Hopkins vs Kovalev - who wins?

[TitoFan]

Tony bellew picks hopkins and Nathan picks Kovalev.

I'm saying Kovalev on points which seems against the grain as logic says its Hopkins points or Kov Ko. The reason I think Kovalev takes a distance fight is because Hopkins is too good to get sparked. Pascal hit him with some big shots in both fights and Hopkins proved his chin. He was dropped twice though and I think it's those same surprise shots he doesn't see that will cost him against Kov. I don't think Kovalev finishes him off though. He will win the rounds on activity & aggression but its so hard to nail the old man clean.

I can see Hopkins begin to frustrate Kov late on but it will be too late to rescue it. The weigh in will be fascinating cuz Hopkins always starts the mind games but how do you intimidate a russian beast like Kovalev. Nathan tried that and look what happend. Winner of this vs Adonis Stevenson next time. Another great fight

This.

Hopkins will do whatever it takes to survive, and he won't risk a KO by fighting clean.

[Beanflicker]

Head goes with Hopkins but god damn would I love to see that idiot get starched by Kovalev.

[Spicoli]

I'm sticking by my thought of 3 months ago Default Re: Sergey Kovalev vs. Bernard Hopkins: who wins?

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.

[Freedom]

Hopkins will win by robbery, perhaps a technical decision after a deliberate head butt. All four officials are from the same part of the USA as B-Hop.

I'm sure the referee will permit Hopkins to use every illegal trick in the book.

[erics44]

if hopkins wins this one it will be impressive, difficult to bet against

ive voted a kovalev KO

[Fenster]

Either Hopkins makes it almost unbearable to watch or he fakes an injury or something and quits.

[ruthless rocco]

Either Hopkins makes it almost unbearable to watch or he fakes an injury or something and quits.

Like he did against Dawson.

[Master]

Hopkins will win by robbery, perhaps a technical decision after a deliberate head butt. All four officials are from the same part of the USA as B-Hop.

I'm sure the referee will permit Hopkins to use every illegal trick in the book.

Stop making excuses, it did not stop Joe Calzaghe winning.

[El Kabong]

Kovalev is a big puncher and a good enough boxer to land clean on BHop....can a 50 year old chin take what Kovalev will dish out? I doubt it. Sure Hopkins will fight ugly as is his M.O., but age WILL catch Hopkins and Kovalev will be the one to bring Bernard back to reality

[brocktonblockbust]

Kovalev is a tough puncher and agile. But he is one dimensional. This is like Ali vs Foreman. Except no rope a dope. This willwill be called SMOKE A DOPE. as the Alien will smoke him.

[Hulk]

Ye of little faith...


I have my concerns, but I'm picking Hopkins. Never beat against THE MAN!


He is a master boxer and will survive the early storm to outbox Kovalev.


I'll be nervous early on.

[armin]

"That was some impressive shit by kovalev, served notice to the division." said this about kovalev after the campillo fight, I think I'll be saying it again after tomorrow's fight. If hopkins somehow wins then I say he needs to donate his body to science, I am going with the "krusher" inside the distance

[La Cucaracha]

Everything in my head points to a Kovalev victory but I'm going with the heart and thinking/ wishing/ hoping the old man pulls off the upset once again

[TigerFan]

Usually, the closer we get to a Hopkins fight, the better chance I give his opponent...this time, the closer we get to opening bell the better chance I give the Old Man.

I see either Hopkins on points or Kovalev by stoppage.

One little caveat
Sergey's only seen the 8th round once...so if he can't put a dent in BHOP early...the old man could drown him late

[Beanz]

Kovalev is anything but one dimensional, Hopkins is going to be in a world of trouble when he realises that after the first round. After the second or third time on the canvas the old man is not going to risk getting up and being knocked out cold by somebody he has so roundly dismissed. It's a pity I will be watching the recording on Sunday morning, because it would have made the beer taste that much sweeter.