What's your prediction?
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What's your prediction?
I think its going to be a close fight but if B hop can take Kovalevs power I don't see why he cant win this on points. Kovalev hasn't fought anybody on the level of Hopkins and Hopkins is a lot more experienced especially fighting championship level fights. Kovalev is use to blasting everybody out in the ring but when has B hop been close to being stopped? I cant remember off the top of my head that ever happening. Im pretty sure Kovalev hasn't even been past 10 rounds before?? Whos to say that hes going to be as good as he is at the start of the fight at the end? We don't know this at all and that's a fact because hes never seen the later rounds.
There is always the risk that Kovalev could blast Hopkins out like he has been doing to all of his fighters but I think B hop will be too clever to let that happen and could this frustrate Kovalev? Kovalev is a good boxer though, hes patient and the knockout happens from his heavy hands and he sets up his work nicely, hat's why I expect this to be a close fight. But B hop will need to do everything to take away Kovalevs danger punches and try and outbox
Kovalev.
Im picking B hop in a close fight but his experience will be the deciding factor.
Prediction:
Hopkins with his designer PEDS survives the 12 rounds with the help of his friend Steve Smoger. Then the judges rob Kovalev.
or:
Hopkins puts on an act and Smoger gives him a DQ win.
I'm betting on Hop. I think you could tell from their interviews and demeanor that Kov will show too much respect and doubt himself. He has already said that even if he loses he will improve because he will learn in that fight. At the elite level, doubt like that is usually REALLY bad for your prospect of winning. I look for Hop to constantly move and win a decision. He is going to catch Kov at some point early and make him think too much, which will allow Hop to set the pace, avoid the big shots, and get the decision. Worst fight for Kov to take, as I think he destroys Adonis...
Keep Steve Smogger out of the building. I think he has a thang for Hopkins.
What I don't want to see is Hopkins patting another fighter on the back after he just made a fool out of them.
Hoping for a good, clean, hard fought match. What more can you ask for.
I think Kovalev will win but I would be supporting Hopkins.
Well, I've predicted a points win for Hopkins, but I could easily wake up tomorrow and think he's gonna get KO'd! He always tends to get a ref that lets him hold and stop an opponents tempo. To be fair, who wouldn't in his shoes. I've criticised him in the past, but the minute he gets through the ropes for this fight, he has my total respect, win , lose or draw!
Not since Pascal 1 have I seen Hopkins in real danger. He came back and won that fight tho in my book.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tam Seddon
One thing I find worrisome for Hopkins is John David Jackson in the other corner. Those two know each other very well and have a long history working together. Also, hop stopped Jackson and credits him with teaching how tonight southpaws. Interesting fight the more I look at it.
Very good point. I'd never thought of that. Surely JDJ knows a lot about how Hopkins fights and thinks.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeeod
I gave up on picking against Hopkins a long time ago ;D Go The Alien ;)
I Got B Hop in this one. Kovalev is too much of a straight forward fighter, I fully expect Bernard to frustrate him and have him chasing him around the ring. Kovalev will chase and Bernard will stick n move, kovalev chases and bernard pops him with the one two and clinches. I truly believe that will be the story of the fight
Every time I've tipped against Hopkins he's cost me money - Trinidad, Tarver, Pavlik. But I just can't see how anyone at 49 can handle Kovalev's power. Brave man to take him on.
It's one of two things. Hopkins sees something in Kovalev that he is confident he can exploit or he was forced to make the decision rather than vacate a title to accommodate Haymon. I have to think it's the former. I like Hopkins in this fight on the cards.
What were the opening odds?
I agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by Tam Seddon
All those guys saying Kovalev will blast Hopkins out, should keep quiet and are not to be taken seriously because they don't know boxing.
If this fight was made 15 years ago, then it's 70-30 fight in Hopkins favour
Hopkins ages makes it a 55-45 in Hopkins favour
O SURE - The odds makers will make Kovalev a strong favourite. But no-one can tell me that Kovalev brings a more awesome repuation and stronger credentials than Trindad or even Pavlik at the time, who were also thought of as huge punchers.
Not to mention top class fighters like Chad Dawson, Tarver, Winky Wright and I have not even mentioned...De-La Hoya
If I was Kovalev ear, I'd tell him "DON'T DO IT"
He little to gain and everything to lose. It's simple he has to DESTROY hopkins, he has to do what he did to Cleverly or knock him out, Pac Man Vs Hatton style
Anything other than that and Hopkins will come out the moral victor
And should he get beat (Which I think Kovalev will) then no fighter is every the same after Hopkins beats them
Then Hopkins retires A.S.A.P
He has a huge amount to gain though, kovalev as far as I remember has 1 world title belt, hopkins has 2, if kovalev wins he will have 3(one will probably strip him for fun though), if he beats hopkins he has unified 3 of the belts, that's pretty major and if he can hold onto them and set up a fight with stevenson for all 4 belts that would be even bigger than it was going to be :S I think you are way off saying kovalev has nothing to gain.. Even if hopkins makes him look bad but kovalev gets the win he is still left with all those belts and can make some huge money.. You even said youself because of hopkins age it is a 55-45 fight in hopkins favour, that's a pretty good bet considering the rewards for kovalev :SQuote:
Originally Posted by denilson200
Wait a minute. I don't know anything about boxing and nobody takes me seriously because I think that kovalev beats bhop with ease? I'm offended :(Quote:
Originally Posted by denilson200I agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by Tam Seddon
All those guys saying Kovalev will blast Hopkins out, should keep quiet and are not to be taken seriously because they don't know boxing.
If this fight was made 15 years ago, then it's 70-30 fight in Hopkins favour
Hopkins ages makes it a 55-45 in Hopkins favour
O SURE - The odds makers will make Kovalev a strong favourite. But no-one can tell me that Kovalev brings a more awesome repuation and stronger credentials than Trindad or even Pavlik at the time, who were also thought of as huge punchers.
Not to mention top class fighters like Chad Dawson, Tarver, Winky Wright and I have not even mentioned...De-La Hoya
If I was Kovalev ear, I'd tell him "DON'T DO IT"
He little to gain and everything to lose. It's simple he has to DESTROY hopkins, he has to do what he did to Cleverly or knock him out, Pac Man Vs Hatton style
Anything other than that and Hopkins will come out the moral victor
And should he get beat (Which I think Kovalev will) then no fighter is every the same after Hopkins beats them
Then Hopkins retires A.S.A.P
Kovalev should win, but if Hopkins can get through the first half, maybe something will happen to Kovalev. He is so used to stopping his opponents early, that it's hard to tell how he will look over the long haul against a mover like Hopkins. My feeling is that if Kovalev lands hard and early, Hopkins is going to be wondering why he isn't smoking a pipe and wearing slippers.
It's an intriguing fight and I am impressed and surprised that Hopkins is taking it. Props to the man.
I won't root against Hopkins and have been a fan since he was the snaggle tooth hooded assassin trying to behead people on USA and BET. But I think Kovalev is a dangerous mix of savvy power boxing and unshakable confidence that he has not faced in a very very long time. On physicality alone Hopkins will feel every bit 50 yrs old on heavy legs when he tries the inside wrestling and spinning out for one sniper right hand. Way too much is being pumped up about blasting out and raw power and frankly Kathy Duva needs to stfu. Kovalev doesn't need that false confidence garbage or to short change himself on boxing ability. Power isn't a thing unless you can deliver and set up against a mobile and multi geared guy. Kovalev does these subtle adjustments himself, half steps off double jabs to head-body and never neglects straight punches to the body. He doesn't need or want to load up or frankly aim for the head..just natural sapping type punch and flow to the body, chest and move a guy into position for capper. This isn't a one dimensional Cloud or a self doubting and reluctant Shumenov and equally Kovalev has never been in with the experience and battle plan round table of a boxing mind that is Hopkins, but at the end of the day and Hell freezing over I think Kovalev has what it takes to naturally wear him down with a harsh accumulative effect and capitalize in the exchange Hopkins will be forced into to survive and score a tko over a legend. I hate saying it, but I do believe it.
Kovalev within nine hop is special but I think kovalev himself is a special fighter n will prove it over time.
Maybe Kovalev winsQuote:
Originally Posted by palmerqHe has a huge amount to gain though, kovalev as far as I remember has 1 world title belt, hopkins has 2, if kovalev wins he will have 3(one will probably strip him for fun though), if he beats hopkins he has unified 3 of the belts, that's pretty major and if he can hold onto them and set up a fight with stevenson for all 4 belts that would be even bigger than it was going to be :S I think you are way off saying kovalev has nothing to gain.. Even if hopkins makes him look bad but kovalev gets the win he is still left with all those belts and can make some huge money.. You even said youself because of hopkins age it is a 55-45 fight in hopkins favour, that's a pretty good bet considering the rewards for kovalev :SQuote:
Originally Posted by denilson200
I mean, he does have, that pre-historic, neanderthal man look about him. Maybe he's just so rugged, and rough and hits harder than Hopkins has ever faced before ?
Can Hopkins still keep on beating off top class younger fighters after top class younger fighters ?
Maybe this is the fight that Hopkins finally gives way to mother nature and crumbles ?
Maybe Kovalev get's totally schooled and Hokpins is given his usual 'Don't ever doubt me. Don't ever under-estimate me. Sick and tired of proving myself to you guys" speech at the post fight interview.
These different scenario's could well happen and I take your point about that Kovalev does indeed have something to gain after I read your post.
As I say I'm 55-45 in Hopkins favour for this fight, but a large part of me wants Kovalev to win and win BIG AND EASY.
I don't know but is it good for boxing that a guy touching 50 can still whip the cream of the fighters out there ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rantcatrat
if Hopkins wins this ill be extremely impressed
sounds daft but before his last fight kovalev looked unstoppable, so composed and relaxed, stayed in range very well and wasted virtually nothing
And I know it was over quick last time but for the first time I though he looked beatable
nothing to do with the knock down
Bhop WIDE decision.
Kovalev will just demolish Hopkins (if he can catch him). Sergey can box as well as slug, he has power to do big damage to B-Hop. Hopkins is cagey as hell but so was Archie Moore, so was Joe Walcott and age catches up to everyone.
If Hopkins just lasts the distance he will have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. This is a very dangerous fight this is like Apollo Creed vs Ivan Drago...the wily old veteran vs the power punching phenom. Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Gennedy Golovkin wouldn't be this dangerous!
At this point although I'm no fan of Hopkins, I just hope he's safe in the ring. He's fought dangerous punchers before but age erodes skill and talent...does he have enough left?
My prediction Sergey Kovalev by TKO in 6
First you have to stand in awe of this guy even if you hate the way he fights at this point in his career. I've said it before, this guy is a modern day Archie Moore. It just didn't take him 160 fights to get a title shot. If Hop has a role model its probably the Mongoose. I think he's shooting for the mans longevity record. Maybe tie it to the day and retire or break it. Which makes what he is attempting to do here even more incredible. He could easily sit back and defend his titles against others cruising past Moore but he does the opposite. There is something to be said about taking out the toughest guy in the room first. Applied street smarts. Kov is no rinse and repeat Pavlik. His own trainer has said on more then one occasions that at many times it is he who becomes the student.
Here's a 50 year old who already has more legacy then most fighters in history seeking more legacy in an era where most fighters are running away from it. You have to hand it to Bernard as he already got the first mental punch in by agreeing to the fight. There is a good chance that Hopkins could take him out of the fight in the lead up ending with the Vegas lights, crowd and Hopkins coming to the ring last. I think the mental angle is more important then skill sets at this point.
In the end I think this might be gold watch time for Bernard although I'd love to see him pull it out. I have no desire to see this guy sprawled out on the floor surrounded by medics or even soundly beaten by a guy that most likely would not have beaten even 5 years ago. Bernard does not pull the trigger enough and is starting to flinch with his reactions and stiffen up in exchanges. That comes with age and the loss of edge. I'd like to see Hop make it to the final bell and hope he does but I think he has punched that time clock for the last time unless he follows in Roy's footsteps.
If B-Hop gets beat I just hope it's 1 punch and lights out rather than battered until the corner throws in the towel.
We saw Ali battered by Holmes, RJJ got both the 1 punch KO AND battered, we saw Tyson take some big beatings, we saw Holyfield take beatings
Boxing doesn't need a legend to go out in a bad way again...I'm not a Hopkins fan, but you can't doubt his greatness.
Hopkins is the master of neutralizing his opponent's strengths.
Master of analyzing his opponents way in advance, of coming in with the right gameplan, and a backup of his gameplan, and a backup of the backup.
He'll attempt to weather the storm for the 1st half as most of Kovalev's fights end within 4 rds, figuring Kovalev will start to tire after 7 rds.
Early on, Hopkins will grab and hold him, try to rough him up inside with dirty tactics.
Hopkins always starts slow, and gradually increases his pace as the fight wears on, basically the opposite of what happens to most fighters as they slowly tire.
As they grow weaker, he appears to get stronger.
Then after the midway point, Hopkins will step back from holding him and start to box and potshot from long-range.
I think Hopkins stops him on cuts late in the fight, maybe rd 11.
Kovalev's brows will be cut up and bloody, cheekbones swollen and bloody, cuts above the eye, swollen eyes, mostly from Hopkins dirty tactics but also from long-range boxing. When Kovalev retaliates with dirty tactics of his own, you'll see some acting out of Hopkins again.
Never bet against Bernard Hopkins.
Yep...
If Kovalev's mind stays on track, then with his overall strength, potency and accuracy, I'd consider this is a stoppage loss for Hopkins.
I'm just not sure how big an 'if' this is.
Either Kovalev stops him in the late rounds or Hopkins wins on points. I don't want to see Hopkins get blasted out either but Kovalev has the boxing ability and the power to do it. I'm probably going to pick Hopkins on points though.
I think this will be super interesting to watch, possibly 100% boring if hopkins grinds out a win, but even if he is grinding towards a close points win there is always going to be the thought that kovalev will knock him senseless, I hope this happens and I really like b-hop but i think this may be too much for him, hopkins is definently ageing but hats off to the guy for taking this and even better for taking the initiative to get this fight, his mind games are as good as they come i think.
If pascal knocks you down kovalev knocks you the f outQuote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
One more thing to think about with regard to this fight. Maybe Hopkins took the fight to support his company, Golden Boy, because it puts them back in the HBO game that they were out of when they were aligned with Haymon.
[QUOTE=armin;1261973]If pascal knocks you down kovalev knocks you the f out[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
Have to disagree. Pascal was very athletic, fast, strong, and powerful. Kovalev is VERY strong and powerful, but his reminds me of a larger Kelly Pavilik. Basically, a consistent, straight ahead fighter who stalks his opponent and walks them down looking to land the big right. Tito was similar but he had the left hook. All three have solid fundamentals and are TOUGH fighters with HUGE punches, but Hop has a great chin, great defense, and is a master at taking away a guy's big weapon and making them feel uncomfortable/ineffective and frustrated. At Hops age though, with Kov's big punch, anything can happen. I will be betting on Hop though... (hope to make some more money like I did with him vs. Tito, Tarver, and Pavilik!)
[QUOTE=mikeeod;1262070]I have to respectfully disagree. Kovalev is no Pavlik. Pavlik had a tough one-two, but Kovalev has a whole arsenal of punches and he loves to go to the body, which Pavlik didn't. In other words, Pavlik was somewhat methodical and Kovalev isn't. Look at the straight right to the liver on a southpaw that essentially knocked out Caparello last weekend and the right hand to the side of the head that knocked out the Black Russian. Also, Pavlik had power at 160 that didn't show up when he moved to 168 and 170. Kovalev has real light heavyweight power. In other words, Kovalev has one-punch knockout power; Pavlik had accumulated power. The only similarities are that they are offensive and fight coming forward and aren't especially fast.Quote:
Originally Posted by arminIf pascal knocks you down kovalev knocks you the f out[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
Have to disagree. Pascal was very athletic, fast, strong, and powerful. Kovalev is VERY strong and powerful, but his reminds me of a larger Kelly Pavilik. Basically, a consistent, straight ahead fighter who stalks his opponent and walks them down looking to land the big right. Tito was similar but he had the left hook. All three have solid fundamentals and are TOUGH fighters with HUGE punches, but Hop has a great chin, great defense, and is a master at taking away a guy's big weapon and making them feel uncomfortable/ineffective and frustrated. At Hops age though, with Kov's big punch, anything can happen. I will be betting on Hop though... (hope to make some more money like I did with him vs. Tito, Tarver, and Pavilik!)
I don't disagree, however, about Hopkins winning. Hopkins has lost to Dawson and Calzaghe over the last few years. Both had speed advantages and volume advantages that Hopkins couldn't match. Everyone else Hopkins has faced recently, he's beat. The question in this fight is whether Kovalev can catch Hopkins with something mean. If he can, fight goes his way. If he can't, fights goes to Hopkins.
[QUOTE=Rantcatrat;1262087]Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeeodI have to respectfully disagree. Kovalev is no Pavlik. Pavlik had a tough one-two, but Kovalev has a whole arsenal of punches and he loves to go to the body, which Pavlik didn't. In other words, Pavlik was somewhat methodical and Kovalev isn't. Look at the straight right to the liver on a southpaw that essentially knocked out Caparello last weekend and the right hand to the side of the head that knocked out the Black Russian. Also, Pavlik had power at 160 that didn't show up when he moved to 168 and 170. Kovalev has real light heavyweight power. In other words, Kovalev has one-punch knockout power; Pavlik had accumulated power. The only similarities are that they are offensive and fight coming forward and aren't especially fast.Quote:
Originally Posted by arminIf pascal knocks you down kovalev knocks you the f out[/QUOTE]Quote:
Originally Posted by palmerq
Have to disagree. Pascal was very athletic, fast, strong, and powerful. Kovalev is VERY strong and powerful, but his reminds me of a larger Kelly Pavilik. Basically, a consistent, straight ahead fighter who stalks his opponent and walks them down looking to land the big right. Tito was similar but he had the left hook. All three have solid fundamentals and are TOUGH fighters with HUGE punches, but Hop has a great chin, great defense, and is a master at taking away a guy's big weapon and making them feel uncomfortable/ineffective and frustrated. At Hops age though, with Kov's big punch, anything can happen. I will be betting on Hop though... (hope to make some more money like I did with him vs. Tito, Tarver, and Pavilik!)
I don't disagree, however, about Hopkins winning. Hopkins has lost to Dawson and Calzaghe over the last few years. Both had speed advantages and volume advantages that Hopkins couldn't match. Everyone else Hopkins has faced recently, he's beat. The question in this fight is whether Kovalev can catch Hopkins with something mean. If he can, fight goes his way. If he can't, fights goes to Hopkins.
An economical KO puncher who walks his man down is a very enticing target for Bernard Hopkins. He won't make Bernard take the lead, wear him out with volume or outspeed him.
Kovalev can cut the ring down well, but Hopkins doesn't run, so that's not a big issue. Hopkins attacks, clinches, circles, counters, feints, rinse and repeat.
Apollo Creed Vs Ivan Drago (lol)Quote:
Originally Posted by El Kabong
Gotta love that (I was always partial to Mr T - Clubber Lang -) then again Kovalev is a bit of a 'If he dies...he dies' type character (lol)
He does have that Russian Mafia, killing someoone would not be a big deal for him look about him. But I jest.
I feel like even though he has been out of prison for decades and has turned his life around, Hop still has that killer/thug aura going. Kov looks mean in a Russian gangster way and Hop looks mean in a ghetto gangster way. Kind of like DMX. U look at those guys and u can see it in them. Hop lures people in with that and they expect this brawl and he goes out and starts pumping jabs and circling the guy and it just throws them off. They r always waiting for Hop to drop the hammer and before they know it the fight is over. Kov isn't athletic enough or active enough to win this one. Hop believes more than anything in his chin and defense, so he won't become exhausted worrying about taking a clean shot. That and Hops movement and experience will be too much for Kov who isn't athletic n fast like Taylor, Joe C. n Dawson were. All of those guys also came in and just threw punches without landing much of significance, but just high volumes. Two of those guys were lucky to get the wins they got over Hop and Hop could've easily one a couple and tied the other one. I don't see this being a bad style match up for Hop n I think he wins the decision.Quote:
Originally Posted by denilson200Apollo Creed Vs Ivan Drago (lol)Quote:
Originally Posted by El Kabong
Gotta love that (I was always partial to Mr T - Clubber Lang -) then again Kovalev is a bit of a 'If he dies...he dies' type character (lol)
He does have that Russian Mafia, killing someoone would not be a big deal for him look about him. But I jest.