Jean Pascal Vs Bernard Hopkins Surprising Results
By Geno McGahee
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Jean Pascal, 26-1-1, 16 KO’s, scored two early knockdowns on ring veteran, Bernard Hopkins, 51-5-2, 32 KO’s, but the “Executioner” came on strong late and made the fight very close going into the final round.
In the first round, Hopkins followed Pascal around the ring and was winning the round until a right hand landed and Hopkins went down. He got up immediately and complained about the punch landing behind the head. Pascal would land a left hook that would drop Hopkins again, but the old warrior would adjust and begin chasing down the champion.
In the second half of the fight, it became more of a Hopkins fight with the mauling and holding but some good shots as well mixed in there. Pascal’s aggression lessened as the rounds went on and it allowed Hopkins to get back into the fight. A late rally by Pascal left the decision in doubt and both men fought hard for the final round and it could have gone either way.
The bout was very close and debatable and the majority draw was not a bad decision with the scores being 113-113, 114-114, and 114-112 for Hopkins. Hopkins was very upset about the decision and Pascal was willing to fight him again, which may just happen due to the close fight. It was a far better scrap then most thought it would be.