Fighters Predict Hopkins/Pavlik Result

Kelly Pavlik vs. Bernard Hopkins—Fight Predictions

With Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins set to face off this Saturday October 18, some of the best fighters in the sport weighed in with analysis and predictions.

Promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Pavlik vs. Hopkins “UNSTOPPABLE” is a light heavyweight battle taking place at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. The fight will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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, he is definitely over hyped.”

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 to 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 any more but I don’t think Calzaghe even did enough to win. Pavlik is a power puncher and typically when Hopkins fights power puncher he stops them. “