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!