Bernard Hopkins hasn’t scored a knockout in six years. But that didn’t stop the Executioner from boldly declaring today (November 30) that he’ll stop Jean Pascal when they meet for the light-heavyweight title on December 18.
Hopkins will be heading into hostile territory when he faces Pascal in the champion’s hometown of Montreal, Canada. He faced similar conditions nine years ago when he dismantled Felix Trinidad in Madison Square Garden for his signature win. What most would consider a disadvantage, Hopkins sees a situation that may negatively affect his opponent.
“There is added pressure for him when you fight in your home. You get nervous because you don’t want to disappoint,” Hopkins said. “I am doing something out of character. I am fighting in Canada. The stakes are raised more than normal when you walk into another guy’s territory. I have no problem fighting in Canada. I am at my best when I walk into another guy’s home. If he is good, I have to be super good.”
Hopkins’ stoppage prediction is one that most people won’t take seriously. His last one was a single, liver shot KO over Oscar De La Hoya, who was competing well out of his natural division at middleweight. With Pascal, he sees the TKO coming after the Canadian is broken down from rounds of punishment.
“There is no magic trick to this. December 18 you are going to see me win this fight,” Hopkins vowed. “Not just go the distance, but win by TKO or stoppage…Pascal challenged me. Pascal called me out. He is risking his belt, and I am going to make him wish he hadn’t…I am going to dissect this guy. I am going to take him apart. Take him out of his comfort zone.”
Pascal vs. Hopkins will be broadcast live on Showtime.
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We all know Hopkins saying “take him out of his comfort zone” translates to “I’m going to hit him with headbutts and low blows.” Indeed, we shall see how Pascal handles getting roughed up in close by a boxing master.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 