Hopkins vs. Dawson: Bad Chad's Speed Will Be the Difference in KO Victory

Everyone loves the story of a 47-year-old Bernard Hopkins retaining his WBC light heavyweight belt by stomping 29-year-old Chad Dawson to a bloody pulp, but leave that ending to Hollywood.

"Bad Chad" is going to KO "The Executioner" because he is quicker, possess more power and can handle more punishment.

Hopkins is a smaller light heavyweight, and was giving up a ton of size to Dawson in their first match. In that October bout, Dawson seemed to hold a clear advantage before inexplicably throwing down Hopkins and essentially ruining the match.

That’s not going to happen this time around.

One of the real advantages Hopkins has is his long reach, but Dawson has the speed to keep him at bay and ensure "The Executioner" has to be the aggressor, something he isn’t always comfortable with. Hopkins prefers to feast on the mistakes of his opponent and hit them with calculated shots to the jaw.

The other aspect that makes fans feel like Hopkins can win is his patience. With 24 years of experience in the sport, nobody is as calculated and smart in the ring. But that can only take you so far.

"Bad Chad" is going to be throwing more punches, likely showering multiple body blows right off the bat. A 47-year-old's midsection can only take so much punishment. Softening him out with the ab shots can set up the KO in the later rounds.

The big issue for Hopkins is being able to endure these blows, and not wear down. The game plan for "Bad Chad" needs to revolve around attacking early. His jab is an outstanding offensive tool for him, and it can be a great way to set up his great combinations and two-fisted attacks. The key is not throwing too many wild punches, allowing one of the all-time greats to counter with some serious power.

As long as Dawson doesn’t get overly aggressive, and is able to keep his emotions in check, expect a knockout in Round 9.

Body blows will eventually wear down Hopkins to the point where he becomes a sitting duck. "Bad Chad" is clearly the better fighter at this point and will show as much on Saturday. 

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