Hopkins to Pavlik: Beware the 'Executioner'

Posted by Joe Maxse October 08, 2008 17:42PM

Bebeto Matthews/AP file photoKelly Pavlik (left) and Bernard Hopkins are both projecting confidence as their Oct. 18 bout in Atlantic City approaches.
Kelly Pavlik and Bernard Hopkins did not cross lines during separate media conference calls on Thursday. But the fighters did not shy away from taking a few shots while hyping their non-title bout in Atlantic City, N.J., on Oct. 18. "Kelly Pavlik is a perfect opponent for me," proclaimed Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs), who was training in Miami. "He comes forward and he's coming to knock me out early. But he only has one bullet in the chamber. If he thinks he is going to knock me out with a right hand, he is a damn fool."
The veteran middleweight and light heavyweight champion gave Pavlik his props, but was also quick to point out that at his age, 43, he has all the experience in the world. According to Hopkins, the 26-year-old Pavlik has not met the quality of opponents listed on Hopkins' 20-year ring resume.
"I respect Kelly Pavlik because he came up through the era in his own way," said Hopkins, who referred to Pavlik's home town as Columbus instead of Youngstown. "I recognize that I have to make it a long punishing fight for him. He's not going to run. But he will fall into the hands of the 'Executioner.'"

Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs) will not have his WBC/WBO middleweight titles at stake, as this one has been set for the catch weight of 170 pounds. Going 10 pounds over the middleweight limit will not be a problem according to Pavlik, and neither will any below-the-belt tactics from the older fighter.
"I'm not going to give him a chance to get a hold on me," said Pavlik, finishing camp in Youngstown. "He's never fought a guy with my size and strength. If he tries to start roughhousing, it goes both ways."
Pavlik said he has not been slowed by an injured left elbow. Hurt while sparring a month ago, he said the elbow is not an issue.
"It was a little bruise," he said. "Nothing a little ice didn't fix."
Hopkins, who lost his first professional bout in Atlantic City Oct. 11, 1988, admitted this could be his last ring appearance.
"I'm not putting the cart in front of the horse," said Hopkins. "People are going to see an expert at his craft. Enjoy me while I'm here. I'm going to enjoy Oct. 18. Bernard Hopkins will show he is one of the greats."