Can Bernard Hopkins beat Pavlik?
On October 18, the Executioner will try to put the Ghost to sleep.
Future Hall-of-Famer and once a two-division world champion, Bernard ‘’The Executioner’’ Hopkins will meet undefeated world middleweight champion Kelly ‘’The Ghost’’ Pavlik on October 18 at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in what is shaping up to be a good one, to say the least.
Hopkins, known as the one of the greatest middleweights of all time, has a 48-5-1 record with 32 wins coming from knockouts. He has held the world title as a middleweight and light heavyweight every year since 1995. Now over 40, he’s trying to rekindle the greatness he once had against Kelly ‘’The Ghost’’ Pavlik. Can he overcome and shock the world?
Dating back in 2006, Hopkins moved from middleweight to light heavyweight and quickly made some noise by beating Antonio Tarver. He continued his domination of the squared circle by winning a 170-pound bout against then title contender Winky Wright. But after losing his title to Jermain ‘’Bad Intentions’’ Taylor, Hopkins’ descend from the top began.
Although he lost again in his last bout as a light heavyweight, losing to Joe Calzaghe a few months ago, he is still determined to be on top of the sport again. Beating a world champion like Pavlik could do that.
In order to beat Pavlik, Hopkins needs two things to be successful. One, he needs to use angles to minimize Pavlik’s reach and in order for him to keep Pavlik off balance. Two, he needs to use sharp counter punches, if he lets Pavlik control the tempo, he will give away rounds like he did to Taylor and Calzaghe.
Pavlik is an agressive boxer but he is easy to hit with counters. Hopkins will have to circle, force Pavlik to move, and then fire straight right hands and clinch. The uglier the fight is, the more it benefits the crafty veteran. Bernard also needs to stay close and fight from the inside like he always did in the past, if he fights from the outside, he’ll be vulnerable to Pavlik’s quick hitting jabs.
Bernard Hopkins is one of the greatest ever. He is a future Hall-of-Famer who will surely have his place in boxing history. However, in order to be all that, he needs to walk away from the game first and Hopkins is not ready to retire just yet.
The sad thing is, Pavlik has the talent to force him to.
Can Bernard ‘’the Executioner’’ Hopkins KO Kelly ‘’the Ghost’’ Pavlik? Bodog Sportsbook has the odds. Bet now.
Bernard ‘’the Executioner’’ Hopkins 3.75
Kelly ‘’the Ghost’’ Pavlik 1.29
Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for the best boxing betting odds there is available today.
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