Bernard Hopkins at age 49 will attempt to defy all odds, and defeat the dangerous knockout artist Sergey Kovalev in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kovalev has an outstanding record of 25-0-1, with 23 knockouts. The undefeated fighter is viewed as the favorite, due to his raw power, and boxing abilities.
Hopkins understands this might be the most dangerous, heavy-handed fighter he’s faced in his illustrious career.
He stated, “I have the same thoughts on Kovalev that most people here do. He’s a dangerous puncher. He has an over 90 percent knockout rate and anyone who fights this guy has the opportunity to not be the same once he exits the ring. We won’t take anything away from this guy because he’s real.”
If Hopkins manages to pull of the upset, this will certainly be one of the greatest accomplishments of his career. This bout draws historical similarities to the Rumble in the Jungle. The reason being is, like Hopkins, Ali was viewed as an underdog past his prime facing a seemingly unstoppable devastating puncher, whom was 40-0 with 37 knockouts at the time, in George Foreman.
Hopkins’ fellow Philadelphia native fighter Danny Garcia underwent a slightly similar situation as well, when he squared off against Lucas Matthysse. The boxing world was amazed by Matthysse’s knockout power, and his destruction of Lamont Peterson. Shortly after the fight Hopkins told RingTV.com, “If I was 140lbs right now in my bed, the sheets would be wet. I don’t think Danny Garcia will be wet, but I think Danny Garcia will witness what I witness. Angel [Garcia] is no dummy. Angel understands for his son to be right in this fight. I’m a use the word perfect. He got to pitch a no hitter.”
Hopkins will undoubtedly have to follow his own advice and pitch a no-hitter to a certain extent, if he wants to have his hands raised by the end of the night.
Many people in the boxing world believe the crafty hall of fame veteran still has the capability to pull off the upset. De La Hoya, a former rival of Hopkins, is one of those people whom wouldn’t be shocked if Hopkins defeats Kovalev.
De La Hoya stated, “I haven’t counted Hopkins out since he beat me, even before that. Hopkins is a master at what he does. The question is how will Kovalev react psychologically to an ‘alien?’ He’s never fought an athlete like Hopkins. How will he react when hits the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.”
