By Yan D: The oldest champion ever has done it again and even now people keep finding ways to bring this living legend down. At the honorable age of 49, IBF/WBA light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO’s) became the oldest man to not only defend his title but to actually unify his division.
I will admit he defeated the weakest champion and he still have some tough challenge ahead to become undisputed champion, but at an age where some are starting to think about retirement this man from Philadelphia once again showed the world why he “isn’t from this world”.
Hopkins is by far the boxer with the best “resume” in boxing today. He literally faced everyone, everywhere, anytime. This master of psychological warfare deserves the utmost respect from any person who wants to call himself a boxing fan. Yes he did lose some bouts including his first one, yes he did look like a clown at some time, yes he may look “boring” to some fans, but nobody can argue his place among the greats.
Hopkins fought Roy Jones Jr at 160 when Jones was simply the best in 1993. Hopkins defeated a young tough Glen Johnson, Antwun Echols, Felix Trinidad, and stopped Oscar De La Hoya. Hopkins destroyed Jermain Taylor’s career, even if lost both fights (Taylor was never the same after). Hopkins ame back with 2 wins against Antonio Tarver and the avoided Winky Wright. In 2008, Hopkins challenged Joe Calzaghe and gave him his toughest fight ever (and his first defeat in my book).
In 2008, Hopkins destroyed an undefeated Kelly Pavlik, and then got his revenge against Roy Jones in a fight that sadly came a few years too late (it happens to every boxers). Hopkins then came back from two early knockdowns to make a young warrior named Jean Pascal look amateurish twice in their two fights, to become the oldest champ ever, but he still wanted more. Hopkins lost to the undisputed champ Chad Dawson in 2012 (Andre Ward showed what a younger B-Hop would have done in beating Dawson in 2012) only to come back stronger and school a strong undefeated (I know this is debatable) Tavoris Cloud, who was young enough to be his son. Now Hopkins is looking to unify again against the WBC and The Ring champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson.
How can people still criticize Hopkins?? I have no clue. I understand why some fans don’t like his style or crafty tricks but no one should argue that he doesn’t belongs with the best because like him or not he his truly a living legend.
Congratulations “The Alien” on breaking your own record, it is truly an honor to watch you make history and I already can’t wait to see your next fight. Let’s just hope Adonis will accept the challenge.
Long live Bernard “the alien Executioner” Hopkins it was a blessing to be a witness to your career. Thank you
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