By Amy Green 

 

October 18 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City should prove to be an interesting fight for new hero Kelly Pavlik (34-0) and the acclaimed veteran Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KO).

Some opinions are the move to light heavyweight for the Youngstown champ will prove a bad choice for Pavlik, deeming his power seemed a little less potent in the second Jermain Taylor fight at the weight of 166. Others see Pavlik as too young, too strong and too relentless for the 42 year old Hopkins, and a tougher foe than he's faced in Calzaghe, Taylor (twice) and Tarver, or the ever durable and difficult Winky Wright.

 

Pre fight festivities kicked off with the usual press conference in New York. Hopkins, in a rare laid back moment, acknowledged Pavlik’s heart and determination, which immediately alerted me. Is B-Hop conserving his energy for an all out mind game assault as the promotional campaign for this event goes along? Pavlik, calm and assured as ever, promised what he always delivers- his best. Both trainers put in their two cents.

Nazim Richardson mentioned Hopkins has been through wars without ever being cut or beat up. Jack Loew, on Pavlik’s behalf, was a little more dramatic, saying with authority that October 18 will be the end for Bernard Hopkins. One of the more notable quotes was Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaeffer attempting to be clever, labeling Bernard Hopkins as the "Ghostbuster."

 

But what is my women's view? After reading, reading and reading the opinions of "the Big Boys" on various websites, and poring over the vast knowledge they’ve expounded, I’ve formed a ghost of an opinion, so to speak. My usual conventional process in such a pugilistic puzzle would be agree with any theory offered by Freddie Roach; make an informed decision based on intense scrutiny of each fighters records, then dissect their performances with mutual opponents or- there's my Last Resort. This is the one the male boxing writers aka "the Big Boys" and male boxing readers out there probably think that I might employ, and that is the Emotional Choice. Just blindly go all out for one fighter, regardless of common sense, their record, skill or any sort of boxing knowledge I possess. Pick a favorite because he’s nicer, more attractive, or their HBO segment pulled my heartstrings harder than the Other Guy’s did. In other words, be a Girl about it.

 

So here’s my prediction, based on tossing all the above methods together for the better part of the afternoon, not spent getting my hair colored, my nails done or having cocktails with the girls, but rather, lending serious consideration to Pavlik/Hopkins.

 

On October 18, Kelly Pavlik will win by split decision in a distance bout against Bernard Hopkins. Pavlik will have a difficult task at hand in taming the clever veteran, who will bring every trick in his book to Boardwalk Hall, from his stubborn defense to his sneaky infighting. Pavlik will maintain his composure, which will see him through Hopkins attempts to frustrate him and smother his offense; then combine his determination with a busier more consistent fighting action, plus strength and conditioning to survive as the winner against one of the most clever and capable fighters he will face in his career.

 

It is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, but I’ve made my decision. I believe in Ghosts.