Bernard Hopkins loved a glittering boxing profession at middleweight and light-heavyweight, the place he defied his age and continued to compete on the highest degree, profitable titles late into his forties. “The Executioner” had an unbelievable ring IQ, which noticed him overcome the best degree of opponent. His intelligence within the ring usually noticed him decide the proper moments to interact on the within or struggle at a distance. His performances over a few years made him one of the vital revered boxers, so Large Combat Weekend needed to carry you 5 of the very best Bernard Hopkins fights, alongside Betway the place you may maintain updated with the newest odds for future fights.
5 Memorable Bernard Hopkins Fights
Throwback footage of a younger Bernard Hopkins 🎥 pic.twitter.com/lhMn02sw4P
— High Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 12, 2023
Bernard Hopkins vs. Antonio Tarver
Bernard Hopkins entered the ring on the age of 41 following back-to-back defeats towards Jermain Taylor. Antonio Tarver was the overwhelming favorite after defeating Roy Jones Jr. “The Executioner” revitalised his profession with a one-sided unanimous factors victory over Tarver, the place he showcased his unimaginable ring IQ, controlling the tempo from the beginning.
Hopkins was in unbelievable situation, and regardless of being the older man, he incessantly outmuscled his youthful opponent, showcasing his faster hand pace and superior reflexes, with all three judges scoring the bout 118-109.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal II
Hopkins made a profession out of stunning the world of boxing and proving individuals fallacious, and at 46 years outdated, he grew to become the oldest fighter to win a significant world title by profitable the WBC mild heavyweight from his 28-year-old opponent. Jean Pascal tried to outwork his older opponent early on by throwing a better quantity of energy punches, which Hopkins efficiently weathered. “The Executioner” confirmed his class all through, jabbing intelligently – whereas touchdown energy proper arms at will.
Hopkins taunted his youthful opponent earlier than the seventh spherical, doing push-ups, which had been an indication of how assured he was feeling. Hopkins defeated Pascal by way of unanimous determination, with the judges scorecards studying 115-113, 116-112 and 115-114.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Oscar De La Hoya
Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya would in the end grow to be enterprise companions at Golden Boy promotions. The struggle between the 2 was shut all through, with each performing good work earlier than Hopkins ring IQ shone via within the center rounds. He was the busier fighter and saved up the strain all through, which noticed him decide up precious rounds. Because the struggle entered spherical quantity 9, it was thought-about a detailed struggle by many earlier than Hopkins landed a thudding physique shot to De La Hoya’s liver, which despatched him to the canvas in ache. The physique shot in the end ended the struggle, which noticed “The Executioner” somersault in celebration as he retained the WBA (Undisputed), WBC, IBF, and The Ring middleweight titles whereas profitable the WBO middleweight title.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Beibut Shumenov
Hopkins once more confirmed his excellence and defied his age as he dismantled Beibut Shumenov. “The Executioner” decreased Shumenov to appear like a novice fighter. Hopkins was victorious on two scorecards, with Dave Moretti and Jerry Roth scoring the competition 116-111 to Hopkins. The third choose Gustavo Padilla unbelievably scored the struggle 114-113 to Shumenov, even with Hopkins scoring an eleventh-round knockdown.
It was miraculous – to look at a 49-year-old Hopkins boss the struggle from begin to end as he dazzled with deft footwork and fantastically timed counterpunches, which Shumenov couldn’t deal with. Whether or not on the entrance foot or again foot, Hopkins was exemplary in his efficiency and totally deserved the choice.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik
Hopkins confirmed he was ageing like a superb wine towards Kelly Pavlik. Many forecast Pavlik as the simple winner within the build-up, however Hopkins had different concepts. Like on many events, Hopkins ring acumen shone via as he outworked his a lot youthful opponent over the twelve rounds.
Hopkins picked Pavlik off at will with a masterful efficiency, along with his accuracy shining brilliant all through. The scorecards mirrored his dominance as they learn 117–109, 119–106, 118–108 all in favour of Hopkins.
