Pascal vs. Hopkins II (5/21)

Pascal vs. Hopkins II (5/21) This is a rematch. In the first meeting, Pascal dropped Hopkins twice yet the fight still ended in a draw. The fight could be argued either way. I had Pascal winning narrowly but others that I respect had Hopkins winning. It was clear that Hopkins dominated the second half of the fight and that Pascal had and has a history of cardio issues. The "science" of boxing leads me to lean to Hopkins in the rematch. Hopkins is the counter puncher in the fight and as the saying goes - once a counter puncher cracks a fighters code the fight is over - Hopkins cracked that code around the 4th or 5th round and he did dominate from that point forward. I'm recommending Hopkins in this fight. I'm sitting on the line right now and will monitor it. Currently, I can get Hopkins at +115 as the books opened Pascal as the favorite again. Pascal does have an opportunity to get an early KO but Hopkins hasn't been out of a long long time and now that he knows what is coming he'll be even more effective. There are prop options I'm also considering for this fight.

Anyone looking at betting Hopkins here should take a look at taking Hopkins by 12rd decision. I have a line at +209 right now. The last time Hopkins won a fight inside the distance was in 2004 versus De La Hoya. Also 12 of his last 13 have gone the distance.

[QUOTE=scrtwn;42913]Anyone looking at betting Hopkins here should take a look at taking Hopkins by 12rd decision. I have a line at +209 right now. The last time Hopkins won a fight inside the distance was in 2004 versus De La Hoya. Also 12 of his last 13 have gone the distance.[/QUOTE] Yep, that is one angle to consider. It isn't a bad bet but weird thing can and do happen. Something to consider would be bet Pascal at -130 and bet Hopkins 12 round decision +209. Lowers the margin but covers a lot more options.

I have no official recommendation on this fight. I'm on the sidelines, last time I had a large bet (for me) on Pascal, I'm just not sure this time. Unofficially I like Hopkins.

Should just listen to myself. Very close and ugly fight by BHOP got it done.

played him +142 at post. major props to executioner. very similar to first fight...

Except in the first fight, Pascal was credited for some crap knockdowns on B-HOP. In this fight, B-HOP scored some knockdowns on Pascal which were not counted.

[QUOTE=IceTea;43140]Except in the first fight, Pascal was credited for some crap knockdowns on B-HOP. In this fight, B-HOP scored some knockdowns on Pascal which were not counted.[/QUOTE] Technically they could be considered knockdowns. Actually, I agree will Hopkins that they where slips more then KDs.

[QUOTE=truushot;43151]Technically they could be considered knockdowns. Actually, I agree will Hopkins that they where slips more then KDs.[/QUOTE] My point is more the reffing in the hometown of Pascal was consistently unfair/bad for Hopkins. Either all are KDs or none are KD. I think Pascal had 1 legit one in the first fight and 1 or 2 slips ruled KD. The 2nd "slip" for Pascal I watched the replays closely and he fell down, not slip at all. Hopkins hit him, Pascal tried to throw and was off balanced due to Hop hitting him and fell down. His feet did not slip at all, he was standing still on both legs and then went down. The first one was more of a slip IMO.

[QUOTE=IceTea;43158]My point is more the reffing in the hometown of Pascal was consistently unfair/bad for Hopkins. Either all are KDs or none are KD. I think Pascal had 1 legit one in the first fight and 1 or 2 slips ruled KD. The 2nd "slip" for Pascal I watched the replays closely and he fell down, not slip at all. Hopkins hit him, Pascal tried to throw and was off balanced due to Hop hitting him and fell down. His feet did not slip at all, he was standing still on both legs and then went down. The first one was more of a slip IMO.[/QUOTE] Yes, Technically they both where KDs and should have been ruled as such. They "really" where not KDs in the sense that a punch alone caused him to touch the mat.