7:27 PM Eastern Standard Time:
I have Pavlik by Unanimous Decision, but would not be shocked if Bhop made it close or even won.
12:04 AM Eastern Standard Time:
I have been watching Bernard Hopkins fight for a very long time and I will be honest I don't think I have ever seen him be as dominant as he was tonight. It was a complete shutout in my opinion. You have to be a boxing purist to honestly appreciate what Bernard Hopkins just did to Kelly Pavlik. If you just watch boxing for the huge knockouts this was not the fight for you. This was the "Sweet Science" at its finest.
What you saw was a surgical procedure done by a true professional boxer. Kelly Pavlik thought he knew how to box, but tonight he learned he has no idea about boxing.
This performance by Bernard Hopkins should be locked into a vault and pulled out for any fighter who dares to be just one dimensional. To show them what happens when someone comes around who is smart and talented enough to eliminate that dimension.
It reminded me of Ali vs. Foreman. Pavlik for most of his career has been able to overwhelm his opponents even though they all knew what was coming. I always said if Jermaine Taylor had any type of "true" boxing skills he wouldn't have any trouble with Pavlik, but he was too undisciplined. Hopkins is the most discipline fighter in the last two decades.
It was hard to tell who the 43 year old fighter was and who the 26 year fighter was. The reason I picked Pavlik was because I didn't think Hopkins could keep up the type of work rate needed to win for 12 rounds. I was wrong about that from the opening bell Hopkins was the aggressor and I dare say he made this fight exciting in terms he was close to knocking out Pavlik.
Pavlik was taking to school by the Executioner and while I am sure he will recover I don't think he will ever forget what happens when you are given as ass whipping by a legend.
Don't ever bet against me Littal
a beautiful fight by hopkins
B-Hop handled him!!!! Philly Stand up