Hard-hitting Russian champion, Sergey Kovalev, will face his toughest opponent to date in the ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins Nov. 11, and despite B-Hop’s legendary status, Kovalev disrespected him in a press conference promoting their fight.
When questioned if he watched Hopkins fight before, Kovalev (25-0-1. 23 KOs) said that Hopkins was boring and he couldn’t make it past a few rounds due to lack of action.
Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) isn’t exactly known for his power, but he is a solid boxer who creates awkward bouts that most have trouble besting the 49-year-old champion. The last time Hopkins won by KO was against Oscar De La Hoya in 2004.
With Kovalev’s knockout reputation, many are speculating that the younger fighter could give Hopkins the fight of his career and even end it early.
In Hopkin’s six losses as a professional boxer, he has never been stopped, as he makes it tough for his opponent to land a shot of significance.
If there ever was a fighter that could stop Hopkins early it is Kovalev, but with the level of opponent he’s faced thus far, it is tough to say with any certainty that there’s a real chance at that taking place next month.
Disrespecting Hopkins heading into the fight could be a smart move on Kovalev’s part, as if he can get into Hopkins’ head, causing him to be more aggressive in their bout, the possibility of a KO would greatly increase.
Saturday, Nov. 11, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey will be a night that Hopkins looks to silence doubters of his age catching up with him yet again, and Kovalev looking to prove he is one of the sport’s next big stars looking for his marque win.
Mick Akers is the lead boxing writer for Fight Hub TV and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter: @mickakers
