Hopkins: Any Adversity and Chad Dawson Bails Out
By Mel Ohlhoft
WBC light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KOs), 46, believes that he has his much younger opponent, Chad Dawson (30-1-1, 17KOs), already figured out. The clash on October 15 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Hopkins made history by becoming the oldest man to win a major world title, when he won a twelve round decision over Jean Pascal in May. Pascal won an eleven round technical decision over Dawson in 2010.
Dawson claims that he was dealing with several issues when he lost his bout with Pascal, but Hopkins is not buying what he considers to be excuses.
"You know how many times I fought with problems, and won? That's what separates certain athletes from others, that's the separation of me and him. I don't care what I go through, I'm going to use it to win," Hopkins said.
“He has to prove that he belongs here. I have to prove that I’m special over and over again and I’m OK with that. I’m looking to put on a good show. Any adversity, he bails out. What happens in the ring when things don't go his way? I just have to give him some problems. We know what will happen. I already diagnosed him."