A casual observer might think that Jean Pascal is running for elective office in the Province of Quebec.
Pascal’s “campaign slogan” is that “youth, speed, ambition” will propel him to a victory, at age 28, and to retention of the WBC light heavyweight title Saturday night (Showtime) over Bernard Hopkins, who turns 46 come Jan. 15.
I beg to fiffer, mon frere.
I may not be in front seat of a bandwagon but I know Hopkins–whose slogan should be “age, guile and elements of treachery”–can win and I’m leaning towards certainty that he will win it.
(We now pause for a quick, rousing rendition of “O Canada”:
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee”
We now return to our regular programming)
“The Excutioner” has picked his spots during a 51-5-1, 32 KOs careeer extremely well, rarely (OK, Joe Calzaghe) biting off more than he can chew.
(That could be my most mixed metaphor combo of the year, btw.)
But, listen, BHop’s edge in experience isn’t his lone edge. The man of advanced age has a two inch height advantage and a three inch reach advantage.
So what’s the “treachery” aspect?
Come on, BHop takes a firebrand Malcolm C approach to his bouts, seeking to win “by any means necessary.”
Hitting and holding, rabbit punches, low blows, you name it. BHop is a rough and ready fellow.
I’m not slighting the Haitian-born Pascal but he sipped by Chadwick Dawson.
Now he’s fight a never out of shape legend who took Kelly Pavlik to school and who got one out of three votes against nimble superstar, Joe Calzaghe.
I’m not slighting effusive Carl Froch, either, who outpointed Pascal in a rousing bout.
After 36 minutes, the scorecards will be tighter than a dried out pretzel.
The tallies of Steve Morrow, Daniel van de Wiele and Claude Pacquette may vary quite a bit.
I’m not saying it’s Hopkins in a landslide.
I am saying he’ll do enoughto get favorable votes on two scorecards.
It will be thisclose but the “Age, Guile & Treachery” Party will be celebrating.
O Canada! O BHop!
