It's going to happen sometime. Bernard Hopkins is going to look his age in a boxing ring.

In a few hours, in Atlantic City, the 47-year-old light-heavyweight champion from North Philadelphia will fight Chad Dawson, 29.

They fought, almost, last October in L.A. --- at least until Dawson slammed Hopkins to the canvas, separating his shoulder. The fight was ruled a no contest because Hopkins could not go on.

Dawson, a left-hander, is almost a 4-to-1 favorite. But Hopkins has been an underdog too many times to count ... only to win. He out-thinks opponents. He will try to out-think Dawson tonight.

The odds say Dawson. So do the ages. Me, I won't believe Hopkins is done until I see it.

Hopkins, unanimously, by decision.