Bernard Hopkins vs. Sergey Kovalev
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I like Sergey Kovalev. Simple. Younger, stronger and faster. The key for him is to press the action every minute of every round. No one fights in spurts and chooses the action in such a painfully disciplined way as Bernard Hopkins.
I expect to see Kovalev dictate the pace of the action and if he does so, he wins the fight. A wildcard, Kovalev has former Hopkins corner man John David Jackson in his corner. Huge plus for Kovalev.
The game plan to beat Hopkins isn’t rocket science and Kovalev has the power and youth to pull it off. At this stage of Hopkins’ career, when he tastes power, he isn’t nearly as effective and successful as he is fighting a pillow puncher.
Prediction: Kovalev
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Bernard Hopkins has proven many times he can compete at the world class level, despite factors (like age) that other greats have succumbed to. He has been successful too, snatching two of the four major alphabet titles at 175 pounds. He’s a 49-year-old boxer with the health described as that of a 20 year old. He also claims he hasn’t eaten a cookie in over two decades.
His top percentile boxing IQ–amassed in a career spanning over two and a half decades–is the best weapon in his arsenal. An IQ like Hopkins’ is arguably the best weapon a fighter can attain in boxing and the rarity of its possession proves his merit while validating his experience.
Sergey Kovalev is the younger, stronger fighter, planning to retire what he sees as a legendary “once was” in the way of his path to greatness. He has intimidating punching power in both hands, hence the nickname, “Krusher.” Kovalev once killed an opponent after knocking him out a few years back. Yeah. Kovalev’s punches are that devastating.
The thing about Kovalev is that he seems to be an easy going guy outside the ring. With concerns to his preparation for Saturday; has that easy going attitude seeped in to how serious he takes preparation this fight?
We’ve all seen the quotes from the press conferences about him not researching or doing any film study on Hopkins. Few boxers are able to be successful without studying there opponent, but I have not seen similarities in the ring that makes me think Kovalev is that type.
Power like Kovalev’s can change fights within an instant, but relying on power too much gets you beat up. This isn’t a ceremonial passing of the torch ending in a tragic beat down like Rocky Marciano vs. Joe Louis or Larry Holmes vs. Muhammad Ali, etc… Hopkins is not doing it for money like Louis and Ali were in the late stages of their careers. To clarify, not out of desperation for money.
I still think that this old man is still better than average at playing knick knack on your drum–so I’ll just give the old dog his bone until he’s ready to go back to the porch. That is why Hopkins gets the nod with a UD.
Prediction: Hopkins
Lauren Pinkerton, Staff Writer
I believe Bernard Hopkins will win based off of his experience. Sergey Kovalev’s undefeated status doesn’t worry me since Hopkins has seen fighters like him before, and won’t be surprised by anything that is laid down on him.
Prediction: Hopkins
Vincent Nolasco, Contributing Writer
For about a solid month I have been going back and forth on this bout. There are so many storylines in this fight, Bernard Hopkins’ slick defense and his great tactical game plan verses Sergey Kovalev’s super knockout power and non-stop offensive attack.
For Hopkins he will want to control the bout by using his slick defense to set up counters with jabs and straight right hands to keep the pressure off from Kovalev.
Kovalev will try to show who’s the bigger and stronger man from the get go. I want to see how Kovalev will react when this game plan isn’t working after the fourth round. Will he continue with this game plan or are we going to see a new wrinkle in his offense?
This fight will come down to experience and Hopkins has the edge in that department. Also, for Hopkins, great footwork, ring generalship and slipping away from the heavy punches of Kovalev will be key.
Kovalev will start to rally in the later rounds and land some heavy shots, but it won’t be enough to earn him the victory. Hopkins will showcase his great defense and his straight right hand to set up great combinations that will frustrate Kovalev. Kovalev’s lack of experience in a big fight will show.
Prediction: Hopkins
Donte’ Brown, Owner of Donte’s Boxing Gym
I’m picking Bernard Hopkins because he is the smarter and has more experienced fighter.
When I heard that Sergey Kovalev said something to the like of, “The stronger fighter will win”, that let me know that he doesn’t think much when boxing, and that he will be out smarted by Hopkins.
Prediction: Hopkins
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Anyone in doubt as to who will win this fight is hesitant for one reason–because Bernard Hopkins is 73 years old. If we took age out of the equation, if we matched the two fighters’ skills and attributes to make a decision, odds would be in Hopkins’ favor.
Though Sergey Kovalev is a beast, Hopkins is an all-time-great. The doubt lies in whether or not Hopkins can go back to the well one more time without growing old overnight. Kovalev is actually tailor-made for BHop. He’s a come-forward fighter who looks to pound you without worrying about lame stuff like technique.
He was knocked down by a guy named Blake Caparello. So there are some questions about his ability to handle what amounts to the biggest, most difficult challenge of his career BY FAR.
It’s hard to see how an aged fighter could stand up to a monster like Kovalev, but it’s harder to envision Hopkins being knocked out. Hopkins will win by decision, and then stare at press row real scary like, while wearing an alien mask.
Prediction: Hopkins
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Up until this week, I was convinced Sergey Kovalev would steamroll Bernard Hopkins. After all, “The Krusher” means serious business and not even an all-time great (at 49 years old) could stop him. Right?
Well, Hopkins seems as frisky as ever and we know he’s done his homework and some extra credit. Kovalev on the other hand has dropped questionable quote after questionable quote for the past couple of weeks, which lead me to believe that he thinks Hopkins is just another guy.
Kovalev is saying things like “Why should I study my opponent?” and “I only have one plan.”
I’m not convinced that you beat Hopkins by lifting more weights, running an extra mile or chasing around two tennis balls instead of one. Kovalev doesn’t seem to realize that he is facing one of the best tacticians in the history of boxing. At this point, I’m not sure if Kovalev is mentally prepared to go in the deep end with a guy like Hopkins.
I could be wrong, but I’m picking Hopkins by decision and going against my initial prediction of Kovalev by knockout.
Prediction: Hopkins
