Hopkins vs Kovalev - who wins?

[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.

[Kirkland Laing]

Kovalev does so much damage even when he's landing on arms and shoulders that the percentages here say Kovalev late stoppage or KO. And there's even the chance he lands something big early in the fight and stops Hopkins. But I'm going to go with Hopkins on points because he knows all this too and he's still willing to get in the ring with Kovalev a few weeks before his fiftieth birthday. He obviously fancies the fight.

So I'm going with Hopkins climbing off the canvas to win in a stunner. Either guy winning is a stunning result, as far as events and history go this is the fight of the year.

[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

[Hulk]

"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

I had high hopes for Campillo but he is such a slowwwww starter and has a glass chin.

Ill be very disappointed if Kovalev wins, but it is a real possibility.

This is a very risky fight for the ageless one.

[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