New York, NY – 2011‘s stacked boxing schedule of intrigue continues this weekend and is highlighted on Saturday by 46 year old Hall of Fame bound Bernard Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KOs) attempt to become the oldest fighter in history to capture a major world title when he challenges the durable WBC light heavyweight (175) champion Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 KOs) in a rematch of their 2010 draw. The bout will be contested over 12 rounds or less rounds at a sold out Bell Centre Arena in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, live on HBO at 10 PM ET.
SAME OLD, SAME…OLD?
For the better part of the past 22 years, Bernard Hopkins (while defiantly kicking ass in the process) has been calling out the biggest names in the sport. The boxing world took notice of the bombastic talents of Hopkins when he displayed a masterpiece performance against Felix Trinidad (W KO 12). After his artistic beat down over Trinidad, Bernard’s take no prisoners “back alley” brawling style had allowed him to go toe-to-toe with (and beat) world elite combatants such as Oscar De La Hoya (W KO 9), Antonio Tarver (W UD 12), Winky Wright (W UD 12) and Kelly Pavlik (W UD 12) with relative ease. On the contrary, as seen in performances where he had elected to fight in spurts against the likes of Joe Calzaghe (L UD 12) Jermain Taylor (L SD 12, L UD 12), and Roy Jones (L UD 12, in their first fight); Bernard has a tendency to become complaisant, over analyze his foe, and get out hustled. Coming into Saturday’s contest, Hopkins has seven wins against four losses and one draw in his last 12 bouts (1 KO). In his most recent bout, Bernard recovered from two early round knockdowns and fought valiantly en route to a hotly disputed 12 round draw against Jean Pascal.
PASCAL SEEKS VALIDATION & WORLD RECOGNITION
Facing durable opposition, Pascal was unbeaten in 21 previous contests before lacing up the gloves with current WBC super middleweight (168) belt holder Carl Froch. In that affair, Froch handed Jean his first defeat (L UD 12). After the setback to Froch, Pascal regrouped, moved up a class in weight, and in a stellar performance against then unbeaten champion Adrian Diaconu; Pascal captured the light heavyweight crown (W UD 12). After picking up the WBC strap, Jean has thrice defended his title. In his first defense, Pascal blasted out Silvio Branco (W TKO 10), out pointed Adrian Diaconu in their rematch (W UD 12) and in his third title defense; managed to earn a technical decision victory over then undefeated former IBF champion Chad Dawson (W TD 11). Seeking bigger paydays and more notoriety, Jean then called out ring legend Bernard Hopkins. In a highly entertaining affair of youth versus experience; Pascal enjoyed success early and became one of the select few fighters to drop Hopkins to the canvas. However as the fight pressed on, Pascal became seemingly winded and appeared in the eyes of most experts to have been bested by Bernard down the stretch. Despite such belief, Jean was able to retain his belts via draw verdict.
SIZING ‘EM UP & PREDICTION
In consideration of Bernard’s experience, knowledge, athleticism, attitude, determination, and accolades, one would figure this should be a “no brainer” and history will be made in favor of the old man. However (as mentioned earlier) Hopkins can at times perform listless and flat. Luckily for Bernard that on those occasions where he seemed “off”, he wasn’t facing young power punchers or the type of fighters that pull the trigger when they “smell blood” and “go for the kill”. I’m comparing Pascal to a prime Mike Tyson, (by all means he is not) but he his young, very powerful, and angry at his opponent. While strength isn’t everything (especially when facing an adversary such as Bernard who most believe enjoys the better crafted boxing ability than Pascal); one fact that shouldn’t be taken lightly is that Jean did in fact score a meaningful knockdown of Hopkins in there first encounter. That occurrence could perhaps be very telling to the result of the sequel. I feel that if Pascal can pace himself a bit better this time around and keep his wind, he’ll gradually put the hurt on Hopkins over the first half of the fight and make history as the only fighter to ever stop the aging Warrior that is Hopkins. W PASCAL KO 6.
UNDER CARD GOT SOMETHIN’ FOR YA
In what can potentially be an electrifying start to a night at the fights; former WBC light heavyweight (175) champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (29-1, 17 KOs) squares up against rugged two time world title challenger Adrian “Shark” Diaconu (27-2, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 12 round co featured bout.
ESPN JOINT
As per usual, the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the boxing weekend. Each installment of the decorated series features news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week’s card features power punching former light middleweight (154) world title challenger Joel Julio (36-4, 31 KOs) pitted against prone pug Anges Adjaho (25-5, 14 KOs) over 10 proposed rounds of throw down at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Friday at 9 PM ET on ESPN 2.
John Signorella