So many times in rematch situations the fighter who correctly adapts from the first fight realizes that they shouldn’t have adapted at all. This may be the situation on Saturday when Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 Kos), steps into the ring with Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 KOs), the 28-year-old Haitian - Canadian.
The first fight ended in a controversial draw. I am one who agrees with Jean Pascal that the draw was a good decision. While Bernard clearly dominated the later rounds, there were some tossup rounds that I scored for Pascal. Also, Bernard is ALWAYS in controversial fights. His style doesn't allow for any other way.
Pascal has never been a very technically sound fighter. He uses his superior speed and awkwardness to jump in and out of range and put his opponents in tough positions. This strategy clearly worked in his fight with Chad Dawson. Bernard Hopkins, being one of the smartest fighters in boxing, saw that Pascal was a champion that he could have a very good chance against and made the match happen with promise of money and the ability to add a champion on your resume, reminiscent of the Kelly Pavlik matchup.
Jean Pascal has always been a fighter who fades in the later rounds (see fight against first fight against Hopkins, Froch and Dawson)
The storylines include Bernard Hopkins trying to unseat George Foreman as the oldest man to win a major world title and whether Jean Pascal will be remembered as the fighter who never should have had the title. Also the looming matchup for the winner of this match with the clear #3 man in the division Chad Dawson.
Here is the weigh-in
Chad Dawson should also have a very entertaining match on the undercard. He MUST win this match to face the winner of Hopkins V Pascal for his belt back.
Also don't forget about other old American fighters going to other younger fighter's hometowns to fight big matches. Antonio Tarver in Australia against Danny Green. Roy Jones Jr. just lost in Russia fighting (should be undefeated) Lebedev. Sad night for him. He was knocked out badly and should conclude his career.
Who am I picking? This is as much of a 50/50 fight as we have covered here.
Fighting has never really interested me but my boyfriend wanted me to watch this one with him and I actually enjoyed it. I think it had a bit to do with being able to watch it in HD through my employee subscription to DISH; I could see every detail of every hit. I was impressed to see the actual impact with the slow motion replays.
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