Pascal-Hopkins...Analysis And Prediction.

The first thing I'd like to state is that I am NOT a big
Pascal fan. The second statement is I  AM a huge Hopkins fan. Of course.. I'm talking about boxing ability not personality. In spite of that pronouncement I think Hopkins will have a hard time overcoming the odds & pulling off a win, tonight in Canada. I just do not see a 45 year old Hopkins being able to be busy enough for 12 rounds, to pull out a decision in Pascal's home country.

Pascal tends to move around the ring waiting for the right opportunity for lunge in with a series of quick combination punches. His advantage is his speed & the best way to negate his offense is to time him coming in with hard counter punches. This.. a younger Bernard Hopkins would probably have been able to accomplish. The older version? I'm not convinced he can succeed. Another big edge for Hopkins is usually his ability to dominate on the inside. Pascal is built like a small tank & I can't imagine him being bullied around in the inside game. He just seems to strong. Hopkins is very successful against a straight in aggressive fight who he can use the opponents aggression against himself ( think of Pavlik who tried being the aggressor until he was getting beat up). Pascal's unorthodox fighting style is harder to time because he is able to jump in & out with great speed. Again.... Can a 45 year old man have the reflexes needed to catch him coming in? A big problem for the older fighter. I don't want to give the impression that I think this will be a one sided fight because I don't. Hopkins will still try to control the center of the ring & use every trick in the book to the discourage the younger, more inexperienced opponent. But, in a bout where the home crowd will be screaming at every punch the home town hero throws (not necessarily lands) I feel it will prove to be too much for the veteran boxer to overcome. Hopkins chances of scoring a KO & preventing it going to the score cards seem very remote to me. I think the final result will be a close but unanimous decision in favor of Pascal. The race is not always won by the young & the strong but that's usually the way to bet. If I wasn't betting I would actually root for the wily old fox. But gambling can show no favoritism.


Jean Pascal by decision +105      4 Units

Thanks for the analysis Redlad,  I know you know your stuff from just reading a few weeks worth.  I suppose Pacal doesn't have that constant punching style that Calzaghe used  to force this semi scam artist to fake a low blow and take a breather later in the fight.   I think that if almost 46 year old Hopkins ever felt himself get overwhelmed during the fight, he would turn it dirty fast and find a way out, likely faking he was fouled and couldn't continue like it almost appeeared he was going to do against Roy Jones. That fight and Hopkins antics were disgraceful from my view ringside.   Hop hit Roy behind the head pretty good , so Roy just literally tapped him back of the head to retaliate and the drama show ensued and they charged PPV for that crap which sends borderline boxing fans running.  I hope Pascal wins emphatically. 

A+++ on the analysis. However, I'm somewhat concerned this becomes a foul/headbutt fest. That's the only reason I didn't take the decision prop, as TD and DQ wins are ITD.

I also wonder if we might see the once unstoppable Hopkins go out on his shield. There is a very good chance he could be hurt in this fight, followed by a premature stoppage.

I expect at least one "wtf was that" type of moment in this fight, that's for sure.

Good luck Red.

[Quote: Originally Posted by walktheline]

A+++ on the analysis. However, I'm somewhat concerned this becomes a foul/headbutt fest. That's the only reason I didn't take the decision prop, as TD and DQ wins are ITD.

I also wonder if we might see the once unstoppable Hopkins go out on his shield. There is a very good chance he could be hurt in this fight, followed by a premature stoppage.

Pascal has the brawn to KO Hopkins, but I'm not so sure about the brains. Hopkins is still one if the shrewdest thinkers inside of the ring today. On physical  & athletic skills... it's no contest, but you can never underestimate the mental part of the game & in that department... Hopkins reigns supreme. Pascal seemed a little intimidated at the press conference, so I hope Bernard didn't already get inside of his head. It should be an interesting chess match. Best Of Luck!

Pascal is not KO'ing Bernard Hopkins.  It's just not happening.

Pascal by DEC is the logical play for sure, but betting against Hopkins even at god damn near 50 yrs old is just not something I'm interested in doing.

I'm not a fan of either guy, a small play on hopkins by ko/tko I feel he can land a temple shot and hurt Pascal.

Let's be honest he isn't very busy as a boxer (hopkins) and the fight is in Canada hopkins by dec doesn't seem plausible.

Bernard has a sneaky straight right hand that most never see coming. The MORE aggressive you are the better Hopkins fights since he's a counter puncher.

Very small play hopkins by KO/TKO I see a temple shot hurting Pascal!  Also a stiff sneaky right hand.

Good luck to all,
         

Quick followup Pascal loops his punches a lot, makes an easy target for a straight right.

I believe if Pascal stays upright he wins, it's why this fight was taken.

Good luck,
    

I will be quite surprised if Hopkins can stop Pascal at 45 years of age. Enjoy the fight.

Its his only chance lol, try walking out of Canada with a decision especially with his style.

Just a small play :)

Good luck to you also.