE time doing this.


"Unable to secure a meaningful title defense at middleweight, Kelly Pavlik is moving up to light heavyweight to face Bernard Hopkins on Oct. 18 in Atlantic City, N.J."

shadio: true boxing fan

Both fighters are doing it for money ... obviously.

To me, this is a danger fight for Pavlik. Hopkins is crafty, and Pavlik seems to be only doing it for the payday.

After years of not getting his (financial) due, Hopkins seems to be taking any fight that will bring a lot of bones. It's easy for us to say not to do it, but we're not ones receiving the loot.

[warp]

I think Bernard can beat him. I'm going with Bernard. Come on Bernard, end your career on a big win.

[korey1980]

Not that I disagree with B-hop fighting again, but what is he trying to prove by fighting on so long. Hes proved himself to be one of the best middles ever, I'd hate to see him get hurt badly, and thats whats gonna happen(eventually).

[Charlie Murphy]

I think Bernard could beat Pavlik, but to be honest I'd prefer to see Winky and Pavlik fight, then Pavlik vs Calzaghe of course.

[korey1980]

I want Bernard to lose, but not by kayo. This fight would help Pavlik out alot experience wise. Pavlik could definitely learn a few things from a great(but old) fighter like Hopkins. I'll find myself rooting for Bernard just because I admire him for his fighting skills, but I want Kelly to win, simply for the fact that if Kelly losses to Hopkins it would kill the luster of whats goin on in the middleweight division. Its time for "out with the old, in with the new"(imo), and a Hopkins win would kill that from happening in the middle division for awhile. Sorry B-hop, but its past time for you to go.

[PajamasNBeer]

They are both technically great fighters, and around the same height too. But Pavlik is way younger. I'm going to be rooting for him.

[korey1980]

They are both technically great fighters, and around the same height too. But Pavlik is way younger. I'm going to be rooting for him.

Pavlik at middleweight is a freak, but if he decides to venture north as high as light heavyweight, I get the feeling he will be bullied because of his thin frame. A guy like Dawson would be an interesting fight, and would pit Kelly against someone with superior handspeed, and good all-around skills. Dawsons chin is questionable having been down 2 of his last 3 fights. I wouldnt mind watching that fight.

[nickelzdropdimes]

the funny part is Bernard is still fighting and losing in tight decisions..but the losing has kept him relevant...
pavlich is very gifted but he has to play the mind game with hopkins....

[patientsnake]

the funny part is Bernard is still fighting and losing in tight decisions..but the losing has kept him relevant...
pavlich is very gifted but he has to play the mind game with hopkins....

Pavlik just has to go out there and throw his hard straight shots. If he keeps his power at the heavier weight, he can use his long punches to keep Hopkins away. He can keep him from making it too ugly, and possibly stop him in the later rounds.

[korey1980]

Stop Hopkins? psshhhh, ur dreamin. Hopkins defense is imbeded in his brain, and that will not go away, no matter how old he is. Pavlik can outwork Hopkins, but knock him out, no!!! Pavliks right hand will be useless against Hopkins besides for hitting his gloves, arms, and alot of air. Hopkins is way too smart defensively to get caught by Pavlik(imo).

[patientsnake]

Stop Hopkins? psshhhh, ur dreamin. Hopkins defense is imbeded in his brain, and that will not go away, no matter how old he is. Pavlik can outwork Hopkins, but knock him out, no!!! Pavliks right hand will be useless against Hopkins besides for hitting his gloves, arms, and alot of air. Hopkins is way too smart defensively to get caught by Pavlik(imo).

I don't know, Calzaghe landed a lot of punches against him, but he threw a lot too. I think Pavlik can punch more accurately than Calzaghe, and I think he will bring more power. He may not knock him out, but I think it will be a decisive victory, especially if the ref doesn't allow Hopkins to hold all night.

[korey1980]

I don't know, Calzaghe landed a lot of punches against him, but he threw a lot too. I think Pavlik can punch more accurately than Calzaghe, and I think he will bring more power. He may not knock him out, but I think it will be a decisive victory, especially if the ref doesn't allow Hopkins to hold all night.

The difference between Pavlik and Calzaghe's ability to hit Bernard is that Joe throws flurries, and up to 8 shots at a time. Pavliks combos consist of a couple jabs followed by a straight right, he doesnt throw more than 2-3 punches per combo, and thats why he will have a harder time hitting B-hop than Calzaghe. I agree with you about Pavlik winning by ud, because Hopkins cant pull the trigger every opening he sees anymore.

[PajamasNBeer]

The difference between Pavlik and Calzaghe's ability to hit Bernard is that Joe throws flurries, and up to 8 shots at a time. Pavliks combos consist of a couple jabs followed by a straight right, he doesnt throw more than 2-3 punches per combo, and thats why he will have a harder time hitting B-hop than Calzaghe. I agree with you about Pavlik winning by ud, because Hopkins cant pull the trigger every opening he sees anymore.

You took the words out of my mouth. Calzaghe throws 'hissy fit' shots as I like to call them. Pavlik's shots are efficient, accurate, and powerful. There's huge amount of difference. But I still think Pavlik will outwork him anyway.

[nickelzdropdimes]

hopkins is either overdue or overdone...we'll find out that night

[Charlie Murphy]

I'm actually quite looking forward to this fight now, as I feel Hopkins will be like a very, very tough exam, one that I can see Pavlik just about passing, but one that he could easily fail if he's not 100% on his game.

[Goodfella2279]

This fight is again, a no win situation for Pavlik. He beats Hopkins, he beat an old man. He loses, and he lost to an old man. I even read Pavlik did not want this fight but it was the only fight he could make any money with. I would be more excited to see Pavlik fight Abraham. But Hopkins has a name so here we are. To me, this is a fight that could be exciting but I'm not sure. If Kelly comes out somewhat aggressive and uses his size and jab, it could be an interesting fight. But Hopkins is crafty, and even at his age poses a threat. I'll watch it, but I won't pay for it. I'll wait for it on HBO a week later or something. And I do agree that there are many fights that are on PPV that aren't PPV quality fights. I'm sorry, but if you are going to charge 50 bucks for these things, then I'm gonna be very selective.

[AntDawg]

Pavlik by ko.

[shadio3]

hopkins is my most fav boxer & the best boxer to ever live (yeah u heard right). Technicly he never really lost a fight in his life (tell me who hurt hopkins or beat him really). Hopkins has the best defence than any other boxer, even ALI & ray robinson (yep im gonna take it there). He made every fighter he's fought completely change their plans & taken them FARRrrrrr away from their manner of fighting. He was never KOed or hurt or wobbled......never

NOW, i still feel hopkins will beat pavlik, but i just dont want to see my fav fighter who in now 44 stress his body anymore. The media & media fans will try to blur out hopkins greatness, but real HEADS know what hopkins fight game is about. Hopkins wants to prove something to hisself. Kelly is taylormade for hopkins because hopkins is a MASTER COUNTER PUNCHER. HE beat joe with really tight counter punching (comon, we know he beat joe). If meaweather could learn from hopkins he could be complete.

hopkins by dec:

shadio: true boxing fan

[King-Of-Kings]

shadio,

SO you think hopkins never lost to ROy Jones with roy only using 1 hand ? Hopkins has been a great fighter but to say hes never lost is just favortism which i can see why your saying that since he is your hero in the boxing world.

You can credit bhopkins all you want with his spectacular defense but what really wins rounds is activity and hopkins didnt have ACTIVITY vs taylor or calzaghe .

Could he have beaten both fighters ? Yes but his lack of throwing punches and just concentrating on defense lost him both fights. Remember everybody can defend if they only have that in mind and counter punching occasionaly but to win your fights you got to take your man to deep water and unfortunately hopkins doesnt do that because his lack of throwing punches.

Pavlik might just end hopkins career with a brutal beating and thank god cause hopkins age has just made him look real old and has him looking real bad since his prime years.



WHAT I THINK WILL HAPPEN ....

Yes i know what your gonna say, hopkins will counter all day against pavlik and will do so in the early rounds but whats gonna happen when PAVLIK keeps coming and he hits harder than JOE ? Taylor, hits harder than hopkins and couldnt finish pavlik so you think hopkins can ?

THe only advantage that hopkins has and its the only one coming in this fight is that ...
THe fight will be at 175 and it will be pavliks first time at that weight. If its at 168 then say goodbye to your DEFENSIVE LEGEND.

[reppa]

This fight is again, a no win situation for Pavlik. He beats Hopkins, he beat an old man. He loses, and he lost to an old man. I even read Pavlik did not want this fight but it was the only fight he could make any money with. I would be more excited to see Pavlik fight Abraham. But Hopkins has a name so here we are. To me, this is a fight that could be exciting but I'm not sure. If Kelly comes out somewhat aggressive and uses his size and jab, it could be an interesting fight. But Hopkins is crafty, and even at his age poses a threat. I'll watch it, but I won't pay for it. I'll wait for it on HBO a week later or something. And I do agree that there are many fights that are on PPV that aren't PPV quality fights. I'm sorry, but if you are going to charge 50 bucks for these things, then I'm gonna be very selective.

Agreed. I like both of these fighters, but smart money has to go with Pavlik on this one. I just don't want to see Hopkins get hurt. I mean I felt bad when Cotto was in bad shape and all beaten up. I do not want to see Hopkins like that at all. And you know Kelly is going in there to make a point and stop him.

[nickelzdropdimes]

Pavlik by ko.


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whens the last time you saw hopkins out for the count.....never?


IMO BHOP is in this fight to see if he can get a chance to fight RJJ....people would love to see it even tho its a long shot............the one rematch he couldnt get......

regardless, in the later rds pavilik should win this..UD

[patientsnake]

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whens the last time you saw hopkins out for the count.....never?


IMO BHOP is in this fight to see if he can get a chance to fight RJJ....people would love to see it even tho its a long shot............the one rematch he couldnt get......

regardless, in the later rds pavilik should win this..UD

I think Pavlik does have a chance to KO Hopkins. Yeah, he hasn't been KOed, but he is aging and fighting a fighter with power.

[shadio3]

[QUOTE=King-Of-Kings]shadio,

SO you think hopkins never lost to ROy Jones with roy only using 1 hand ? Hopkins has been a great fighter but to say hes never lost is just favortism which i can see why your saying that since he is your hero in the boxing world.

You can credit bhopkins all you want with his spectacular defense but what really wins rounds is activity and hopkins didnt have ACTIVITY vs taylor or calzaghe .

Could he have beaten both fighters ? Yes but his lack of throwing punches and just concentrating on defense lost him both fights. Remember everybody can defend if they only have that in mind and counter punching occasionaly but to win your fights you got to take your man to deep water and unfortunately hopkins doesnt do that because his lack of throwing punches.

Pavlik might just end hopkins career with a brutal beating and thank god cause hopkins age has just made him look real old and has him looking real bad since his prime years.



hopkins vs roy was my most very best fight of all TIME. See im a fan of BOXING, TIMING, MASTER COUNTERS. what you people call boring fights, i call great fights (love em). When you have two master boxers in the ring it really turnes into a major chess match (TIGHT). Barely anyone really touches each other & this keeps my eyes open the whole match. NOW the match with hopkins vs roy you really half to have a clear eye because i had it close. ROY was on top of his game during that time & he KNEW he was dealin with somethin dif with hopkins. Roy threw punches that made shessssh shess sounds, but he nmever really landed flush with anything. Hopkins like always clipped roy a few short inside shots......nobody ever catches them because hopkins is soooo slick.

hopkins is a true master boxer. I knew from wayyy back that hopkins was not only a strong fighter, but a very underated SKILLED boxer.


shadio: trie boxing fan

[Charlie Murphy]

Shadio, Hopkins clearly lost to Jones, and to Taylor in the first fight, and to Calzaghe (c'mon people, we KNOW Joe won that fight clearly) but he is a great fighter, no doubt about it, and I'm the same as you, I never think a fight's boring, I love to see the technical side of things, but your saying that Jones-Hopkins compares to something like Castillo-Corrales 1?....NO, just NO, not even close.

[korey1980]

hopkins vs roy was my most very best fight of all TIME.
hopkins is a true master boxer. I knew from wayyy back that hopkins was not only a strong fighter, but a very underated SKILLED boxer.


shadio: trie boxing fan[/QUOTE]

I enjoyed that fight as well. There was no gore, but it was intriging because both men were soooo hard to hit flush in their primes. Jones dictated the pace of the fight, and landed alot of body shots. I thought Hopkins took a few too many rounds off for the fight to be very close(imo).

Hopkins is a different kind of fighter. Even at 43, he cannot be blown out, even though his output is limited. He keeps anyone he fights very honest, and thats why I think he could actually win this fight, and possibly by kayo. If Pavlik gets too comfortable in ther and tries too lets his hands go in a carless manner, he will get abused by old man Hopkins. Hopkins defense doesnt allow him to take a beating, so I'm predicting a Hopkins to shock Pavlik and hand him his first loss. Honestly, would it even be shocking if Hopkins won? I dont think so.

[BANKY]

I don't think its close.

Pavlik to KO Hopkins in 8 and end his career.

[shadio3]

Shadio, Hopkins clearly lost to Jones, and to Taylor in the first fight, and to Calzaghe (c'mon people, we KNOW Joe won that fight clearly) but he is a great fighter, no doubt about it, and I'm the same as you, I never think a fight's boring, I love to see the technical side of things, but your saying that Jones-Hopkins compares to something like Castillo-Corrales 1?....NO, just NO, not even close.

in each of those fights hopkins landed the more flush shots & always hurts his opponents. Yeah hopkins waits to much, but it's a beautiful thing when he lets his hands go. Hopkins tries to make each punch count. EACH punch causes the most damage when his in the clintch (hopkins is just the best).

LIKE i said fights like castillo-corrales are the beer drinking chillin with your boys throwdown type of fights. When i want to watch a skilled base fight where you can posibly learn somethin, then fights like hopkins-jones is beautiful to watch (i enjoy this more). I LOVE fights that just go the 12 rd's with two masters showing the game of chess & the guessing game. THAT's boxing, that skill, that's art in the ring........i know both of those fighters (hokins & jones) would meet again sooner or later. Hopkins beats pavilk & roy beats JOE then we will see the art all over again (hopkins vs roy 2).....

shadio: true boxing fan

[reppa]

At the very least I see Pavlik winning by UD imo. Not to take anything away from Hopkins, but Pavlik will be too busy and Hopkins won't be busy enough. Hopkins is going to have some power coming his way (unlike Calzaghe) so I hope for his sake he doesn't go with the same gameplan that he fought Calzaghe with.

[BANKY]

in each of those fights hopkins landed the more flush shots & always hurts his opponents. Yeah hopkins waits to much, but it's a beautiful thing when he lets his hands go. Hopkins tries to make each punch count. EACH punch causes the most damage when his in the clintch (hopkins is just the best).

LIKE i said fights like castillo-corrales are the beer drinking chillin with your boys throwdown type of fights. When i want to watch a skilled base fight where you can posibly learn somethin, then fights like hopkins-jones is beautiful to watch (i enjoy this more). I LOVE fights that just go the 12 rd's with two masters showing the game of chess & the guessing game. THAT's boxing, that skill, that's art in the ring........i know both of those fighters (hokins & jones) would meet again sooner or later. Hopkins beats pavilk & roy beats JOE then we will see the art all over again (hopkins vs roy 2).....

shadio: true boxing fan
That's just optimism bro. You know it. roy may be joe, but no way does hopkins beat pav. For all the reasons that reppa just said. Hopkins is just not busy enough and he is gonna get in their with an ACTION fighter like Margarito who will throw bombs. If Hopkins beats Pav, he gets ranked as one of the top 2 fighters of his generation, at least in my book.

[yango]

Pavlik in a boring 12 round decision, Hopkins is done.

[reppa]

Shadio,
you're a big Hopkins fan. I know he's in great shape, but in your opinion, how much do you think he had left in the tank against Calzaghe? I'm asking because he is gonna have to be a lot more busy against Pavlik and if he has it in him, than we may have an exciting fight. On one hand I don't think we are going to see anything different from Hopkins than we did on his last time out, but on the other hand I feel like we might see an energized Hopkins like the one that fought Tarver.

[korey1980]

Shadio,
you're a big Hopkins fan. I know he's in great shape, but in your opinion, how much do you think he had left in the tank against Calzaghe? I'm asking because he is gonna have to be a lot more busy against Pavlik and if he has it in him, than we may have an exciting fight. On one hand I don't think we are going to see anything different from Hopkins than we did on his last time out, but on the other hand I feel like we might see an energized Hopkins like the one that fought Tarver.

The only way Hopkins beats Kelly is by kayo. And it isnt out of question, because Kelly was pretty much out on his feet vs Taylor. However, if Hopkins does get Kelly hurt its very questionable that he will have the gas to finish him off. If it goes 12 rounds, I would have to say Kelly wins by UD. I'll be pulling for B-hop. And I cannot see Pavlik kayoing Hopkins. He has never been hurt badly or down in his career, and has been in with bigger punchers at middleweight and light-heavy. Hopkins getting kayoed is not gonna happen.

[King-Of-Kings]

hopkins doesnt pull the trigger which has haunt him in his last couple of fights.

Hopkins execution that he puts on his opponents are long gone.

[reppa]

The only way Hopkins beats Kelly is by kayo. And it isnt out of question, because Kelly was pretty much out on his feet vs Taylor. However, if Hopkins does get Kelly hurt its very questionable that he will have the gas to finish him off. If it goes 12 rounds, I would have to say Kelly wins by UD. I'll be pulling for B-hop. And I cannot see Pavlik kayoing Hopkins. He has never been hurt badly or down in his career, and has been in with bigger punchers at middleweight and light-heavy. Hopkins getting kayoed is not gonna happen.


Good points korey. To be honest, I really don't know if Hopkins can hurt Pavlik or not. I mean his last KO was against Oscar, but who knows.


hopkins doesnt pull the trigger which has haunt him in his last couple of fights.

Hopkins execution that he puts on his opponents are long gone.

:thumbsup: That was pretty good. Is it safe to say that he just doesn't have it or is he saving it?

[korey1980]

I cant overlook Hopkins. I thought Tarver was going to beat him with relative ease, and Joe to do the same. He does alot of subtle things in the ring that make him still an elite fighter. He will never be an easy fight for anyone.

[Goodfella2279]

I have tremendous respect for Hopkins and what he did over his career. He is one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time with all his title defenses. But Bernard, throughout his career, is his own worst enemy. He's got all the skill in the world, but he chooses to only fight occasionally and therefore give up rounds that he probably could have won if he would just let his hands go. But in his mind he won the round simply by not getting hit clean. If no clean punches land, the judges then usually look at who was more aggresive and busy. That usually isn't Hopkins until the latter half of the fight. The Taylor fights were all very winnable for B-Hop, as well as the fight with Calzaghe. Also, after Hopkins beat Trinidad and was poised to become a true superstar with an all time great performance (I'm a huge Trinidad fan and even I have to admit that Hopkins beat him in every facet of the game in that fight and looked borderline flawless) he had issues with his trainer, took fights against mandatories instead of some more interesting fights (rematch with Jones) and really squandered the opprtunities that the great performance could have gotten him for a time. Of course, he has rebounded and has been fighting excellent opposition lately, so I can't fault him too much. But unless Hopkins fights a flawless fight, I don't see him being busy enough to beat Pavlik.

[Rainmaker]

If Hop doesn't let his hands fly he's going to be in trouble. There's no doubting his place in history and everyone respects and appreciates him but he's in trouble against the guy who is leading the charge of new superstars.