Hopkins outclassed Pavlik from the opening bell and, uncharacteristically, was still looking for a KO in the final round. A viewer unfamiliar with these two boxers would find it hard to believe that Hopkins is 43-years-old. Such a viewer would be equally amazed to learn that 26-year-old Pavlik is a world class fighter whose undefeated record includes two wins over a fighter (Jermain Taylor) who beat Hopkins twice.
Punch stats: Total Punches: Hopkins - 172 of 530 (32%); Pavlik - 108 of 463 (23%). Total Power Punches: Hopkins - 148 of 304 (49%); Pavlik - 55 of 211 (26%).
Official Scoring: 119-106, 118-108 and 117-109, all for Hopkins.
Next: Hopkins will be hoping that Roy Jones Jr. defeats Joe Calzaghe on Nov. 8 so that he might get a chance to avenge his 1993 unanimous decision loss to Jones. For Pavlik, the only good news is that he's still the WBC/WBO since this bout was contested at a catchweight of 170 pounds.
Comments
B-Hop took Kelly to school. There’s still life in the old dog yet. The elbows, the shoulders, the head butts – who would have thought that Pavlik needed the Viagra(tm) instead of Hopkins?
So much for Kevin knocking Hopkins into retirement huh?
I covered that fight and sat there with my mouth open for 12 rounds in disbelief. Pavlik did say several days ago he had bronchitis Wed before and took medication that may have left him with no energy. Hopkins never looked better or sounded worse at the press conf that followed. Made writers cheer him louder a 2nd time. Said you who voted against me should bow down to me for I know you are slouching in your seats. I stood up and was motioned to sit down by his flunky pr woman. He looked me in the eye and should have said “what is your question” and not have someone running defense for him. A champ in the ring, but never out of the ring. Claimed to be the 3rd best. Since I couldn’t ask a question he could have been referring to Sugar Ray Robinson, Ali and him. Or today. He is becoming another Larry Holmes drowing in his own ego. I had it a shut-out by the way. Arum forced this fight instead of unification like Pavlik wanted.