Bernard Hopkins
Bernard Hopkins | |
|---|---|
 Hopkins making a speech at the U.S. Capitol at a summit organized by the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 2014 | |
| Born | Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr. January 15, 1965 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names |
|
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Reach | 75 in (191 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 66 |
| Wins | 55 |
| Wins by KO | 32 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 2 |
Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr. (born January 15, 1965) is an American professional boxer who has held multiple world titles at middleweight and light heavyweight. He reigned as middleweight champion from 1994 to 2005, successfully compiling a record 20 title defenses during that period. He won the IBF middleweight title in 1994 and later unified the division when he added the WBA (Super), WBC, Ring magazine, and lineal titles in 2001. He also became the first male boxer to simultaneously hold world titles by all four major boxing sanctioning bodies when he won the WBO title in 2004 (Riddick Bowe was the first to hold heavyweight titles by all four, but in separate reigns, from 1992 to 1995). In 2011, The Ring ranked Hopkins number three on their list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years."[2]
After losing his title to Jermain Taylor in 2005 and failing to regain it in a rematch the same year, Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight and won the IBO and Ring titles from Antonio Tarver at 42 years of age, making two defenses of the Ring title before losing it to Joe Calzaghe in 2008. Three years later, Hopkins defeated Jean Pascal for the WBC and lineal light heavyweight titles, as well as regaining the IBO and Ring titles. This made Hopkins the oldest boxer in history to win a world title, at the age of 46, breaking George Foreman's record set in 1994. Hopkins later broke his own record by winning the IBF light heavyweight title from Tavoris Cloud in 2013 and again in 2014 when he won the WBA (Super) title from Beibut Shumenov, at age 48 and 49 respectively.[3]
Nicknamed "The Executioner", and later "The Alien", Hopkins is known among observers for his longevity and ability to continue competing successfully at an advanced age. Widely considered one of the greatest boxers of the modern era, he is a highly strategic and defensive boxer known for carrying good speed and power along with counterpunching skills. He credits mastering the boxing fundamentals and a great defense for his longevity in the sport. He is also a very seasoned fighter, being able to take advantage of a wide variety of situations in the ring and implement rough and dirty tactics while fighting on the inside or in a clinch.[4][5][6][7]
In addition to being an active boxer, Hopkins is also a minority partner with Golden Boy Promotions.
Background
Born to Bernard Hopkins, Sr. and his wife Shirley, Bernard grew up with his family in the Raymond Rosen housing project in Philadelphia. Hopkins turned to crime early in his life. By the age of thirteen he was mugging people and had been stabbed three times. At seventeen, Hopkins was sentenced to 18 years in Graterford Prison for nine felonies. While in prison he witnessed the murder of another inmate in an argument over a pack of cigarettes, but also discovered his passion for boxing. After serving almost five years, Hopkins was released from prison in 1988. He then decided to use boxing as an escape from his previous life, and converted to Islam.[8] While Hopkins was leaving the prison for the final time, the warden told him he'd "see [Hopkins] again when you wind up back in here", to which Hopkins replied "I ain't ever coming back here."[9]
Professional career
Middleweight
Early career
Hopkins immediately joined the professional boxing ranks as a light heavyweight, losing his debut on October 11, 1988, in Atlantic City, New Jersey to Clinton Mitchell. After a sixteen-month layoff, he resumed his career as a middleweight, winning a unanimous decision over Greg Paige at the Blue Horizon on February 22, 1990.
Between February 1990 and December 1992, Hopkins scored 21 wins without a loss. He won 16 of those fights by knockout, 12 coming in the first round.
Hopkins vs. Jones I
Hopkins met Roy Jones on May 22, 1993 for the vacant IBF Middleweight title. Hopkins was out-pointed throughout most of the fight, en route to losing a unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 116–112 for Jones.
Middleweight Title
The IBF came again knocking at Hopkins's door on December 17 of that year, matching him with Segundo Mercado in Mercado's hometown of Quito, Ecuador. Mercado knocked Hopkins down twice before Hopkins rallied late and earned a draw. It has been argued that Hopkins was also not properly acclimated to the altitude of nearly 10,000 feet.[10]
The IBF called for an immediate rematch, and on April 29, 1995, Hopkins became a world champion with a seventh-round technical knockout victory in Landover, Maryland.
In his first title defense he defeated Steve Frank, whom he stopped in twenty-four seconds. By the end of 2000, he had defended the IBF title 12 times without a loss, while beating such standouts as John David Jackson, Glen Johnson (undefeated at the time), Simon Brown, and Antwun Echols.
2001 Middleweight Tournament
The arrival of former welterweight and light middleweight champion Félix Trinidad into the middleweight ranks set off a series of unification fights between major middleweight title-holders. The boxers involved in the tournament would be reigning IBF champion Bernard Hopkins, WBC champion Keith Holmes, WBA champion William Joppy, and Félix Trinidad.
Hopkins vs Holmes
On April 14, 2001, Hopkins won a unanimous decision over WBC champion Keith Holmes in New York City. Trinidad, however, knocked out Middleweight mainstay William Joppy in an impressive five rounds.[11] This led to many to believe that Félix Trinidad was simply too much, too strong for Bernard Hopkins.[12]
Hopkins vs Trinidad
Then, on September 29, 2001, WBA champion Trinidad challenged Hopkins for middleweight unification in Madison Square Garden.
For the first time in many years, Hopkins was an underdog in the betting, which led the confident Hopkins to place a $100,000 bet on himself to win the bout. (The $100K came from a sponsorship deal Hopkins had with online casino site Golden Palace; Hopkins even had the GoldenPalace.com website displayed on his back for the fight.[13]) During promotion for the bout, Hopkins caused huge controversy by throwing the Puerto Rico flag on the floor in press conferences in both New York and Puerto Rico, the latter conference leading to a riot in which Hopkins had to be run to safety from the angry mob.[14]
During the fight, Hopkins was on his way to a lopsided decision victory when, in the 12th and final round, he floored Trinidad. Referee Steve Smoger called a halt to the fight after Trinidad's father (who was also his trainer) entered the ring to stop the fight. It was the first loss of Trinidad's career, and it made Hopkins the first undisputed world middleweight champion since Marvin Hagler in 1987. 'The Ring' magazine and the 'World Boxing Hall of Fame' named Hopkins as the 2001 Fighter of the Year.
He defended the undisputed title six times. Hopkins bested Carl Daniels on February 2 surpassing Carlos Monzón's division record of 14 defenses, 2002, by tenth-round technical knockout; Morrade Hakkar on March 29, 2003, by eighth-round TKO; William Joppy on December 13, 2003, by unanimous decision; and Robert Allen on June 5, 2004, also by unanimous decision.
Undisputed middleweight champion
Hopkins vs. De La Hoya
In the highest-paying fight of his career, Hopkins fought six-division titleholder Oscar De La Hoya for the undisputed middleweight championship on September 18, 2004, in Las Vegas. They fought at a catch weight of 158 lbs, two pounds below the middleweight limit of 160 lbs.[15] Hopkins won the bout by knockout in the ninth round with a left hook to the body and thus became the first boxer ever to unify the titles of all four major sanctioning bodies. At the time of the stoppage, Hopkins was ahead on two of the scorecards, with De La Hoya ahead on the other.[16] Hopkins earned a career high of $10 million and De La Hoya made $30 million.
In November 2004, De la Hoya invited Hopkins to join his boxing promotional firm, Golden Boy Promotions, as president of its new East Coast chapter.
At 40 years old, an age at which most boxers are retired, Hopkins reached the middleweight record of 20 title defenses on February 19, 2005, against ranked #1 WBC contender Howard Eastman, the European middleweight champion. Hopkins dominated the fight from start to finish, winning 119–110, 117–111 and 116–112.
Hopkins vs Taylor
In his next fight on July 16, 2005, Hopkins lost his undisputed middleweight championship to Jermain Taylor via a split decision. Hopkins started slowly but came on strong over the final four rounds. Many press row writers scored the fight for Hopkins.[17]
Light Heavyweight
Hopkins vs. Tarver
Following his two losses to Jermain Taylor, Hopkins at 41 decided not to retire and made the decision to jump two weight divisions to face off against The Ring light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver on June 10, 2006. Going into the fight, Tarver was a 3-to-1 favorite and had been the first man ever to TKO Roy Jones Jr. Many now placed Tarver among the sports top competitors. He was constantly ranked in the P4P rankings. However, Bernard Hopkins picked up a lopsided unanimous decision, scoring 118–109 on all three judges scorecards.
Antonio Tarver also lost a $250,000 bet with Hopkins, after he failed to stop Hopkins in the first six rounds.[18]
Hopkins vs Wright
On July 21, 2007, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Hopkins defended The Ring light heavyweight championship against former undisputed junior middleweight champion Winky Wright. During the weigh-in, Hopkins shoved Wright with an open-hand to the face, igniting a brawl between both fighters' entourages.[19] Hopkins was fined $200,000 for instigating the brawl.[20] Hopkins prevailed with a unanimous decision victory by scores of 117–111, 117–111 and 116–112.[21]
Hopkins vs Calzaghe
On April 19, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Hopkins lost The Ring light heavyweight title to Joe Calzaghe via split decision (116–111 and 115–112 for Joe Calzaghe; 114–113 for Hopkins). Hopkins started the fight well, dropping Calzaghe in the first round and using his ring savvy to confuse the challenger. Calzaghe caught up in the later rounds and won a close split decision.[22]
Hopkins vs Pavlik
On October 18, 2008, Hopkins met middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in a non-title fight at a catch-weight of 170 lbs. Fans and pundits alike felt that knockout king Kelly Pavlik would become the first man to knock Hopkins out. Pavlik was a 4–1 betting favourite heading into the contest. On the night of the fight, Hopkins turned back the clock to produce a performance he claimed to be the best of his career winning a unanimous decision (117–109, 119–106, 118–108) over the undefeated Pavlik. Hopkins prepared for this fight in the late summer heat at his second home, Danny Hawk's "World Famous" Normandy Gym in Miami Beach, Florida.
During the Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Pacquiao media conferences before their fight on May 3, 2009, Hopkins stated he would be "interested" in a proposed fight with British super middleweight champion Carl Froch.
On December 2, 2009, Bernard Hopkins fought in his home city of Philadelphia for the first time since 2003 beating Enrique Ornelas via 12-round unanimous decision (120–109, 119–109 & 118–110) in what served as a tune-up bout for the 44-year-old Hopkins who had not fought since his October 18, 2008 12-round upset victory over undisputed middleweight champion, Kelly Pavlik.
The bout was supposed to be a tune-up for a scheduled March 13, 2010 rematch with Roy Jones, Jr. The rematch was later postponed as a result of Jones, Jr. falling to a first-round technical knockout loss to Australian, Danny Green.
Hopkins vs. Jones II
Hopkins and old foe Roy Jones Jr. agreed to fight in a rematch on April 3, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The two boxers fought again 17 years after their first bout in 1993. Hopkins defeated Jones by a unanimous decision in a 12-round bout marred by illegal blows and a skirmish at the end of the sixth round involving ring entourage, the referee and security guards. Judges Don Trella and Glenn Trowbridge scored it 117–110 for Hopkins, while Dave Moretti favored him 118–109. The Associated Press had it 119–108, scoring 11 of 12 rounds for Hopkins.[23]
He then challenged WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye who had successfully defended his title against John Ruiz.[24] Following Hopkins challenge, Haye ruled out the fight stating Bernard was only looking for a payday.[25] Hopkins later stated his intentions to fight Lucian Bute following Bute's third-round technical knockout victory over Edison Miranda. Golden Boy Promotions also tried to approach retired boxer Joe Calzaghe for a potential rematch in 2010, but Calzaghe, who stated he no longer had the appetite, turned the offer down.[26]
Hopkins vs. Pascal I & II
At 45 years old, Hopkins fought Lineal/WBC/The Ring light-heavyweight champion Jean Pascal on December 18, 2010 at the Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The bout ended in a majority draw decision. Judge Steve Morrow had it 114–112 for Hopkins, but was overruled by Claude Paquette (113–113) and Daniel Van de Wiele (114–114).[27] Following the controversy of the fight, WBC chairman José Sulaimán sanctioned an immediate rematch.
On May 21, 2011, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, Hopkins defeated Pascal by unanimous decision to capture the Lineal/WBC/The Ring light-heavyweight championships.[28][29] The official scores were 115–113, 116–112 and 115–114.[30] With the win, Hopkins became the oldest man in the history of the sport to win a major world title, supplanting George Foreman, who had previously held the distinction after his knockout victory over Michael Moorer.[31] Hopkins won at 46 years, 4 months, 6 days, while Foreman was 45 years, 10 months. After the bout, ESPN columnist Dan Rafael stated: "Bernard Hopkins already had lived several boxing lifetimes, but he was born yet again in Saturday's decision over Jean Pascal, becoming the oldest champion in history."[31]
Hopkins vs. Dawson I & II
Hopkins told the world of boxing that his next fight was going to be against former champion Chad Dawson. They fought on October 15, 2011. Hopkins lost via TKO for being unable to continue after injuring his shoulder when Dawson threw him off of his back.
After an investigation by the WBC following a protest filed by Oscar De La Hoya, the WBC ruled that Dawson intentionally fouled Hopkins and returned the belt to Hopkins. The Ring magazine also decided to continue to recognize Hopkins as their champion pending the California State Athletic Commission's ruling on a protest filed on behalf of Hopkins.[32] Also on December 13, California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has ruled that the decision will be overturned to a no-contest upon official review and the testimony of referee of the bout, Pat Russell.[33]
A rematch with Dawson was set for April 28, 2012. Hopkins lost the bout via majority decision. Hopkins would not fight again in 2012, making it the first calendar year since 1989 that he did not win a fight.[34]
Hopkins vs. Cloud
Hopkins would make his return to the ring on March 9, 2013 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against IBF Light Heavyweight Champion and Ring No. 2 ranked Light Heavyweight, Tavoris Cloud. Hopkins broke his own record becoming the oldest man in the history of the sport to win a major world boxing title, by defeating Cloud by unanimous decision.[35]
Hopkins vs. Murat
Hopkins defended the IBF Light Heavyweight Championship against Karo Murat on October 26, 2013. The mandatory title defense was originally scheduled for July 13, 2013, but was later postponed due to visa issues for Murat. In the meantime, the IBF originally made Sergey Kovalev Hopkins's new mandatory challenger, but Kovalev instead faced and beat then WBO champion Nathan Cleverly to win the title, so Murat was reinstated as the IBF mandatory challenger and the bout was rescheduled for October 26, 2013.[36] Hopkins won by unanimous decision with two scores of 119–108 and one of 117–110.[37]
Hopkins vs. Shumenov
Hopkins fought Beibut Shumenov in a championship unification bout on April 19, 2014, where Hopkins would be defending the IBF Light Heavyweight title and Shumenov would be defending the WBA Super and IBA Light Heavyweight titles, the latter not on the line for Hopkins. On fight night Hopkins knocked down Shumenov with a jab and followed with a powerful overhand right that nailed Shumenov on the side of the head and dropped him with only less than two minutes left in the round. Hopkins won by split decision with scores of 113-114, 116-111 and 116-111, becoming the oldest boxer in history to unify titles in a weight division.[38]
Hopkins vs. Kovalev
Shortly after Sergey Kovalev defeated Blake Caparello in a second-round knockout on August 2, 2014, Hopkins announced he would face the former in a match where his WBA Super and IBF titles would be on the line against Kovalev's WBO title. The match was signed after neither fighter could secure a contest with WBC and lineal champion Adonis Stevenson. The fight took place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on November 8, 2014 and was televised by HBO; this marked the end of a feud between Hopkins' promoter Golden Boy Promotions and the network which saw HBO cut ties with Golden Boy fighters.
In a one-sided fight, Hopkins was knocked down in the first round by Kovalev. Although he became the first fighter to take Kovalev past eight rounds, Hopkins lost every single round on all three judges' scorecards and took a 120-107, 120-107, 120-106 unanimous decision defeat, losing his titles.[39]
In 2015, Hopkins called out Car Froch again stating he would like to fight him in a farewell match, only for Froch to decline the offer calling it a "lose-lose situation". Hopkins also eyed James DeGale and Gennady Golovkin.[40][41]
The Final One
Hopkins vs. Smith Jr.
Hopkins made an announcement confirming he wanted a final farewell fight before the end of 2016, which would be his first fight in over two years since losing to Kovalev in a lop sided unanimous decision. Hopkins also confirmed he would retire after this fight, whether it be at cruiserweight or light heavyweight, putting an end to his 28 year career.[42][43][44] A deal was made in October for Hopkins to fight Irish boxer Joe Smith Jr., who last fought Fonfara in June knocking him out in less than 3 minutes. The fight would be a HBO main event on December 17, 2016 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Originally a co-feature with Salido vs. Muira until Salido injured his lower back and pulled out of the fight, making the Hopkins farewell the sole main event of the card.[45][46][47]
Professional boxing record
| 66 fights | 55 wins | 7 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 32 | 0 |
| By decision | 23 | 7 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No contests | 2 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Age | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | — | — |  Joe Smith Jr.
|
— | – (12) | Dec 17, 2016 | 51 years, 337 days | The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
|
|
| 66 | Loss | 55–7–2 (2) |  Sergey Kovalev
|
UD | 12 | Nov 8, 2014 | 49 years, 297 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Lost WBA (Super) and IBF light heavyweight titles; For WBO light heavyweight title |
| 65 | Win | 55–6–2 (2) |  Beibut Shumenov
|
SD | 12 | Apr 19, 2014 | 49 years, 94 days | D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
Retained IBF light heavyweight title; Won WBA (Super) light heavyweight title |
| 64 | Win | 54–6–2 (2) |  Karo Murat
|
UD | 12 | Oct 26, 2013 | 48 years, 284 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Retained IBF light heavyweight title |
| 63 | Win | 53–6–2 (2) | Tavoris Cloud
|
UD | 12 | Mar 9, 2013 | 48 years, 53 days | Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
|
Won IBF light heavyweight title |
| 62 | Loss | 52–6–2 (2) | Chad Dawson
|
MD | 12 | Apr 28, 2012 | 47 years, 104 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Lost WBC, The Ring, and lineal light heavyweight titles |
| 61 | NC | 52–5–2 (2) | Chad Dawson
|
TKO | 2 (12), 2:48 | Oct 15, 2011 | 46 years, 273 days | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal light heavyweight titles; Originally a TKO win for Dawson, later ruled an NC after an incorrect referee call |
| 60 | Win | 52–5–2 (1) |  Jean Pascal
|
UD | 12 | May 21, 2011 | 46 years, 126 days | Centre Bell, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
|
Won WBC, IBO, The Ring, and lineal light heavyweight titles |
| 59 | Draw | 51–5–2 (1) | Jean Pascal
|
MD | 12 | Dec 18, 2010 | 45 years, 337 days | Colisée Pepsi, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
|
For WBC, IBO, The Ring, and lineal light heavyweight titles |
| 58 | Win | 51–5–1 (1) | Roy Jones Jr.
|
UD | 12 | Apr 3, 2010 | 45 years, 78 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
|
| 57 | Win | 50–5–1 (1) |  Enrique Ornelas
|
UD | 12 | Dec 2, 2009 | 44 years, 321 days | Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 56 | Win | 49–5–1 (1) | Kelly Pavlik
|
UD | 12 | Oct 18, 2008 | 43 years, 277 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 55 | Loss | 48–5–1 (1) |  Joe Calzaghe
|
SD | 12 | Apr 19, 2008 | 43 years, 95 days | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Lost The Ring light heavyweight title |
| 54 | Win | 48–4–1 (1) | Winky Wright
|
UD | 12 | Jul 21, 2007 | 42 years, 187 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained The Ring light heavyweight title |
| 53 | Win | 47–4–1 (1) | Antonio Tarver
|
UD | 12 | Jun 10, 2006 | 41 years, 146 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Won IBO and The Ring light heavyweight titles |
| 52 | Loss | 46–4–1 (1) | Jermain Taylor
|
UD | 12 | Dec 3, 2005 | 40 years, 322 days | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
For WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 51 | Loss | 46–3–1 (1) | Jermain Taylor
|
SD | 12 | Jul 16, 2005 | 40 years, 182 days | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Lost WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 50 | Win | 46–2–1 (1) | Howard Eastman
|
UD | 12 | Feb 19, 2005 | 40 years, 35 days | Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 49 | Win | 45–2–1 (1) | Oscar De La Hoya
|
KO | 9 (12), 1:38 | Sep 18, 2004 | 39 years, 247 days | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles; Won WBO middleweight title |
| 48 | Win | 44–2–1 (1) | Robert Allen
|
UD | 12 | Jun 5, 2004 | 39 years, 142 days | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 47 | Win | 43–2–1 (1) | William Joppy
|
UD | 12 | Dec 13, 2003 | 38 years, 332 days | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 46 | Win | 42–2–1 (1) |  Morrade Hakkar
|
RTD | 8 (12), 3:00 | Mar 29, 2003 | 38 years, 73 days | Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 45 | Win | 41–2–1 (1) | Carl Daniels
|
RTD | 10 (12), 3:00 | Feb 2, 2002 | 37 years, 18 days | Sovereign Center, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles |
| 44 | Win | 40–2–1 (1) |  Félix Trinidad
|
TKO | 12 (12), 1:18 | Sep 29, 2001 | 36 years, 257 days | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
|
Retained IBF and WBC middleweight titles; Won WBA (Super), vacant The Ring and lineal middleweight titles |
| 43 | Win | 39–2–1 (1) | Keith Holmes
|
UD | 12 | Apr 14, 2001 | 36 years, 89 days | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title; Won WBC middleweight title |
| 42 | Win | 38–2–1 (1) | Antwun Echols
|
TKO | 11 (12), 1:42 | Dec 1, 2000 | 35 years, 321 days | The Venetian Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 41 | Win | 37–2–1 (1) | Syd Vanderpool
|
UD | 12 | May 13, 2000 | 35 years, 119 days | Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 40 | Win | 36–2–1 (1) | Antwun Echols
|
UD | 12 | Dec 12, 1999 | 34 years, 331 days | Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 39 | Win | 35–2–1 (1) | Robert Allen
|
TKO | 7 (12), 1:18 | Feb 6, 1999 | 34 years, 22 days | Convention Center, Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 38 | NC | 34–2–1 (1) | Robert Allen
|
NC | 4 (12), 2:57 | Aug 28, 1998 | 33 years, 225 days | Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title; NC after Hopkins was unable to continue from being accidentally pushed out of the ring by the referee |
| 37 | Win | 34–2–1 | Simon Brown
|
TKO | 6 (12), 1:00 | Jan 31, 1998 | 33 years, 16 days | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 36 | Win | 33–2–1 | Andrew Council
|
UD | 12 | Nov 18, 1997 | 32 years, 307 days | The Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 35 | Win | 32–2–1 |  Glen Johnson
|
TKO | 11 (12), 1:23 | Jul 20, 1997 | 32 years, 186 days | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 34 | Win | 31–2–1 | John David Jackson
|
TKO | 7 (12), 2:22 | Apr 19, 1997 | 32 years, 94 days | Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 33 | Win | 30–2–1 | William Bo James
|
TKO | 11 (12), 2:02 | Jul 16, 1996 | 31 years, 183 days | Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 32 | Win | 29–2–1 | Joe Lipsey
|
KO | 4 (12), 2:50 | Mar 16, 1996 | 31 years, 61 days | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 31 | Win | 28–2–1 |  Steve Frank
|
TKO | 1 (12), 0:24 | Jan 27, 1996 | 31 years, 12 days | Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
|
Retained IBF middleweight title |
| 30 | Win | 27–2–1 |  Segundo Mercado
|
TKO | 7 (12), 1:10 | Apr 29, 1995 | 30 years, 104 days | USAir Arena, Landover, Maryland, U.S.
|
Won vacant IBF middleweight title |
| 29 | Draw | 26–2–1 | Segundo Mercado
|
SD | 12 | Dec 17, 1994 | 29 years, 336 days | Coliseo General Rumiñahui, Quito, Ecuador
|
For vacant IBF middleweight title |
| 28 | Win | 26–2 | Lupe Aquino
|
UD | 12 | May 17, 1994 | 29 years, 122 days | Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Retained USBA middleweight title |
| 27 | Win | 25–2 | Melvin Wynn
|
TKO | 3 (10), 0:48 | Feb 26, 1994 | 29 years, 42 days | Sands Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 26 | Win | 24–2 | Wendall Hall
|
TKO | 3 (12), 0:28 | Nov 23, 1993 | 28 years, 312 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
Retained USBA middleweight title |
| 25 | Win | 23–2 | Roy Ritchie
|
TKO | 7 (12), 1:47 | Aug 3, 1993 | 28 years, 200 days | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
|
Retained USBA middleweight title |
| 24 | Loss | 22–2 | Roy Jones Jr.
|
UD | 12 | May 22, 1993 | 28 years, 127 days | Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
For vacant IBF middleweight title |
| 23 | Win | 22–1 | Gilbert Baptist
|
UD | 12 | Feb 16, 1993 | 28 years, 32 days | McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
|
Retained USBA middleweight title |
| 22 | Win | 21–1 | Wayne Powell
|
TKO | 1 (12), 0:21 | Dec 4, 1992 | 29 years, 323 days | Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Won vacant USBA middleweight title |
| 21 | Win | 20–1 | Eric Rhinehart
|
KO | 1 (10), 1:47 | Sep 14, 1992 | 27 years, 243 days | Eli's Pier 34, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 20 | Win | 19–1 | James Stokes
|
KO | 1 (10), 1:44 | Aug 28, 1992 | 27 years, 226 days | Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 19 | Win | 18–1 |  Anibal Miranda
|
PTS | 10 | May 21, 1992 | 27 years, 127 days | Cirque d'hiver, Paris, France
|
|
| 18 | Win | 17–1 | Randy Smith
|
UD | 10 | Apr 3, 1992 | 27 years, 79 days | Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 17 | Win | 16–1 | Dennis Milton
|
RTD | 4 (10), 3:00 | Jan 31, 1992 | 27 years, 16 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 16 | Win | 15–1 | Willie Kemp
|
UD | 10 | Dec 13, 1991 | 26 years, 332 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 15 | Win | 14–1 | David McCluskey
|
TKO | 7 (10) | Nov 26, 1991 | 26 years, 315 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 14 | Win | 13–1 | Ralph Moncrief
|
TKO | 1 (10), 1:28 | Sep 23, 1991 | 26 years, 251 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 13 | Win | 12–1 | Danny Mitchell
|
TKO | 1 (8), 3:00 | Jul 9, 1991 | 26 years, 175 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 12 | Win | 11–1 | Pedro Marquez
|
TKO | 1 0:56 | Jun 20, 1991 | 26 years, 157 days | Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 11 | Win | 10–1 | Steve Langley
|
TKO | 3 (6), 1:10 | Mar 18, 1991 | 26 years, 62 days | The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
|
|
| 10 | Win | 9–1 | Richard Quiles
|
KO | 1 (6) | Feb 26, 1991 | 26 years, 42 days | National Guard Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 9 | Win | 8–1 | Mike Sapp
|
TKO | 1 (8), 0:35 | Nov 17, 1990 | 25 years, 306 days | National Guard Armory, Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.
|
|
| 8 | Win | 7–1 | Darren Oliver
|
TKO | 1 | Oct 20, 1990 | 25 years, 269 days | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 7 | Win | 6–1 | Percy Harris
|
UD | 6 | Aug 5, 1990 | 23 years, 270 days | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 6 | Win | 5–1 | Khalif Shabazz
|
KO | 1 (6), 0:36 | Jun 30, 1990 | 25 years, 166 days | Trump's Castle, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 5 | Win | 4–1 | Jouvin Mercado
|
TKO | 2 (4), 0:43 | May 31, 1990 | 25 years, 136 days | War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, New York, U.S.
|
|
| 4 | Win | 3–1 | Eddie Tyler
|
TKO | 1 | May 18, 1990 | 25 years, 123 days | Sands Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
|
| 3 | Win | 2–1 | Keith Gray
|
TKO | 1 | Apr 26, 1990 | 25 years, 101 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 2 | Win | 1–1 | Greg Paige
|
UD | 4 | Feb 22, 1990 | 25 years, 38 days | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|
|
| 1 | Loss | 0–1 | Clinton Mitchell
|
MD | 4 | Oct 11, 1988 | 23 years, 270 days | Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
|
Professional debut |
Titles in boxing
Pay-per-view bouts
| Date | Fight | Billing | Buys | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 29, 2001 | Trinidad vs. Hopkins | And Then There Was One | 475,000 | $20.4m |
| September 18, 2004 | De La Hoya vs. Hopkins | It's History | 1,000,000 | $56m |
| July 16, 2005 | Hopkins vs. Taylor | Next In Line | 370,000 | $17.5m |
| December 3, 2005 | Taylor vs. Hopkins II | No Respect | 410,000 | $20.5m |
| June 10, 2006 | Tarver vs. Hopkins | Fight To The Finish | 330,000 | $16.5m |
| July 21, 2007 | Hopkins vs. Wright | Coming To Fight | 330,000 | $16.5m |
| April 3, 2010 | Hopkins vs. Jones II | The Rivals | 150,000 | $7.5m |
| Total | 7 Pay Per View Fights | 3,065,000 | $154.9m | |
Coaches
Hopkins has been coached by Philadelphia-based English "Bouie" Fisher from 1989 until their split in 2002 which resulted in Fisher taking Hopkins to court, claiming he was underpaid by $255,000. They re-united in 2003, but split again in 2005, again with Fisher claiming to be underpaid, this time to the tune of $200,000. Naazim Richardson, Fishers long-term assistant took over as Hopkins' head coach from 2005. Fisher won the Eddie Futch-John F.X. Condon Award, awarded by the Boxing Writers Association of America, for Trainer of the Year in 2001. Bouie died aged 83 in June 2011.
Controversy
On December 7, 2007, Hopkins and Calzaghe met face to face in the media room set up for the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Ricky Hatton fight. Hopkins and Calzaghe began shouting insults and taunting each other, with Hopkins shouting, "You're not even in my league! I would never let a white boy beat me. I would never lose to a white boy. I couldn't go back to the projects if I let a white boy beat me." Hopkins would later explain his comments, saying that it was not meant to be taken as a racial slur or a reflection of his feelings on white fighters, but simply said to create some hype for his fight with Calzaghe.[citation needed] On January 23, 2008, the fight was officially announced to take place on April 19, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Hopkins lost the fight.
In late 2010, Hopkins suggested that African American fighters who possessed what he described as a "slick" inner-city style of fighting would be successful against Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. "Maybe I'm biased because I'm black, but I think that this is what is said at people's homes and around the dinner table among black boxing fans and fighters. Most of them won't say it [in public] because they're not being real and they don't have the balls to say it. But I do think that a fighter like the Ray Leonards or anyone like that would beat a guy [like Pacquiao] if they come with their game. Listen, this ain't a racial thing, but then again, maybe it is. But the style that is embedded in most of us black fighters, that style could be a problem to any other style of fighting."[48][49]
On May 11, 2011, Hopkins questioned Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb's racial credentials in a Philadelphia Daily News online article. Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that according to Hopkins, McNabb had a privileged childhood in suburban Chicago and, as a result, is not black enough or tough enough, at least compared with, say, himself, Michael Vick and Terrell Owens. Hopkins saying in part, "He's got a suntan. That's all... McNabb is the guy in the house, while everybody else is on the field... He's the one who got the extra coat. The extra servings . . . He thought he was one of them."[50]
In late 2013 he again suggested that African Americans possess a "slick" style of boxing which is superior to other styles (presumably practiced by non-African Americans). "The great Sugar Ray Leonard, right now, if he was boxing, the way that they want you to fight, the people that pull the strings of the puppet, he would be boring today. Ray Robinson – the great Robinson – would be boring today…Because the feeders of the people that buy entertainment. They're being fed that if they duck, don't buy it. If they're slick, and they beat [their opponent] nine out of the 12 rounds, and the guy just can't hit him because they were slick and smart enough to hit and not get hit, 'He's not crowd-pleasing, he don't sell tickets.' Because they done fed the followers and they done fed [that] to the customers. The customers will drink anything that you give them if it's promoted right…But when you take away the skill and you take away the slick, and you take away the boxing ability and say that's not entertaining, or that's not entertainment, then, to me, it's like trying to erase a culture that you know has dominated the sport way back then where you were slick. And I'm talking about black fighters. Yes, I said it", said Hopkins.[51]
References
- ^ Rafael, Dan (October 27, 2013) Hopkins otherworldly in decision win. ESPN.com
- ^ Fischer, Doug. (September 30, 2011) 10: Best middleweight titleholders of the last 50 years | RingTV. Ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved on August 5, 2012.
- ^ Hopkins vs Cloud live results: Round 12 – Bernard Hopkins wins unanimous decision to become oldest world champ ever. SBNation.com. Retrieved on November 20, 2013.
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH053p5IQg0
- ^ http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Benz/Benz041212.htm
- ^ http://www.secondsout.com/archive/anthony-evans/taylor-dirty-hopkins-is-no-great
- ^ http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-explains-why-bernard-hopkins-dirty-fighter--83715
- ^ Steve Bunce (November 11, 2001) The forgotten prince Guardian. Retrieved on July 29, 2009.
- ^ Jake Donovan (July 15, 2005). "Still Waiting for Bernard Hopkins to Grow Old?" July 15, 2005.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (January 15, 2008). "Can Jones be serious?". ESPN. Retrieved August 23, 2008.
- ^ Boxing, BBC (May 13, 2001). "Triumphant Trinidad stops Joppy". BBC Boxing. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
- ^ Fans, Boxing (September 9, 2001). "How far can Felix go?". BBC. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
- ^ JPG image of Hopkin's back. boxingfutures.com
- ^ Manuel Suarez (July 12, 2001). Riot in Puerto Rico during a Trinidad-Hopkins press conference. latinosportslegends.com
- ^ Kevin Iole (August 21, 2004). "In ring, Hopkins will finally dictate". reviewjournal.com. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ "Body blow". CNN. September 19, 2004. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Mulvaney, Kieran (October 1, 2005). "Lacy, Corrales, Common Foe Joppy Predict Outcome". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
- ^ Rec, Box (June 10, 2006). "Antonio Tarver vs. Bernard Hopkins Fight News/Stats". BoxRec.com. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
- ^ Willis, George (July 21, 2007). "Hopkins, Wright Brawl at Weigh-in". New York Post. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
- ^ "Hopkins fined $200,000 for weigh-in scuffle with Wright". ESPN. August 17, 2007. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (July 23, 2007). "Hopkins keeps title with entertaining win over Wright". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
- ^ "BBC SPORT | Boxing | Calzaghe rallies to beat Hopkins". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Bernard Hopkins wins unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. – ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. April 4, 2010. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ "Hopkins beats Jones and eyes Haye". BBC News. April 4, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ "Haye dismisses Hopkins challenge". BBC News. April 5, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Vester, Mark (June 3, 2010). "Joe Calzaghe Turns Down Bernard Hopkins Rematch". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
- ^ Iorfida, Chris (December 19, 2010). "Pascal, Hopkins box to entertaining draw". Cbc.ca.
- ^ Hopkins-Pascal WBC title rematch ordered. AFP. January 6, 2011.
- ^ Hopkins does it!!!. Fightnews.com (May 21, 2011). Retrieved on August 5, 2012.
- ^ LaBate, Chris (May 22, 2011). "Bernard Hopkins Beats Jean Pascal To Make History". Boxing Scene. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "Bernard Hopkins becomes oldest champ". ESPN. May 22, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ RING light heavweight belt won't change hands pending appeal | RingTV. Ringtv.craveonline.com. October 18, 2011.
- ^ Rosenthal, Michael. (December 14, 2011) California commission rules Hopkins-Dawson fight 'no-decision' | RingTV. Ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved on August 5, 2012.
- ^ Parker, Graham (April 29, 2012). "Chad Dawson beats Bernard Hopkins - as it happened". the Guardian. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Hopkins win shows mastery of craft". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ Bernard Hopkins to fight Karo Murat on October 19 | Boxing News. ESPN.co.uk (July 21, 2013). Retrieved on November 20, 2013.
- ^ Greisman, David P. (October 27, 2013) Bernard Hopkins Brawls His Way To Overcome Murat – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on November 20, 2013.
- ^ "Boxing: Bernard Hopkins, 49, unifies titles with split decision win over Beibut Shumenov". The Washington Post. April 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
- ^ "Kovalev defeats Bernard Hopkins". Retrieved November 10, 2014.
- ^ O'Hara, Ryan (June 4, 2015). "Bernard Hopkins To Retire In 2015 - Tha Boxing Voice". Tha Boxing Voice. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Carl Froch: Bernard Hopkins fight would be a 'lose-lose situation'". BBC Sport. February 6, 2015. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Bernard Hopkins Next Fight To Come Before End Of 2016". Boxing News and Views. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Bernard Hopkin's Final Fight: Golden Boy President Gives Status - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Ring legend Bernard Hopkins to retire after farewell fight". Sky Sports. October 18, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Orlando Salido hurts back, is off Dec. 17 HBO card - The Ring". The Ring. October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Deal in place for Smith vs. Hopkins Dec. 17 on HBO - The Ring". The Ring. October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Hopkins to end boxing career with Smith bout". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2010/11/19/bernard-hopkins-wonders-why-pacquiao-hasnt-fought-any-top-notch-black-fighters
- ^ http://thewellversed.com/2010/11/19/bernard-hopkins-says-pacquiao-ducking-african-americans-mayweather-would-beat-him/
- ^ http://articles.philly.com/2011-05-11/sports/29532616_1_rich-burg-bernard-hopkins-donovan-mcnabb
- ^ http://www.boxing.com/b_hops_claim_racist.html/
Further reading
- David Van Deusen, "B-Hop's Claim Racist?" www.boxing.com, October 21, 2013.
External links
- Boxing record for Bernard Hopkins from BoxRec (registration required)
Media related to Bernard Hopkins at Wikimedia Commons- NYTimes feature article, Mosty Cunning Champion NYTines.com, November 2, 2014
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