Hopkins vs Dawson: Keys to Hopkins Redeeming Himself in Rematch

A rematch is afoot.

For Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson, a decisive ending is desired following their "no contest" in October of last year. Originally, it was ruled as a TKO victory for Dawson, but later, it was determined that Hopkins was unable to continue because he was thrown from a clinch.

Hopkins wants to redeem himself here, as he is nearing the end of an illustrious career. He has done so much for the sport of boxing, and he would like to continue his legend with a victory over Dawson.

So, what does Hopkins have to do to secure a victory this time around? Let's examine the keys to victory for the legend that is Bernard Hopkins.

Pace Yourself

Hopkins is 47-years-old, quite the age for a man in any combat sport. He is facing a young bull in Dawson, who himself is only 29-years-old. 

Although Hopkins is obviously in fantastic shape, he is facing a younger boxer with less mileage on him. Hopkins has been in 61 professional bouts in his career, which may be taking a toll on his body. Dawson has almost half the fights of Hopkins, competing in only 33 pro bouts.

The first key for Hopkins is that he must pace himself. Like I said, he is in great shape for a 47-year-old man, youth is key in sports, which is obviously advantageous for Dawson.

Hopkins cannot afford to get wild and start a slug-fest with Dawson. If he does, the later rounds will definitely be in Dawson's hands.

Hopkins has never had the fastest hand speed, and age has even slowed him a bit. He was always a spurt worker, opening up at certain times with bevies of punches. He is a very methodical fighter, which could play into his hands well for this fight.

In addition, Dawson is one of the best boxers in the world and knows how old Hopkins is. If Hopkins can pace himself throughout the match and stick to his game plan, he has an excellent chance of winning this fight.

Stay Mentally Strong

This is one of the biggest fights of Hopkins' career, as it will show if the old timer can still hang with the young bucks. Although Hopkins has thrown hands with the best of them, he has occasionally proven to be mentally weak.

As with any sport, those who are mentally weak make mistakes and open themselves up to be taken advantage of. Hopkins showed his weakness in his bout against Jean Pascal, as he had so much on the line and could not handle the pressure.

This fight is another pressure situation—he is rematching one of the best boxers in the world with a lot on the line. If he should lose this, there will obviously be a number of critics who call for his retirement, even though he is still in marvelous shape.

At some point in the fight, things will get rough for Hopkins. He needs to work through them and not have any mental breakdowns. If he is able to keep his head in the game, it will substantially aid him in this fight.

Conclusion and prediction

Undoubtedly, this will be a great match to watch. Two of the best boxers in the world will duke it out to see who the better man is.

Hopkins will be fighting to prove that he can still hang with the young bucks. Dawson will be fighting to show that he is the better man, erasing an doubt that the no contest brought. Together, these men can create a masterpiece fighting one another, pleasing fans all over the world and giving them a fight they will never forget.

In the end, I see youth prevailing here. Dawson is too dangerous and too hungry at this point to lose this fight. He is an incredible technical boxer, who is probably the faster with his hands and better with his footwork. Hopkins is powerful, but so is Dawson.

My final prediction is that "Bad" Chad Dawson wins this fight via unanimous decision, in a fan-friendly affair.