Who wins Bernard Hopkins-Sergey Kovalev? Eight experts decide

ON Saturday, ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins will face โ€œKrusherโ€ Sergey Kovalev in an attempt to further defy his time. But lethal puncher Kovalev has other ideas.

Who will win? Here eight big names from the sport give their pre-fight picks on the action.

Harold โ€œThe Shadowโ€ Knight, former co-trainer of Lennox Lewis and former super-featherweight world title challenger:

โ€œI think itโ€™s a very good fight. Iโ€™m going with Hopkins by close decision. His experience, his guile, will eke out a close decision only the boxing purists will appreciate. Kovalev brings great strengths, that fall right into Hopkinsโ€™ traps. Hopkins via decision – unless Father Time catches up with him in this fight.โ€

Clinton Woods, former IBF light-heavyweight champion:

โ€œI think Hopkins may try and old-school Kovalev, like he has done to a lot of other fighters. But I think Kovalev is too rough, too young and he hits too hard. Also, heโ€™s made of iron, so I go for Kovalev to win. But with Hopkins you never know.โ€

Montell Griffin, former WBC light-heavyweight champion:

โ€œI really donโ€™t know what to expect from this fight. If Kovalev does not get frustrated in the fight due to Hopkinsโ€™ antics, I think he might get the win. But I just donโ€™t know for sure.โ€

Riddick Bowe, former heavyweight king:

โ€œI think Kovalev can get the win, if heโ€™s not scared or intimidated by Hopkins.โ€

Omar Sheika, former four time super-middleweight world title challenger and former light-heavyweight contender:

โ€œKovalev should win, he hits so hard. But then heโ€™s never really been tested. I want to see how he reacts in the later rounds. Itโ€™s hard to go against Hopkins, he knows how to win and he makes anyone he fights look bad. He is an alien (laughs), and also a very smart and wise fighter.โ€

Donny Lalonde, former WBC light-heavyweight champion:

โ€œI think Bernard Hopkins has too much savvy for Kovalev. That being said, this fight is a tough pick, as Kovalev is very powerful. Let me pick Hopkins to win by decision.โ€

Malik Scott, current heavyweight contender:

โ€œI think the fight all depends on how Bernard deals with Kovalevโ€™s power. Hopkins has been in this type of situation before, so I reckon Bernard wins a rough decision – but he could also get knocked out because Kovalev has freakish power. I think itโ€™s a great fight. My pick is Bernard by rough decision.โ€

Jose Ribalta, former heavyweight contender:

โ€œI think Hopkins will win via a decision. But Hopkins might even get a KO win.โ€

LOTS more on Hopkins-Kovalev, including expertsโ€™ views and exclusive interviews, HERE

FULL PREVIEW AND PREDICTION IN THIS WEEKโ€™S BOXING NEWS, established in 1909 and the longest running publication on the market. SAVE MONEY and GET THE BEST COVERAGE EVERY WEEK.

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