Hopkins vs Dawson: Predictions

Bernard Hopkins(52-5-2) vs Chad Dawson(30-1)

Darren Velasco
Boxing-Hype.blogspot.com

On Saturday, October 15th, 2011 live from the Staples Center, Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins makes his first defense of the lineal light-heavyweight championship against "Bad" Chad Dawson. Along with a promising undercard, the entire Pay-Per-View does not look to disappoint. Hopkins comes into the fight with a 17 year age disadvantage granting him, by what many consider, to be the slight underdog coming into the fight. With Dawson's quickness, southpaw stance, and age advantage, Hopkins is looking to use his experience and ring generalship to prevent a "Bad" finish.

Look for Dawson to take a subtle early advantage in the fight as the older Hopkins takes his time to figure out his opponent. Hopkins' typical early round defensive maneuvers usually lead to him picking it up midway through the fight and essentially winning the cards late. Although it proved successful against Pascal in his most recent fight, expect Hopkins' age to limit this typical occurrence from happening tomorrow.

This will be a clear chess match since both fighters are accustomed to hearing the final bell. Unfortunately some chess matches may be considered more exciting than this Saturday's championship bout. It has been 4 years since either fighter has lifted their hands in victory because of a ten count of referee wave off so do not expect fireworks. Hopkins' most recent knockout took place 12 fights ago in 2004, while Dawson barely edges out the post-prime champion with his most recent knockout being 7 fights ago in 2007.

The two main keys that will decide this fight are simply Hopkins' age and Dawson's stance. Believe It Or Not, these factors can go either way. Hopkins will either live up to his Executioner name for the last time and silently inject his opponent through the scorecards since he can no longer rely on his former firing squad execution methods, or his chronologically tested physique may crumble as many expect it to against the younger fighter. Dawson is a southpaw and this stance will surprisingly come at a disadvantage for him. Hopkins most recent defeat came from the hands of another left-handed warrior Joe Calzaghe but putting Dawson in the same kingdom as the Pride of Wales is ludicrous and an injustice to the former champion. Hopkins has defeated 9 out of the 10 southpaws he has faced in his career with the exception of Calzaghe. The sensational right hand crosses and leads from Hopkins will dictate the fight, clinch the Executioner's bid for fighter of the year, and be an almost perfect ending for the 46 year old champion.
Bottom Line:
Bernard Hopkins, Unanimous Decision


Predictions for the Undercard:
Paulie Malignaggi(29-4) vs Orlando Lora(28-1-1)

With Lora's most recent fights being an eight-round unanimous decision, a six-round fight with a second-round TKO, and a technical decision loss, I think I might have a better chance at beating Paulie Malignaggi. Look for the Magic Man to outclass the 157th ranked welterweight in this 10-round bout.
Bottom Line:

Paulie Malignaggi, Unanimous Decision


Jorge Linares(31-1) vs Antonio Demarco(25-2-1)

*FIGHT OF THE NIGHT*

Both fighters come in with slightly inaccurate records. Linares' only defeat came from a first round knockout by Juan Carlos Salgado, a power puncher from Mexico. This leaves Linares' jaw in question against a slugger like Demarco. Demarco comes in with a brutal loss from the late Edwin Valero, another Venezuelan from Tokyo, and a sixth-round majority decision in only his ninth fight as a pro. Linares comes in as a huge favorite but will come out with an even bigger upset loss. A puncher's chance will give Demarco a late stoppage in what will be the fight of the night on this extraordinary fight card.
Bottom Line:

Antonio Demarco, TKO 9


Danny Garcia(21-0) vs Kendall Holt(27-4)

Although Holt only has 15 knockouts under his belt expect one or two knockdowns from the New Jersey native. Similar to his fights against Timothy Bradley and David Diaz, Holt will come out strong and give some surprising knockdowns but Garcia will prevail in the end by keeping his composure to maintain his young yet mature prospect status.
Bottom Line:

Danny Garcia, SD

Darren Velasco can be reached at darrenvelasco@yahoo.com or tweet to/follow @Darren_Velasco or @BoxingHype. Any suggestions, questions, or problems can be sent to boxinghype@yahoo.com.