Bernard Hopkins -170 (46-2-1, 32 KO’s)
A record 20 title defenses and 13 years since his last loss, Bernard Hopkins is the big favorite to ride into the sunset as the undisputed middleweight champion.
Experience will be his six-shooter.
At 40 years old, Hopkins has fought in more championship rounds than Taylor has fought regular rounds in his entire career. It only serves him better against the younger, more aggressive Taylor. Hopkins can pick his punches and wait on the inexperience and youthful enthusiasm of his challenger, like he’s done so many times before.
“I'm going to show the world that 40 is not a death sentence,” said the Executioner.
Hopkins proved that point in February by defeating Howard Eastman as a –550 favorite a month and four days after his 40 birthday.
While some question his age and stamina, one look at his recent fights and the notion is quickly put to rest. Hopkins has gone the distance in three of his last four fights. The only exception was a ninth round KO of Oscar De La Hoya two years ago in Las Vegas.
Jermain Taylor +140 (23-0, 17 KO’s)
He has speed, power, youth, and heart. The only thing missing from Jermain Taylor’s repertoire is a middleweight championship belt.
It may come sooner than later.
Undefeated in his young professional career, the talk around the boxing world is that the Taylor is the heir to the middleweight throne. He just needs to stake his claim in a division dominated by Bernard Hopkins for over a decade.
"It's a new era and here I am!" exclaimed Taylor during a conference call earlier this month.
Thirteen years the junior of his challenger, Taylor is making his first title fight appearance and needs his left jab more than ever to keep Hopkins from getting in close. Taylor loves to use his jab to setup power punches, something he says will win him the fight.
There’s little chance he’ll KO the experienced Hopkins, but his quick feet, bolstering stamina and 10-pound weight advantage does make Taylor a worthy underdog tonight.
“However he brings it, I’m going to take it to him,” said Taylor. “It don’t make a difference how he bring it. There is nothing he can do to beat me, nothing.”
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