Hopkins the Master

Bernard Hopkins pulled off a big upset on October 18, beating Kelly Pavlik. Betting odds of 4-1 had been offered on a Hopkins win. Hopkins record reign of 20 defences of the middleweight title had been ended by two points losses to Jermain Taylor. Taylor was subsequently KOd by Pavlik. Both Pavlik & Hopkins were ranked in the top ten 'pound-for- pound' rankings prior to the bout. Hopkins is 43, Pavlik 26, but it was the older man who was quickest to the punch & 'The Executioner' busted up & widely outpointed his previously undefeated opponent. Before the fight Hopkins had been certain of a place in the Hall of Fame, now he has cemented his reputation as one of the all-time greats.

Murray's great run

When drafting this post, there were two unbeaten streaks to discuss. Andy Murray has been in the best form of his career. His 14 match win streak was ended by David Nalbandian in the quarters of the Paris Masters on Friday. However his recent tournament record is outstanding: winning two Masters titles, runner-up at US Open, & defended his St Petersburg title. Both Henman & Rusedski won the Masters once in their entire careers. On this form Murray can become the first British Slam winner since Perry in 1936.


LFC title challenge

Having jinxed Murray, the commentator's curse struck again when Liverpool lost their unbeaten record at Spurs yesterday. However, they still have perhaps their best chance in recent years to win their first title since 1990. In recent seasons they have had a poor record v the other Big Four teams, but this season have already beaten both Man U & Chelsea. Those three look like the title contenders.

Arsenal continue to be unable to defend against set pieces & Rory Delap's long throws were their undoing yesterday. Martin Keown will discuss a coaching role with Tony Adams at Portsmouth next week, but perhaps Dixon & Winterburn could be lured out of the studio to offer some defensive tips.