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.