ESPN says Pavlik - Hopkins for October 18th. who wins

[Youngblood]

I`ve heard so many names mentioned with Kelly in the last few weeks, I`ll believe it when I see it in ink. I`m not that excited about this fight if it happens though...rather see him fight someone younger.

[wesrman]

I hope Pavlik crushes him. I voted for Pavlik by KO, but its probably more wishfull thinking on my part.

[mexirican]

Dangerous fight for Pavlik but after some thought a good choice of opponent since he is not choosing to defend at middleweight. Kelly is preparing himself to step up divisions. He'll get a real chance to see if the power follows him as the weight gains and who better to test that than B-Hop, arguably the best chin in the business. If Kelly knocks him out than it will be interesting to see if Calzaghe keeps his word and fights Pavlik.

[TitoFan]

I'm a total Pavlik fan, and I've never liked Hopkins' fighting style. Also, I think Pavlik would have an easier time with Hopkins than with Calzaghe.

But Pavlik by KO? Honestly, when has Hopkins ever lost by, or been in danger of losing by KO? This is one of the most veteran, wily, crafty fighters ever to lace up gloves... or at least in these last couple of decades.

I think Pavlik would win an easy decision.

[superheavyrhun]

And in this bout yet another fighter has trouble catching and hitting Hopkins, but puts in the work and clips Hopkins often enough to win on points. Hopkins realises he's actually an old man, and it wasn't just Calzaghe who was too fast for him, and goes home to relax from then on on a lovely pension and the occasional fishing trip on a boat.

[Markusdarkus]

Tough fight for Pavlik, here are a few pointers that point to a tough terrible fight:

Size: Hopkins is 6 1" Pavlik 6 2" Hopkins also has a 1" reach on Kelly.

Weight: Hopkins has had 3 fights above 160lbs he schooled Tarver, soundly beat Wright and lost a close fight to Calzaghe. Pavlik fought once at 166lbs won a razor thin dec over Taylor didnt look as powerful at the weight.

Experiance: Pavlik whilst having fought Taylor will not have fought a beast like Hopkins. Pavlik is a combination of Glenn Johnson and Howard Eastman.

Speed: Neither man uses speed although Hopkins has a faster lead right

Power: Goes to Pavlik, not sure if he can hurt Hopkins at 170lbs he doesnt have one punch power but works well to the body and area were Calzaghe had good sucsess.

Footwork: Hopkins all the way, if Calzaghe with his superb footwork was shut down by Hopkins the straight foward Pavlik will be wrapped up like an octopus.

All in all this is a tough fight Pavliks work rate will become a trickle Hopkins WILL shut him down he doesnt bounce in and out.

Pavlik tough pts win but i wouldnt be supprised if Hopkins stole and sneaked it.

I still think the weight might be an issue and the size of Hopkins also makes this a tough fight.

Expect lots of holding, headbutting infact it will look similar to the Calzaghe fight.

[Kel]

I`ve heard so many names mentioned with Kelly in the last few weeks, I`ll believe it when I see it in ink. I`m not that excited about this fight if it happens though...rather see him fight someone younger.

Same here I want proof. Soooo much gossip around and not just concerning who Pavlic is fighting but ODLH, Hatton, Pac Man......I get tired of reading it because you get exited then find out its bollocks so many times that you find it hard to be exited when a fight HAS been made.