When: 9PM EST Saturday, October 18th, 2008 Where: Boardwalk Hall Arena, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey What: HBO Boxing presents a 170-lbs catch weight superfight between WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (34-0) and Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1). 43-year old Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins is still one of boxing's most reliable draws, even if he has lost three of his last five bouts. Coming off a split decision loss to undefeated stud Joe Calzaghe, who himself is getting ready to fight Roy Jones Jr. in November, Hopkins shares a recent opponent with reigning WBC and WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in Jermain Taylor. Taylor has won two decisions against Hopkins, one split and the latest unanimous, dating back to 2005. It was Pavlik, in 2007 and again in 2008, who defeated Taylor for his middleweight titles, first by TKO then by unanimous decision. Pavlik has since had one title defense against 30-1 Gary Lockett who he also defeated by unanimous decision. The 26-year old Ghost is in the prime of his fighting career and looking for the biggest fights available. Pavlik is favoured in this bout but if his eyes are set on Jones Jr. or Calzaghe for a future bout, the Executioner might be able to interrupt his ascension in boxings rich history.
Vitali Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter, Oct. 11th, Germany Wladmir Klitschko vs. Alexander Povetkin, Dec. 13th, Germany The Giant might be fighting at the same event as Wlady but he doesn't have an opponent lined up. I don't think Valuev wants to fight outside of Germany because he has all the judges in the tank for him there for whatever reason--not that I think he should've lost against Ruiz, but it's odd that a split decision becomes a unanimous decision under scrutiny.
Bernard Hopkins Completely Destroyed Kelly Pavlik This was the worst mismatch in a championship fight since Joe Calzaghe thoroughly outclassed Jeff Lacy. Hopkins clearly won every round. He made Pavlik look like an amateur. This was as shocking a fight as I can remember. It was not even competitive. Hopkins looked so fast. He's freaking 43! This also points out how unbelievably good Joe Calzaghe is. He didn't even really struggle against Hopkins after the first round. I don't know what happened to Pavlik, but this is the kind of fight that a lot of fighters never recover mentally from.
Re: Bernard Hopkins Completely Destroyed Kelly Pavlik +1 I just saw the highlights of the fight. It looked like Hopkins was sparring against a punching coach. Hopkins hand speed is incredible for his age.