Hopkins vs Dawson: Keys to B-Hop Pulling off Historic Upset

Bernard Hopkins will add another chapter to his storied career if he can execute the following game plan against Chad Dawson.

Hopkins faces long odds. At age 47, Hopkins is already the oldest champion in boxing history and is 18 years older than his opponent.

That no doubt plays a big factor in Bovada listing Hopkins as a plus-300 favorite. Hopkins does not have a lot of room for error in this fight, but he has a clear path to victory if he can follow it.

Close Quarters

Hopkins wants this fight to play out in close range. He is at a severe disadvantage at a distance. Dawson can throw some beautiful lightning quick combos.

If Hopkins allows him to continually pepper him with jabs, he is going to find himself on the receiving end of three- and four-punch combos before he can even get a counter off.

He needs to use his warrior mentality to bull-rush his way inside. This will allow him to get into more of a brawling style and trade punches when the two are on equal footing.

Accuracy

The effects of Father Time on Hopkins mean he has to be careful with his endurance. Meaning he is going to have to be effective with the punches he throws.

He can't come in bombing away and hoping that some of the punches land. On the other hand, he can sit idly back and not throw punches.

He has to make sure his punches connect when he throws them. They must count. He did a solid job of this when they met last time. He connected on 38 percent of his punches.

He needs a number close to or better than that here. This will help him keep Dawson at a distance and earn him valuable points on the scorecard.

Frustrate Bad Chad

If Hopkins can successfully turn this into an inside fight, it is going to frustrate Dawson. And a frustrated and angry fighter is not a smart fighter.

Dawson will begin to go for desperate attacks while looking for the big blow. Hopkins won't need much of an opening to land an uppercut that will send Dawson to the canvas, and further his legend.