Hopkins vs. Dawson: The Executioner Will Continue to Defy Time with Victory

Bernard Hopkins, 47, is on the wrong side of 40, but he continues to prove critics wrong. Against Chad Dawson, he will continue his historical winning ways.

The first light heavyweight title between these two was certainly a dud, as ESPN's Dan Rafael explains.

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"Hopkins draped himself over Dawson's back when they were in a clinch and an annoyed Dawson picked him up and flung him to the canvas. Hopkins suffered a shoulder injury and Dawson was awarded a dissatisfying second-round knockout victory, which was later overturned by the California State Athletic Commission to a no-decision."

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Both fighters better come out ready to put on a show, or they could suddenly lose a lot of fans after last year's debacle. 

But anyways, here's a look at why Hopkins will continue to defy Father Time. 

He'll Come Out with Aggression Early

In the past, Hopkins has been comfortable giving away early rounds. He uses the first couple of rounds, usually, as a time to size up his opponents and develop a plan for later in the fight.

Against Dawson, however, this probably won't work.

Hopkins can't realistically expect to dominate Dawson, who is 18 years younger, enough at the end of the fight in order to reverse the earlier rounds and win by decision. 

What's more, Dawson has proven to be a solid finisher himself.

Hopkins is going to have to win at least two or three of the first six rounds in order to have a chance in this one. 

Dawson Will Be Too Relaxed

Dawson has an annoying knack of letting off the break. He has no killer instinct. 

In order to win this fight, he'll have to come out with a fury and throw more than 50 punches per round. It sounds like a simple task for someone as talented as Dawson, but too often have we seen him put in on cruise control.

He lacks the necessary sense of urgency, and although he is a good finisher, his chances at losing increase with every round. If he lets Hopkins stick around, he will be in trouble.

Hopkins Will Be Unfairly Overlooked

It's just a known fact by now that Hopkins will be immediately dismissed because of his age. He's not too worried about it, though.

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"They were calling me old when I beat Trinidad 11 years ago," Hopkins said. "My biggest motivation has been adversity. This fight, all you hear is 'Chad is bigger. Chad is stronger.' Not that he is more talented."

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If Dawson, for one second, overlooks Hopkins because of his age, he's done for. Hopkins isn't going to lay down for Bad Chad. 

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