Boxing Betting: Will experience be enough to bust "The Ghost?"

Boxing Betting / Alex Steedman / 13 October 2008 /

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A massive 20 fights and 17 years separate the two fighters in Saturday night's catchweight contest so will youth triumph or will experience and wile rule the day?

Father Time can creak his way into a boxer's corner almost unnoticed in between rounds, if not at least into his life overnight. But as his 44th birthday approaches, Bernard Hopkins continues to defy both age and convention.

Saturday night's catchweight , non-title fight against Kelly Pavlik spans the generations. Hopkins had just defended his IBF Middleweight title for the 11th time when Kelly Pavlik made his debut in June 2000. That's 20 fights and an amazing 17 years between them in ring time. The betting though suggests youth will have its day.

Those who fancy [1.33] about unbeaten Pavlik, will be relying upon his relentless work ethic and that thunderous right hand; a combination that has worked spectacularly for 'The Ghost' in three of his last four fights, including against Jermaine Taylor who has beaten Hopkins (narrowly) twice. But will the straight forward -double jab, right hand - attacks of Pavlik be subtle or quick enough to subdue the wily Hopkins? I wonder.

Britain's own greasy fast Joe Calzaghe hardly landed a meaningful punch on Hopkins in April, earning a split decision win on work-rate alone. It's entirely feasible that Pavlik will do the same against an ageing star who has won just two of his last five fights. But those squeaky losses to Calzaghe and Jermaine Taylor were fights Hopkins should have won. The questions remain the same; is he willing? Is he physically able?

Respected former trainer Freddie Roach pushed Hopkins for an explanation for his down the stretch lethargy against Calzaghe. No answer, new trainer. But consider this; Hopkins has fought Roy Jones, Calzaghe and beaten Trinidad, De La Hoya and Tarver. Pavlik has Jermaine Taylor and Edison Miranda high on his resume. Perhaps it is class, not youth that will out.

Hopkins has taken to calling himself the 'Ghostbuster.' But the big question is, has he enough oomph in his proton pack?

VERDICT HOPKINS WIN 3.85
METHOD OF VICTORY POINTS 5.0

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