Predictions \ Pavlik-Hopkins

FIGHTERS

Jermain Taylor: “I like Bernard Hopkins’ chances in this fight because of his experience and preparation for a fight. He’s always in shape, but he has to fight the perfect fight. If Kelly can keep Bernard from fighting in close and pick his punches, he could easily come away with the victory.”

Joe Calzaghe: “Pavlik, who is he? He might get his [butt] kicked by Hopkins but I think he will win the fight, mainly due to his youth. Hopkins still has the ability to make it very messy. Regardless, Pavlik is definitely overhyped.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “I think that Bernard will beat Kelly by a decision. It will be a tough fight, but Bernard will expose Kelly’s weaknesses and win the fight.”

Shane Mosley: “I think it’s going to be a close fight, but honestly I think that Hopkins is more experienced and will be able to do some things that steal the fight away from Pavlik. Pavlik is younger but I think that Bernard is going to catch him with something and knock him out. Pavlik is going to underestimate Bernard’s power and experience and around the sixth round, Bernard will dodge his jab and catch him with a counter right.”

Ricky Hatton: “That’s a tough call. Kelly is an exciting fighter on the way up, but Bernard is a superb technician. If I have to choose one, I lean towards Pavlik.”

Vernon Forrest: “Hopkins by decision and if Pavlik gets too greedy, Hopkins is going to stop him. They say he can’t pull the trigger anymore but I don’t think Calzaghe even did enough to win. Pavlik is a power puncher and typically when Hopkins fights a power puncher, he stops them.”

WRITERS

Bert Sugar: “Pavlik is going to win by decision. He is not going to knock Bernard out. I don’t think Bernard fights like he once did. His best punch is a right jab followed by a right hook. Pavlik won’t pull the trigger. Remember, Bernard hasn’t been knocked out and has only been knocked down once. If Bernard won, I wouldn’t be shocked, but I would be surprised.”

Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated: “While continuing to face elite competition, Hopkins has only recently looked like a man trying to avoid a knockout loss than one seeking a significant victory. No question Pavlik will be looking for the early KO, but his solid, 12-round decision over Jermain Taylor earlier in the year proved to me that the power puncher can win when fights go the distance. Take Pavlik in a unanimous decision.”

Kevin Iole, Yahoo!: “Pavlik by decision. Hopkins has been fighting to survive in his past couple fights. In this fight, Pavlik is younger and stronger and he will outwork Hopkins to get the win.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN: “Bernard is a great fighter, but Pavlik’s youth and activity level are going to be hard for him to overcome. It will be a tough fight, but Pavlik on a competitive decision.”

John Falgoust, USA Today: “Pavlik by decision. Hopkins will exploit Pavlik’s heavy feet by turning him and walking him into counters. Hopkins will find it difficult to stay on the inside with a guy like Pavlik, who throws such good short punches, especially uppercuts. Still, Hopkins is more versatile and even though he may do enough to win the decision, today’s judges usually give the close rounds to the fighter who is more active regardless of accuracy or effectiveness of the punches.”

Tim Smith, New York Daily News: “I like Pavlik because I think Kelly is younger. I can’t see him knocking out Bernard but I can see him outworking Hopkins for a decision.”

Compiled by Joe Scalzo