Will Bernard Hopkins Go Out On Top?

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By Jose “Silensachi” Batista

Bernard Hopkins is a legendary fighter, there is no other way to put it. He has accomplished what most boxers can only dream of, he is a first ballot future hall of famer without a doubt. Hopkins is looking for one last magical moment when he faces Joe Smith, JR. The bout will take place Saturday, December 17th and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Hopkins resume reads like an old school phone book when people would keep important names in there. His list of victims includes Felix Trinidad, Glen Johnson, William Joppy, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver, Ronald “Winky” Wright, Kelly Pavlik, Jean Pascal and of course Roy Jones, JR.

As great as Hopkins has been with outstanding victories he has had his share of losses on his resume, however these losses are nothing to be ashamed of. Hopkins lost twice to Jermain Taylor in close bouts, at the time Taylor was in his prime and an excellent young fighter. He has been defeated by Chad Dawson who was a former lineal champion at light heavyweight. The great Jones, JR. defeated him the first time that they fought. Most recently he has a loss against Sergey Kovalev who is regarded as the best light heavyweight in the world as of right now holding multiples world titles.

Hopkins, 55-7-2, 32 KO’s has had memorable moments throughout his career. He holds the record for most defenses of a middleweight world title. He defended his crown 20 times before losing his titles. He is also the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title, he accomplished this feat at the age of 49.

It is easy to marvel at the accomplishments of Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya who echoed this sentiment.

“To accomplish what Bernard has over the course of nearly 30 years inside the ring and still competing at the highest level of the sport at the age of 51; what else can you call him but a bona fide legend,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
“All of us at Golden Boy Promotions are so proud to work with Bernard each and every day and can’t wait to give him the send-off he deserves with an incredibly, dynamic promotion over the next two months.”

Joe Smith, JR. 22-1, 18 KO’s, is coming off of his best career win. He absolutely destroyed Andrzej Fonfara with a first round TKO. Smith is looking forward to the opportunity in fighting a legend.

“I’m very excited about fighting on HBO,” said Joe Smith, JR. “I know now all my hard work and dedication has paid off. I am looking forward to retiring a boxing legend.”

Could Smith, JR. be too young and fierce or does the old dog have a few tricks left in him? One thing is for certain, no one can ever count out the ring savvy Hopkins who has prevailed through so much adversity inside and outside of the ring. Everytime the naysayers have said he is too “old” he finds a way to reinvent himself and finds the fountain of youth. Not many boxers go out on their own terms with their hands raised, however, Hopkins is not your typical boxer, he is an “Executioner.”

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