Ghost eyes special win

Pavlik: Wants a knockout performance

He's got great defence but he's got to keep up at a pace. His defence will lapse a couple of times so we take advantage of that and then it's definitely not out of the question, an early-round stoppage or a quick knockout.

Kelly Pavlik
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Stopping Bernard Hopkins would be one of the biggest statements made in boxing for 40 years, according to Kelly Pavlik.

Undefeated Pavlik is in confident mood ahead of his fight with the Executioner, who is looking to bounce back after his split decision loss to Joe Calzaghe.

Pavlik said: "That would be a huge statement. I mean, that would probably be one of the biggest statements since probably the last 40 years in boxing.

"He has never been stopped. You know, how good of a chin does he have?"

The exciting Pavlik admits Hopkins has great defensive skills and is hoping to take full advantage when they eventually lapse.

He added: "He's got great defence but he's got to keep up at a pace. His defence will lapse a couple of times so we take advantage of that and then it's definitely not out of the question, an early-round stoppage or a quick knockout.

"I think I could definitely go in there and win this fight convincingly.

"You know, stoppage or just a unanimous decision, that's going to be a huge, huge victory for me and I have a ton of confidence going into this fight."

Perfect

Pavlik has a perfect record of 34 fights unbeaten with a knockout success of nearly 90 per cent as he moves up weight for the non-title bout.

He has previously fought at middleweight but his fight with Hopkins will take place at a catchweight of 170lbs, with 10 rounds instead of the usual 12.

He said: "My natural body weight is a little bit above 170 so I think with being able to eat more and keeping my body energised and refreshed, I'll definitely have more snap on my punches at that weight too.

"The weight to me is not a big deal at all. I have more energy, I have more snap to my punches, more bounce, and going in there, I mean, it's not an issue for me.

"My weight right now is about 171, 172 so, you know, we're right on top of it."

Pavlik also played down rumours of an injury, insisting that it was only a bruised elbow that had now healed.

He said: "It was nothing that ice didn't fix and we've been sparring eight, 10 rounds getting ready to finish up this week and have had no problem with the elbow."