Hopkins claims Kovalev ducked him and took the easy way out

[armin]

I agree with @Beanflicker - Hopkins takes punchers to school, like Pascal and Cloud, whereas he struggles with athletic boxers, like Calzaghe and Dawson. Kovalev doesn't fit into the Calzaghe/Dawson mold.

The only caveat I have on it is that Kovalev's power might actually disguise his boxing ability. I think he actually uses angles and spacing pretty well.

In any event, it's a fight that won't ever happen because of the HBO/Showtime feud.

I think kovalev is a far better boxer than cloud, and has a much better workrate than pascal....I know I should know better than to go against the old one but I don't think his chin would see him thru at this age

[Spicoli]

Know what, I love Hopkins. Always have. Respect him greatly but I said before Cleverly and honestly believe it, I think Kovalev would beat him. Call me bat shit crazy and I've never picked against Hopkins. Kovalev is a long natutal lt heavy and blows the doors off of a Pavlik or Cloud in terms of mental make up, boxing smarts and all around approach. Those two are literal straight lines. I dont see Hopkins doing his sniping and falling in without soaking up some very taxing short punches and his legs getting very heavy by midway. I totally get Kovalev going after the trinket and at the time at least a perceived threat in Cleverly. That was his kick in the door fight. His announcement to put his name in fans eyes and in Hopkins mouth. Let Hopkins dust off his mandatory and I have no doubt they could make it happen.