Bernard "the Executioner" Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KO’s) and Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 KO’s) will fight for the second time this Saturday. We all 
know what happened the first time. Hopkins "won" even though he nabbed a draw on the scorecards. It was not a highway robbery necessarily, but I think it’s fair to say that Pascal benefited from a hometown decision of sorts.
One problem for Hopkins this time around, is that the hometown (Montreal, Canada) for this match is the same as in their first fight. However, I think that is one of the few advantages that Pascal has going into this fight.
The other advantage that he has, is that he’s a whopping 18 years younger than "the Executioner." However, even that perceived advantage is not that clear. Hopkins is somehow still fighting at a world-class level even as he approaches 50!
In my humble opinion, not much has changed since the controversial draw in their first fight last year. Hopkins is still wiser, has the tighter defense and possesses better overall ring generalship.
Pascal counters with faster hands and feet. However, his defensive holes and low punch output aid the venerable "B-Hops’s" cause here.
As you probably guessed, I have a sneaking suspicion that Hopkins is set to dethrone George Foreman as the oldest champion in boxing history. My official prediction is: "Bernard Hopkins wins by split decision over Jean Pascal on Saturday, May 21."
I agree, i see hopkins being cautious early on until the initial Pascal power outage runs to ground. From the 5th i see him steadily outboxing Pascal as Pascal tries to get dirty in the late rounds in desperation, only to realise that he is playing with someone who can roll dirtier if and when he wants to. If Hopkins avoids early knock downs like liast time, it can only be a cards decision. Pascal doesnt thrown enough to pull this off. He respects Hopkins, and thats the same respect that will hand him this loss. B-hop by UD.
Rel: Very astute breakdown-I see it playing out that way. The only caveat-could Pascal get another hometown decision if the fight is close?
There is no way Hopkins will win a decisions vs. a french fighter in Quebec. No way. I was surprised it was so close last time. This time. It won’t be close. Pascal wins, eight rounds to four.
French? That dude is Haitian! But I get your point. That’ll be tough to pull off BUT methinks B-Hop can do it.
This reminds me of your Khan Malanaggi prediction Ja. Everyone once in a while you have a brain cramp. lol. I will say you know almore about the sport than me.
To say Pascal is Hatian is to say Lucien Bute is Romanian.
Maybe both not born in Canada, but they are Quebecers nows. Don’t mess with Quebec. I thought Pascal won the first fight easily. Didn’t Hopkins suffer 2 knockdowns, and still salvaged a draw?
Ouch Jeff, you ain’t gonna let that go are you. Hey, even the Almighty Ja gets a few wrong every now and again (in fact, more ‘now and again’ that usual lol). I hear you Jeff, re: the “home ring advantage,” but I am just not sold on Pascal. If he beats a Dawson, Bute, Ward and/or Froch, then I’d start believing. And of course his first fight against Hopkins was unimpressive to say the least.
By the way, you said he was French, not “Quebecian (sp?).” That’s what I responding too, re: that he is Haitian not French. 🙂
I am not sold on Pascal either. He exposed B Hop in the first like other much tougher competition he has faced hasn’t. You could say it is age, sure. I just think the home town advantage, and that Pascal is much younger, and is still a quality fighter that B Hop is overrated at this point in his career.
Jeff, that’s fair, re: B-Hop (at this stage of his illustrious career). But B-Hop actually looked better in their first fight than I woulda ever imagined. Let’s see how it plays out after this Dawson-Diaconu snore-fest (smile), although I thnk Dawson looked much better than the announcers made it sound.
I told you (Jeff). 😉
You win Ja. Again…..That why I always look to you for boxing advice. Mad Props.
I appreciate it Jeff, but don’t thank me. Thank the Boxing Fight Predictor. 🙂 Hey, it was a tough call and obviously a close fight. Did you ever think you’d hear some Canadian fans chant, “B-Hop, B-Hop” in Quebec?!?