Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson PPV: Saturday Night Showdown

By Geno McGahee

Bernard Hopkins, 52-5-2, 32 KO’s, will face off against Chad Dawson, 30-1, 17 KO’s, in a pay per view headliner, with the WBC Light Heavyweight Title hanging in the balance. Hopkins, at 46, is an oddity in boxing. He is the oldest man ever to win a title and has stayed on top of the sport with his technique and ring smarts, which led to a recent win over former champion, Jean Pascal, the only man that holds a win over Chad Dawson.

Hopkins, although most of his career fights could cure insomniacs, has beaten the best in the game. He holds victories over Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones, JR., and Winky Wright. He uses every trick in the book to confuse and control his opponent. His ugly style is a puzzle that is not easily solved. That is what Chad Dawson will try to do on Saturday night.

Dawson is a good fighter, but he has never been considered an elite force in boxing. He has made it to the top through his will and skill, but he does struggle more than he probably should in the ring. He eked by Glen Johnson, an older fighter with decent technique, and lost to Jean Pascal when he couldn’t figure him out.

The 29 year old Dawson has his moment. This is what he’s been waiting for, but he must not freeze under the big lights as he did with Pascal. He must also sit down on his punches and put the old man in his place because if he doesn’t establish himself early on and maintain focus, we will see Hopkins run away with a unanimous decision.

Saturday, we will see the two best light heavyweights face off in the headliner of a PPV. Can the old man do it again?