ON Saturday, ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins will face โKrusherโ 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 โThe Shadowโ Knight, former co-trainer of Lennox Lewis and former super-featherweight world title challenger:
โI think itโs a very good fight. Iโm 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:
โI 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, heโs made of iron, so I go for Kovalev to win. But with Hopkins you never know.โ
Montell Griffin, former WBC light-heavyweight champion:
โI really donโt 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 donโt know for sure.โ
Riddick Bowe, former heavyweight king:
โI think Kovalev can get the win, if heโs not scared or intimidated by Hopkins.โ
Omar Sheika, former four time super-middleweight world title challenger and former light-heavyweight contender:
โKovalev should win, he hits so hard. But then heโs never really been tested. I want to see how he reacts in the later rounds. Itโs 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:
โI 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:
โI think the fight all depends on how Bernard deals with Kovalevโs 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 itโs a great fight. My pick is Bernard by rough decision.โ
Jose Ribalta, former heavyweight contender:
โI 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
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