B-Hop Phone Home: 'The Alien' in familiar territory, ready to execute another unbeaten record

By Peter Wells:


Bernard 'The Alien' Hopkins

It's a new nickname, but the essence in Bernard Hopkins' old alias as 'The Executioner' still remains. For every contest he executes the game plan to perfection and so often has executed the flourishing careers of so many prospects.

On November 11th, many are tipping Hopkins' reign to end at the hands of Sergey Kovalev 25-0-1(23). But are we all so foolish as to write Hopkins off once again? There is no style Hopkins 55-6-2(32) has not seen before. An education of life, self taught in prison and on the streets of Philadelphia. While in the ring his wisdom teaches others the harsh lessons that he taught himself.

Kovalev however offers a new test, a heavy handed Light Heavyweight with a mean streak. This is certainly the biggest challenge that Hopkins has taken since he pushed Joe Calzaghe to a split decision in 2008. Hopkins will need all the guile he can muster to come out victorious, and while the odds should favour Kovalev, there is reason for optimism if you're Team B-Hop.



Early mind games: Hopkins signs to fight Kovalev days prior to
Kovalev-Caparello

Kovalev is a patient stalker, cutting the ring off magnificently, before carefully picking his punches to punish his often intimidated foes. But this patience that works so well against many others, not allowing his often faster opponents to counter punch, will only be a hindrance against Hopkins. If Kovalev decides on waiting for his perfect opportunities, it will suit Bernard down to the ground, a slow pace fight is a dream fight for the old master. Should Kovalev speed things up, rushing in to outwork the often frustrating Hopkins, then plenty of clinching will likely ensue.

Hopkins has the incredible ring craft to avoid the dangerous right hand of Kovalev, while working at his favoured pace, prodding out the jab followed by the odd right cross when Kovalev misses.

Maybe this time, much like against Calzaghe and Chad Dawson, Hopkins' work rate and negative style may cost him. Only time will tell, and thus far time has been a good acquaintance to Hopkins.

Boxing keeps on waiting for Hopkins to grow old over night, but maybe he already has, but like everything in his life so far, Hopkins has adapted, overcome. Instead of saying he is a 49 year old in a 29 year olds body, maybe he is just a 49 year old in a 49 year olds body. Maybe the only way to explain it is how Hopkins himself would explain it best, he's an Alien!

Fish out of water: Austin Trout looks to get back on track

By Peter Wells:



Austin Trout celebrates after defeating Miguel Cotto

It may not be the case all the time, but the majority of boxers will look back at their careers and hurry quickly past the memory of a certain year. Maybe it was a year halted by injuries, or a year where that defining fight they craved never came off. For many it will be the year that the sound of the opponents name being read out as the victor was all they heard after the final bell. Austin Trout 26-2(14) was one of those, and 2013 was the year he will love to forget.

The only two defeats of his otherwise faultless professional career came in 2013, both on points, against the top two Light Middleweights in the world. Saul Alvarez was the first, last April, when the Mexican's victory was never in doubt, despite it being an extremely close fight, that myself and several others scored in favour of Trout. The New Mexico fighter was rightly aggrieved with the manner in which he lost, with ludicrous scorecards of 118-109 and - less so - 116-111 that didn't reflect how close the fight was.

Defeat to Cuban hotshot Erislandy Lara was as clear cut as it gets, the often unpredictable Lara boxed on the move, never allowing Trout to set his feet. This defeat last December must have been the toughest to take, as Lara made the former world champion look rather ordinary.

Trout (left) endures a torrid 12 rounds against Erislandy Lara

Now after 8 months out of the ring, Trout returns to recapture the form that saw him defeat the likes of Rigoberto Alvarez, Delvin Rodriguez and most impressively Miguel Cotto - all unanimous decisions over the championship distance.

His opponent this Friday night is Australian Daniel Dawson 40-3-1(26), a record that is filled with wins over modest opposition. Defeats to former WBO Light Middleweight ruler Serhiy Dzinziruk (TKO 10) and an earlier reverse to then 17-0 Daniel Geale (UD 12) were predictable, unlike his 2010 setback to 12-4-2 Frank Lo Porto (UD 12). Since that latest defeat Dawson has fought his last 7 fights at the same venue in Australia - WA Italian Club. In there is a draw and majority decision win over Virgil Kalakoda.

Not the most fearsome of opponent, but 'The Rock' will be up for his chance on ESPN Friday Night Fights, at 36 knowing this is his last opportunity to make an impression.



Daniel Dawson

Trout looked poor last time out against Lara, but then again Lara can do that to anyone on his day. In spite of defeat to Alvarez, there were more positives than negatives to take from that fight.

A quality boxer who grows stronger as a fight goes on, Trout puts his punches together nicely. He has the ability to fight both on the outside with a solid jab and long left from the Southpaw stance, or on the inside where he slings uppercuts in that were so effective against Cotto.

So long as confidence has not been shattered, Trout will be far too good for Dawson, and he can quite possibly force a stoppage late in the 12 rounder to dive back into the world title picture.

What's next for Kell Brook?

By Peter Wells:

Kell Brook celebrating the beginning of a new chapter

Unfortunately boxing rarely lets a fighter soak in the feeling of victory, and no more so when its a world title victory. Because, as the name would suggest, the 'world' is watching, and questions regarding the next step are what both fans and media alike want to hear.

For Kell Brook, speculation of his next opponent began the moment his hand was raised as a majority decision victor for Shawn Porter's IBF Welterweight title. Amir Khan's name was on the lips of everyone viewing, and the questions were soon filtering in.

Khan was sat in the studio, and rightly admitted that Brook had now earned his status as a world class fighter, something he had yet to prove, and that a fight between the pair would now make sense.

Keith Thurman, who looked likely to face Porter next had the American kept hold of his crown, was at ringside, and it wasn't long before his promoter Oscar De La Hoya was telling the media that his fighter was willing to travel across the Atlantic for a fight with Brook.

Another name on the likely next opponent list, will be a familiar one for British fight fans. Leonard Bundu, the unbeaten Italian who's reign as European champion is warranting of a world title attempt.



Brook (left) grew stronger as the fight wore on

The world title winning effort from Kell was a scrappy one, one in which he had to dig deep at times, winning ugly. He won ugly but the victory was beautiful, his name now mentioned with Manny Pacquiao (WBO) and Floyd Mayweather (WBA & WBC) as the current world champions at 147lbs.

While Porter was favoured slightly, looking back on the fight, it does not come as such a surprise that Brook was able to neutralise so much of what Porter does well. It involved some veteran tactics, like holding on the inside, and also took a low output to deny Porter too many openings.

While not trying to rain on Porter's recent performances, Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi both had unconventional styles, especially when it came to defence. Porter's long swings from outside were nightmares for those two fighters. Against Brook, Porter could not adjust his style, and with the lack of opportunities to land clean from the outside on the defensively sound Brook, his best successes came when he pounded the body of Brook, a feat that became a none-factor in the later rounds as Brook really took control.

On the other side of the fence, one could suggest that while Brook's performance was far from 'Special', that was more or less down to the opponent. Against a Thurman or a Khan, Brook may find it far easier to find a smoother rhythm. Porter has feasted on opponents thanks to them not finding their timing, something that offsets their game plan. Credit must go to Brook for remaining composed when his punches were almost all missing the target in the early goings.


Amir Khan can silence a lot of critics with a win over Brook

A meeting with Khan may not be taking place this year. Something tells me that this clash has a special date in April or May of 2015 set up. A homecoming for the new champion in Sheffield looks more likely.

But say that the huge all-British clash does take place next for both boxers, the fight will certainly divide opinion.

It seems as though it is easy to forget just what Khan has achieved. Dropping and very nearly stopping Marcos Maidana in the opening round of their 2010 clash, before standing up to several bombs from the Argentine puncher to eek out a close decision win. He also scored a 5th round knockout of Zab Judah and was unlucky to lose his titles in a controversial fight with now IBF Light Welterweight champion, Lamont Peterson. He has also met the likes of Danny Garcia, Andriy Kotelnik and Paulie Malignaggi. His most recent victory over Luis Collazo, was a fine display of how Virgil Hunter has helped improve Khan's defensive lapses.

Khan is a tall and rangy operator, and his speed can cause any fighter problems. If Brook were banking on just catching Khan on the chin and scoring the knockout then it would be a rather long night. Khan's footspeed and handspeed should be enough to take a points victory over Brook, but with Khan there is always the worry that his wanting to entertain, could leave him in deep waters again. If the fight became a battle at close quarters, like it was when Khan fought Peterson and Julio Diaz, then Brook would almost certainly come out victorious.


Keith Thurman is ready to travel to the UK

A clash with Thurman is a great one for boxing fans, another Welterweight matchup between two unbeaten fighters. Thurman can punch, but has certainly shown more dimensions to his work than Porter, but he has also been vulnerable at times, no more so than his nip-and-tuck affair with Diego Chaves, before he separated himself from Chaves with a 10th round knockout blow.

An extremely confident fighter, Thurman can box and punch, and his education against the likes of Jan Zaveck, Jesus Soto Karass and the aforementioned Chaves has helped him develop to a world title contender.

Thurman's more conventional style would give Brook more of an opportunity to display his full boxing arsenal, expect another intriguing fight that could go either way.

Finally, for me the most likely of Brook's next opponents, Leonard Bundu. The 'British Slayer' has earned both a villain status and great respect on these shores, with victories over Lee Purdy and most impressively Frankie Gavin. And the Italian wouldn't mind breaking a few more British hearts by dethroning Brook in his backyard.



Leonard Bundu is ready for the step up

Bundu does possess similar traits to Porter, but his aggression and punch power hasn't been displayed at world level. One would have to imagine that Brook could be made to look good against Bundu, but then again so was Gavin.

Bundu would offer some tricky moments for Brook, but what a world class fighter brings to the table would be too much for the well liked King of Europe. Brook will have learnt on the job against Porter and would put those lessons into practice with a fine display.

All three are mouth watering options, and it just highlights the level of competition that Brook will be facing. With a world title, and the fact that he isn't named Pacquiao or Mayweather, he now has a bright target on his back, and almost every world title contender, who isn't quite in line to face the two superstars of boxing, will be calling his name.

Wherever this road takes Brook, and however long this reign lasts, it will be fun. Welterweight is ripe with talent and now Kell Brook is right in the thick of it.

Kell Brook vs Shawn Porter Preview

By Peter Wells:

Shawn Porter (left) & Kell Brook (right)

They say that good things come to those who wait, that patience will be rewarded. The only glitch in this situation is that the phrase mostly comes under the context of being given something after a long wait.

You wait long enough to win the lottery and one day - with a huge dose of good fortune - you might win, but luck nor fate have any say once two fighters face off in the squared circle. A boxer can wait a lifetime - in boxing career terms - and never be rewarded with what they seek.

That is why Kell Brook's long wait for a crack at a world title is not going to come to a halt just because of his patience. Shawn Porter - the IBF Welterweight champion of the world - will have no interest come Saturday night in Kell's quest for glory.

Brook 32-0(22) from Sheffield, heads across the Atlantic to meet Akron, Ohio's undefeated Porter 24-0-1(15). Both are on hot streaks, but it is Porter who has dealt his cards with the higher calibre opponents. The StubHub Center in Carson, California is the venue for this triple header.

Brook endured three cancellations for his proposed title tilt with former IBF titleholder Devon Alexander, twice Brook was forced out with injury and once was Alexander struck down by the injury bug that ended any chance of the fight happening. More likely than not, the cancellations were a blessing in disguise. After dispatching his domestic rivals, Brook was forced to dig deep by unheralded Carson Jones (W MD 12). That was followed by a 3rd round stoppage of overmatched Hector David Saldivia - who for any who watched his previous losses knew what was coming. While it was an eliminator, it didn't seem enough to take Kell into the world title picture of the hottest weight division in boxing.

The cancellation of Brook-Alexander led to a more convincing rematch with Jones (W TKO 8), before an eye-opening 4th round stoppage of Vyacheslav Senchenko. That was followed by a routine 8th round TKO of Alvaro Robles.

But on the other side of the Atlantic, a month prior to the Senchenko victory, Porter was busy dispatching his own demons, outscoring Julio Diaz (W UD 10), whom he had previously drawn with. Then in December the landscape in the 147lbs division was altered as Porter sent Devon Alexander sprawling across the ring for 12 rounds in Brooklyn, winning a unanimous decision, Porter's dominance far from reflected in the scorecards. That was topped in April this year when Porter may well have ended the career of Paulie Malignaggi with a four beating that no one could have predicted. The durable and skilful Malignaggi had no answer for the marauding attacks from Porter.



Porter (left) destroys the quality Malignaggi in 4 rounds

Any chance of Porter underestimating Brook have been quashed by the man himself, who seems to be taking his mandatory challenger very seriously indeed.

Brook's credentials at world level will be put to the test in America, and while his offensive work has gradually improved with the improvement of his opponents, he has twice come close to unravelling when the opponent puts the same spite in his work. Jones forced Brook to dig very deep in the 2nd half of their first contest, when Brook showed the fans and critics alike his ability to suck it up when need be. Then in his destruction of Senchenko, Brook walked onto a hard right hand that wobbled the Englishman, before he regained his composure to score the stoppage in the same round. The question remains of what will happen if and when Porter lands flush?

Porter himself can look rather crude when in attack mode, compared to the neater and more elegant boxing of Brook. If Kell can find his range, he can keep Porter at bay before engaging on his own terms. Porter will swing with the harder but wilder punches, while Kell will land with the more orthodox shots.

All while Porter's punches may look wild, there is a method to his madness, his footwork leads to him cutting the ring off well, offering his opponents no other alternative but to face him head on. This is where Kell will need to display composure. Porter's head movement offers opponents little to counter too.

Porter has the power and the ability to catch, drop and stop Brook early, but to offer this as a final prediction would be unjust to both Brook's chin and ring generalship.



Sakio Bika (left) & Anthony Dirrell (right)

Expect Brook to be marginally ahead at the half way mark - judges in America will side with the aggressive Porter in any tight rounds. Porter's engine keeping him right on Brook's toes throughout, working away when he can trap Brook on the ropes. Porter can also land heavy punches from the outside which will only make things more difficult as the fight wears on for Kell. He displayed this against Alexander when he would land the first punch from distance before darting inside quickly, a tactic he employed all fight.

A stoppage for me isn't on the cards, but Porter can take a close and deserved decision win, after 12 thoroughly enjoyable rounds of excellent boxing and ferocious action from the two fighters.


On the undercard, Sakio Bika 32-5-3(21) is set for a rematch with Anthony Dirrell 26-0-1(22) for the WBC Super Middleweight title.

In the last encounter, they fought to a draw, both fighters hurt on multiple occasions, in a scrappy but fun spectacle.



Omar Figueroa (left) & Daniel Estrada (right)

Expect the same fireworks again this time, but Dirrell can find enough work on the outside to edge out the Australian this time around.

Omar Figueroa 23-0-1(17) also has a knack for exciting fights, and his contest with Daniel Estrada 32-2-1(24) should be no different.

The WBC Lightweight title held by Figueroa is on the line, and he can retain it once again with an entertaining points win. Estrada will offer a good test, but the incredible work rate of Omar will leave him a clear second best.