Are people honestly counting Hopkins out?

[amat]

While I agree that there is just no way Pavlik is going to look very good in this fight unless Hopkins becomes shot overnight which is obviously a real possibility, Hopkins can't be the favorite. I do agree that Pavlik will have some problem with a mover, but just don't believe that Bernard has the sustained movement to win enough rounds to win on a scorecard. I really disagree with those who thinks Pavlik wins by stoppage. Even at this age, I just can't picture Hopkins getting KO'd.

That being said, Bernard does have some problems with the jab, I think Pavlik's output won't be great but enough to win enough rounds and I think he takes it on the scorecards.

[Markusdarkus]

I dont think Pavlik creates enough angles to get his shots off before Hopkins wraps him up. I can see Pavlik squeezing a dec but i think the old fox will have him in his pocket.

[Jody Lane]

I just wish Hopkins would go out and make it a real gut wrenching war and if possible, not go out on his shield.

[TommyGunn_]

This fight won be a blow out, Hopkins cinch punch hold style will make it close.

[boozeboxer]

Hopkins doesn't throw enough to win against Pavlik. HOw can he be the favorite. He is like 50 and looked shit in his last fight.

[Taeth]

I just wish Hopkins would go out and make it a real gut wrenching war and if possible, not go out on his shield.

Thats what going out on your shield means

[SweetPea]

Pavlik should be the clear favorite heading into the fight. However, Hopkins is still an extremely live underdog with a legit shot at winning. That's why I argued with people who bashed this matchup when it was announced..

Hopkins is a longtime champ who's coming off a narrow loss to an undefeated fighter who's Top 2 PFP. It's a legit fight for Pavlik and I give him credit for taking on a tough opponent when he could've just beaten up on another Gary Lockett instead.

[Youngblood]

Hopkins prepared for the Calzaghe fight like it was the fight of his life, and showed up in as peak a condition as possible for a man his age. He was ripped and ready, but as we all saw who were unbiased...his aging body just could not keep up for the full 12 rounds to take the win. He bought some extra time he knew he needed also with some serious performance arts acting for low blows. But is sure was damn close.

Let`s assume he again conditions as well. Unless he gets an early round stoppage (and I don`t see it), he will be outworked and out lasted and his defence and wilyness will slowly come apart...and as the rounds progress, so the pain that of a fearsome striker that is Pavlik will take it`s toll.

Pavlik by KO or TKO between round 9-11.

[NUCLEAR BULL]

i think people should give hopkins 100% respect for the fact since turning 40......... he's fought an UNBEATEN JERMAIN TAYLOR TWICE.......... ANTONIO TARVER WHEN TARVER WAS NUMBER 1 LIGHT HEAVY................ WINKY WRIGHT WHEN WINKY WAS AVOIDED BY MANY TOP GUYS.......... THEN A WORK HORSE LIKE CALZAGHE..................NOW HE'S ONCE AGAIN GOING FOR AN UNBEATEN YOUNG STRONG CHAMPION LIKE PAVLIK......... i've seen interviews were calzaghe has said he wont fight pavlik but b-hop is made of much better stuff............. people here know i'm a big hopkins fan but i also like pavlik

[RozzySean]

While I agree that there is just no way Pavlik is going to look very good in this fight unless Hopkins becomes shot overnight which is obviously a real possibility, Hopkins can't be the favorite. I do agree that Pavlik will have some problem with a mover, but just don't believe that Bernard has the sustained movement to win enough rounds to win on a scorecard. I really disagree with those who thinks Pavlik wins by stoppage. Even at this age, I just can't picture Hopkins getting KO'd.

That being said, Bernard does have some problems with the jab, I think Pavlik's output won't be great but enough to win enough rounds and I think he takes it on the scorecards.

Even if Hopkins gets old overnight, he'll still make it ugly. Pavlik will be able to keep Hopkins at the end of the jab and unlike Calzage, when Hopkins does get hit, he will feel it. Nard will probably make this very close, and there will probably be people who see Hopkins as the winner, but I think the judges will see it for Pavlik.