Any of you give Hopkins a chance of pulling out another Tarver fight.

Or has his time come to an end..

I think it's over. I liked B-Hop until recent years and he just hung around too long.Sure he had a great victory over Tarver but he was no spring chicken either. Kelly is a totally different animal then Tarver.

Tarver's output is way lower than Pavliks, look at what Dawson was able to do to him. I don't think what Hopkins did to Tarver gives anything close to what will happen in this fight. I also think it will be like all of Hopkins fights of late, Bernard loses because of low output and cries about it.

I dont believe Hopkins still has the legs to do a job on Pavlik.

Hopkins would beat Tarver if they were fighting tomorrow, Pavliks made of tougher stuff.

I did read the thread wrong if anyones confused

I think he'll have to stop Pavlik to beat him. You never know though. It's definitely going to be worth watching.

Hopkins has more than a good chance, the only way i see it happening is by the usual hopkins way, make it an ugly wrestling fight, throw about 15-20 punches a round 10-15 of them in the last 30 seconds and just simply run the rest of the time and wait for pavlik to make a mistake, if it never comes let it go to the cards and if you loose bitch about the judging. I personally think pavlik will be over anxious and frustrated early but catches him in the middle rounds. A younger b-hop i think could weather it but this b-hop won't and pavlik (a white-boy no less) stops him for the first time. But i also picked peter so who knows.

Tarver is way too scared to pull the trigger for him to beat Hopkins EVER, Hopkins would feint him out of his socks on any night IMO. Pavlik has less craft then Tarver, but he is has way more will power, he throws a lot more, and he isn't gay. IMO its like comparing Margarito and Judah and how they did against Cotto.

That being said I think Pavlik should start off tomorrow night with a lower workrate like Calzaghe did, I fear that if he tries to come in right away he will be countered, take ayour time, get used to Hopkins timing, and realize you are going to get countered, but you will be countered a lot less if you fight smart and make sure Hopkins doesn't find his range.

I do think Pavlik is going to be frustrated a lot more then most think. I think the key for Hopkins is going to be how he reacts to the jab. Whether he can block it, whether he can time it over the top with the right like Taylor and Miranda had success doing. That's important because Kelly's entire offense is off the jab, it's what he uses to space his right hand, it's his range finder, it's also a very hard jab and against Taylor the second time around he was missing the first jab and then starting over. Have to keep the pressure on with the jab if not then Hopkins will be able to slow down Pavlik enough to take some rounds and make it interesting. Surely Hopkins has seen this and more, he's going to come with a gameplan as he always does and it is entirely possible that he pulls off another upset at least makes it close.

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Originally Posted by amat

I do think Pavlik is going to be frustrated a lot more then most think. I think the key for Hopkins is going to be how he reacts to the jab. Whether he can block it, whether he can time it over the top with the right like Taylor and Miranda had success doing. That's important because Kelly's entire offense is off the jab, it's what he uses to space his right hand, it's his range finder, it's also a very hard jab and against Taylor the second time around he was missing the first jab and then starting over. Have to keep the pressure on with the jab if not then Hopkins will be able to slow down Pavlik enough to take some rounds and make it interesting. Surely Hopkins has seen this and more, he's going to come with a gameplan as he always does and it is entirely possible that he pulls off another upset at least makes it close.

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This is a very good analysis, it should also be interesting to see how well Pavlik can utilize that jab against a moving target, its a lot more tricky, and a guy who is much ligher on his feet then Taylor or Miranda which means that Hopkins can counter at any moment, and he is as focused as anyone in boxing has ever been, he sees everything and reacts in a heartbeat.

I give Hopkins a chance. We don't yet know how Pavlik will fare against someone as awkward as Hopkins.

I'd love to see the old warhorse beat the young lion, to my knowledge I can't think of any 44 year old former champ in the history of boxing who took on and beat an undisputed world champ in his prime.

Great way for Hopkins to end his career.

Unlikely to happen I guess, but he may well confuse the hell out of Pavlik we just don't know for sure.

The weight may be significant. Pavlik didn't look too hot the last time out against Jermain Taylor, a little sluggish and lethargic at times.

I'm rooting for the Nard but you got to give Pavlik the edge.

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Originally Posted by amat

I do think Pavlik is going to be frustrated a lot more then most think. I think the key for Hopkins is going to be how he reacts to the jab. Whether he can block it, whether he can time it over the top with the right like Taylor and Miranda had success doing. That's important because Kelly's entire offense is off the jab, it's what he uses to space his right hand, it's his range finder, it's also a very hard jab and against Taylor the second time around he was missing the first jab and then starting over. Have to keep the pressure on with the jab if not then Hopkins will be able to slow down Pavlik enough to take some rounds and make it interesting. Surely Hopkins has seen this and more, he's going to come with a gameplan as he always does and it is entirely possible that he pulls off another upset at least makes it close.

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As soon as this fight was announced I remember saying in a thread that Pavlik could be frustrated by Hopkins style. Pavlik likes to fight, stop him from fighting (like I think Hopkins will) and he will start making silly mistakes and get countered and lose rounds.

Never say never with Bernard if he did win boy would it shake things up.

Pavliks fighting an oldman so should win. Kelly is a top fighter but this fight does nothing - its just beating a name.

Calzaghe only just beat him and i thought Bernard edged it as the champ so its more than just beating a name if Pavlik wins.

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Originally Posted by WelshDevilRob

Pavliks fighting an oldman so should win. Kelly is a top fighter but this fight does nothing - its just beating a name.

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I don't believe that. I mean of the 3 losses in his last 5 none were a case of just beating a name.

2 were by split decision and all of them are debatable losses in the eyes of some.

I thought he lost all 3 personally but you certainly can't say he's an easy test for anyone, much less a young champ like Pavlik who has only fought one world class opponent in his career thus far in Jermain Taylor.

It's a risky fight for Kelly.

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Originally Posted by Taeth

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Originally Posted by amat

I do think Pavlik is going to be frustrated a lot more then most think. I think the key for Hopkins is going to be how he reacts to the jab. Whether he can block it, whether he can time it over the top with the right like Taylor and Miranda had success doing. That's important because Kelly's entire offense is off the jab, it's what he uses to space his right hand, it's his range finder, it's also a very hard jab and against Taylor the second time around he was missing the first jab and then starting over. Have to keep the pressure on with the jab if not then Hopkins will be able to slow down Pavlik enough to take some rounds and make it interesting. Surely Hopkins has seen this and more, he's going to come with a gameplan as he always does and it is entirely possible that he pulls off another upset at least makes it close.

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This is a very good analysis, it should also be interesting to see how well Pavlik can utilize that jab against a moving target, its a lot more tricky, and a guy who is much ligher on his feet then Taylor or Miranda which means that Hopkins can counter at any moment, and he is as focused as anyone in boxing has ever been, he sees everything and reacts in a heartbeat.

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Yeah, plus Pavlik pushes a lazy jab out there sometimes just so he can use it to find his range, Hopkins has the ability to counter right over the top of it and then get out of there. This is definitely Pavlik's toughest test because Hopkins is so cerebral, JT could match him physically and was very athletic but he essentially fought the fight that Pavlik wanted him to fight both times.

With that being said, Calzaghe's jab was very effective against Hopkins but that was more because it corrected Calzaghe's own issues of squaring up and getting wide from the outside more then it affected Hopkins.

Ive come off the fence a week ago and now am actually standing by a Hopkins victory.I think Hopkins will literally be forced to fight with more leverage,realizing Pavliks strength and what he brings,and as much of a head game that he wants to be for Pavlik,equally he can not be a mind game for himself....do not ride on your legacy and take shite for granted thinking he can pot shot all night.At first Kelly will look to bring a fast KO as is his mindset.Hopkins will be the most awkward,experienced,multi-geared fighter Pavlik has ever fought,even though those gears are an aged 43 and I think Hopkins will catch him coming straight in and Pavlik Backing up is an ineffective Pavlik,I think he might just come to a point where he is stuck in between styles off counter punches from Hopkins and a bit uncertain how to change up,becoming entangled in Hopkins pace,He was walked around those ropes in rematch with Taylor and that will be a factor imo....Pavlik fights,he comes in and looks to assert his youth & power on his opponents and overwhelm them.Honestly,he should come off that long jab and look for a home with body hooks early & often,I think he'll have more effect there as opposed to the head.Maybe I'm off the meds or just living on Memories of a prime Hopkins but I see him honing all of those long toothed skills/mentality and spinging a surprise.I very well could be wrong .No excuses either way.

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

I give Hopkins a chance. We don't yet know how Pavlik will fare against someone as awkward as Hopkins.

I'd love to see the old warhorse beat the young lion, to my knowledge I can't think of any 44 year old former champ in the history of boxing who took on and beat an undisputed world champ in his prime.

Great way for Hopkins to end his career.

Unlikely to happen I guess, but he may well confuse the hell out of Pavlik we just don't know for sure.

The weight may be significant. Pavlik didn't look too hot the last time out against Jermain Taylor, a little sluggish and lethargic at times.

I'm rooting for the Nard but you got to give Pavlik the edge.

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I'm putting my bet on Hopkins. I don't know but I see something in him that would make Pavlik ineffective. I'm predicting a late KO in this fight. Pavlik's jabs would not not work with Hopkins' style.:cool:

Recently I've noticed Hopkins doesn't slip or counter as much as he used too he simply blocks punches with his hands high.The only slipping he still does is slip outside of the jab and come back with a right hand what I like to call rock and roll. You can't do that all the time against Kelly he is to tall and will make you pay.Tarver is taller but being a southpaw is much easier to hit with a right hand what Hopkins was able to do all night. With Hopkins' hands being high and just blocking Kelly will be punching threw the gloves and still rattling that 43 year old brain and this is where my prediction comes in.I don't think he can take that type of punishment anymore.He must move, move, move,box,box,box. Again something I don't think he can do.For me he has to fight like the young Bernard put pressure on Pavlik constantly move forward and throw combination's inside. The Executioner will be Executed.

:fighting0043gi5:

The only way hopkins wins is to cheat, period.

NO. less than 24 hrs til bhops retirement.;D

Hopkins still has good footwork and hand speed. Pavlik will be frustrated but everybody is frustrated when they fight Bernard. The best thing for Pavlik to do is catch him on the ropes. If Hopkins moves a lot just throw one or two punches and make sure they are accurate. Don't unload any big number of combos unless you tire him and have him on the ropes.

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Originally Posted by The Fightfan

Recently I've noticed Hopkins doesn't slip or counter as much as he used too he simply blocks punches with his hands high.The only slipping he still does is slip outside of the jab and come back with a right hand what I like to call rock and roll. You can't do that all the time against Kelly he is to tall and will make you pay.Tarver is taller but being a southpaw is much easier to hit with a right hand what Hopkins was able to do all night. With Hopkins' hands being high and just blocking Kelly will be punching threw the gloves and still rattling that 43 year old brain and this is where my prediction comes in.I don't think he can take that type of punishment anymore.He must move, move, move,box,box,box. Again something I don't think he can do.For me he has to fight like the young Bernard put pressure on Pavlik constantly move forward and throw combination's inside. The Executioner will be Executed.

:fighting0043gi5:

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Good analysis, Hop hasn't fought orthodox opp for a while. All i feel pavlik needs to do is apply steady pressurre without going nuts, maybe even try and do some mauling/wrestling himself until Hop gets tired late on, just make sure he makes the old man work for the first rounds while not getting caught with anything stupid.

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Originally Posted by Bomp

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Originally Posted by The Fightfan

Recently I've noticed Hopkins doesn't slip or counter as much as he used too he simply blocks punches with his hands high.The only slipping he still does is slip outside of the jab and come back with a right hand what I like to call rock and roll. You can't do that all the time against Kelly he is to tall and will make you pay.Tarver is taller but being a southpaw is much easier to hit with a right hand what Hopkins was able to do all night. With Hopkins' hands being high and just blocking Kelly will be punching threw the gloves and still rattling that 43 year old brain and this is where my prediction comes in.I don't think he can take that type of punishment anymore.He must move, move, move,box,box,box. Again something I don't think he can do.For me he has to fight like the young Bernard put pressure on Pavlik constantly move forward and throw combination's inside. The Executioner will be Executed.

:fighting0043gi5:

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Good analysis, Hop hasn't fought orthodox opp for a while. All i feel pavlik needs to do is apply steady pressurre without going nuts, maybe even try and do some mauling/wrestling himself until Hop gets tired late on, just make sure he makes the old man work for the first rounds while not getting caught with anything stupid.

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i think it was kellys trainer said that "were bringing in a wrestler" which is bad for bhop cause that will cause him to use the stamina which is limited at his age. im gonna say a 9th or 10th round tko.

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Originally Posted by Taeth

That being said I think Pavlik should start off tomorrow night with a lower workrate like Calzaghe did, I fear that if he tries to come in right away he will be countered, take ayour time, get used to Hopkins timing, and realize you are going to get countered, but you will be countered a lot less if you fight smart and make sure Hopkins doesn't find his range.

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I agree Pavlik should be cautious, but not lower it too much, his output will naturally be lowered by Hopkins footwork anyway. Joe lowered his output in an attempt to sit on his punches more so they'd have more effect at the heavier weight, didn't work for him at all IMO as he couldn't land them because they were coming wider and more telegraphed than the punches in bunches he usually threw. Joe would have won much morecomforatably if he did what he usually does with a high output looking to just touch Hopkins for the first half before taking advantage of the tired older man later on.

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Originally Posted by Bomp

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Originally Posted by The Fightfan

Recently I've noticed Hopkins doesn't slip or counter as much as he used too he simply blocks punches with his hands high.The only slipping he still does is slip outside of the jab and come back with a right hand what I like to call rock and roll. You can't do that all the time against Kelly he is to tall and will make you pay.Tarver is taller but being a southpaw is much easier to hit with a right hand what Hopkins was able to do all night. With Hopkins' hands being high and just blocking Kelly will be punching threw the gloves and still rattling that 43 year old brain and this is where my prediction comes in.I don't think he can take that type of punishment anymore.He must move, move, move,box,box,box. Again something I don't think he can do.For me he has to fight like the young Bernard put pressure on Pavlik constantly move forward and throw combination's inside. The Executioner will be Executed.

:fighting0043gi5:

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Good analysis, Hop hasn't fought orthodox opp for a while. All i feel pavlik needs to do is apply steady pressurre without going nuts, maybe even try and do some mauling/wrestling himself until Hop gets tired late on, just make sure he makes the old man work for the first rounds while not getting caught with anything stupid.

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Good to tire Grey beard Hopkins out but to much laying in with tussle & Maul might be a risky venture,I think Pavlik should just do what he does best and try to keep Hopkins on his heels with steady pressure,working those legs & body,body.Good Idea for Pav to hone up on inside tactics,no doubt Hopkins will try to use that.I can see a rough affair.

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Originally Posted by WelshDevilRob

Pavliks fighting an oldman so should win. Kelly is a top fighter but this fight does nothing - its just beating a name.

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So does Joe Calzaghe's win over Bernard Hopkins mean nothing aswell ? and its just a win over an old name ? because Joe Calzaghe fans hold that win in high regard. So if Kelly Pavlik stops Bernard Hopkins or beats him more convincingly, doesn't Kelly Pavlik deserve more credit ?

I hope Hopkins wins but Pavlik is smart and will not fall into the traps that Hopkins will set. He will out work him and win on points.

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Originally Posted by ICB

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Originally Posted by WelshDevilRob

Pavliks fighting an oldman so should win. Kelly is a top fighter but this fight does nothing - its just beating a name.

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So does Joe Calzaghe's win over Bernard Hopkins mean nothing aswell ? and its just a win over an old name ? because Joe Calzaghe fans hold that win in high regard. So if Kelly Pavlik stops Bernard Hopkins or beats him more convincingly, doesn't Kelly Pavlik deserve more credit ?

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Well said!

I say the same for pavlik as i did for calzaghe.

There is no way hopkins is simply a past it old man.

Look how he bashed tarver, he bashed wright and put up a great performance against calzaghe, i only had 1 round in it for calzaghe.

Considering how calzaghe beat kessler and lacy, then compare to how he beat hopkins, it just shows how good nard is!

Nard makes everyone look crap, he is extremely negative and i think is probably more dangerous now in his old age than he was before. He never relied on speed and stamina to do his work for him, hes always been a tactictition and a chess player in the ring. Now that hes older and his stamina has left him he relies more so on negative boxing and tactics as well as dirtiness and fouling...i think this makes him even more awkward than he was before tbh.

If kelly bashes nard then he should call out calzaghe THERE AND THEN!

Calzaghe vs pavlik is the fight everyone wants to see, this is the true defining fight of calzaghe's carreer if he can beat a prime pavlik and add it to the rest of the names hes fought and beaten.

In my opinion only when calzaghe fights and beats (if he beats) pavlik can he be called greatest super middle weight ever and have claim to the p4p number 1 spot, not until then though!

I think kelly will beat hopkins tonight because his stamina will be the key issue.

Kelly has great stamina. I think nard has a massive advantage with experience and can nullify kelly's attack, i dont think this is where he can be beaten as hes dealt with so many other great fighters attacks and totally nullified them as well. But i see nard's stamina going (as it did in the calzaghe fight) around the 7th-8th and then really dropping in the last 2 rounds...i cant see him winning the last 2 rounds at all.

There is always the possibility nard can ko pavlik, pavlik doesnt have as good a chin as calzaghe and nard knocked calzaghe down on the floor with a swift sharp right counter, he will aim to do the same with pavlik...this is where his chance is. But as the fight goes on, i cant see how nard can stop it slipping away from him, even if he does implement all the fouls/dirty tricks in the book (which i know he will lol).

Anyway, its a great fight because it will prove how good kelly pavlik is.

If kelly wins then he MUST call joe calzaghe out and make everyone hear him!!!

We must see a calzaghe vs pavlik fight, then the fans can truly decide how much each fighter is worth.

Of course though, if nard wins then thats pretty much pavlik screwed, he wont get a chance with calzaghe and after calzaghe disposes of jones he will simply retire. It will be a shame for boxing if nard wins because it ruins kely's chances of a bigger fight against calzaghe which is what everyone wants to see.

Anyway, may the best man win!:)

i think hopkins can do it again

OMG Hopkins is looking fu**ing great. Can he keep it up?

He Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pavlik was pathetic, we have all seen what he can do in the past. Anyone else not see this bullshit?

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Originally Posted by Kel

Pavlik was pathetic, we have all seen what he can do in the past. Anyone else not see this bullshit?

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Sorry, but that is a stupid thing to say. Give Hopkins some credit. He took away all of Pavlik's tools my out-smarting, out-maneuvoring, and out-punching him.

damn i underestimated hopkins and he is one of my fav fighters of all time. either way im pleased.

I think a lot of you owe some rep damn it.