| Bernard Hopkins |
Hopkins in 2010 |
| Statistics |
| Real name |
Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr |
| Nickname(s) |
The Executioner
B-Hop |
| Rated at |
Middleweight
Super Middleweight
Light Heavyweight |
| Height |
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Nationality |
American |
| Born |
(1965-01-15) January 15, 1965 (age 47)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Stance |
Orthodox |
| Boxing record |
| Total fights |
62 |
| Wins |
52 |
| Wins by KO |
32 |
| Losses |
6 |
| Draws |
2 |
| No contests |
2 |
Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr, known as The Executioner (born January 15, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American boxer and former Ring Magazine and WBC light heavyweight champion. He became the oldest boxer to ever win a world title, when at age 46, he defeated Jean Pascal on May 21, 2011 by a unanimous decision, surpassing the record previously held by George Foreman.
Hopkins is also the former undisputed world middleweight champion, and the first fighter to retain all 4 world titles of each major boxing sanctioning body, plus The Ring belt, in the same fight. Having defended a world middleweight title a record 20 times, he is considered one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. The Ring ranked him #3 on their list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years."[1]
In addition to being an active boxer, Hopkins is also a minority partner with Golden Boy Promotions.
Born to Bernard Hopkins, Sr. and his wife Sue, Bernard grew up in the Raymond Rosen projects with his family. 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 rapes and 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.[2] While leaving the prison for the final time, the warden told Hopkins he'd "see [Hopkins] again when you wind up back here," to which Hopkins replied "I ain't ever coming back here." [3]
He 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. This victorious sequence was halted when he lost to Roy Jones Jr. in 1993 for their first encounter.
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.[4]
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 and later went on to knock out an aging Roy Jones Jr), Simon Brown, and Antwun Echols.
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.
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.[5] This led to many to believe that Felix Trinidad was simply too much, too strong for Bernard Hopkins.[6]
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. 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.[7]
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 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 Monzon'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.
In the highest-paying fight of his career, Hopkins fought six-division titleholder Oscar de la Hoya, another welterweight for the undisputed middleweight championship on September 18, 2004, in Las Vegas. They fought at a catchweight of 158 lbs, two pounds below the middleweight limit of 160 lbs.[8] 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.[9]
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 Middleweight contender Howard Eastman, the European middleweight champion. Hopkins dominated the fight from start to finish, winning 119-110, 117-111 and 116-112.
In his next fight on July 16, 2005, Hopkins lost his undisputed middleweight championship to Jermain Taylor via controversial split decision. Hopkins started slowly but came on strong over the final four rounds. Many press row writers scored the fight for Hopkins. Many boxing observers feel that the decision wasn't booed like a disputed decision normally is because the crowd was pro-Taylor, which influenced the some of the commentators and Harold Lederman.[10] Compubox round-by-round punch stats showed Taylor outscoring Hopkins 6-5-1 in total punches. Hopkins out landed Taylor in power punches 78-50.
Compubox statistics indicated that Hopkins landed more overall punches and significantly more power shots over the course of the fight, however these statistics may not accurately reflect the judging as rounds are scored in isolation. It should also noted that there are some unaccurate flaws in Compubox statistics and therefore may not reflect the actual outcome of the bout.
On December 3, 2005, Hopkins lost his rematch against Jermain Taylor by unanimous decision in a bout that was reminiscent of their first bout but was a decisive victory for Taylor. All three judges scored the fight 115-113 for Taylor.
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.[11]
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.[12] Hopkins was fined $200,000 for instigating the brawl.[13] Hopkins prevailed with a unanimous decision victory by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 116-112.[14]
On April 19, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Hopkins lost The Ring light heavyweight title to Joe Calzaghe via a highly, highly disputed split decision (116-111 and 115-112 for 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 got up to showcase his blazingly fast hands and devastating combinations and despite the fact that Hopkins would smother him whenever he tried to come in and throw more than one punch, According to CompuBox, Calzaghe landed more punches on Hopkins than any of his previous opponents, however there observers again feel that there were flaws in Compubox's recorded statistics again.[15]
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, FL.
During the Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Pacquiao media conferences before their fight on May 3, 2009, Bernard 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 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.[16]
He then challenged WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye who had successfully defended his title against John Ruiz.[17] Following Hopkins challenge, Haye ruled out the fight stating Bernard was only looking for a payday.[18] 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.[19]
Pascal defending versus Hopkins.
At 45 years old, Hopkins fought WBC, IBO 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).[20] Following the controversy of the fight, WBC chairman Jose Sulaiman sanctioned an immediate rematch.
On May 21, 2011, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, Hopkins defeated Pascal by unanimous decision to capture the WBC, IBO, and The Ring Light Heavyweight belts.[21][22] The official scores were 115–113, 116–112 and 115–114.[23] 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.[24] 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."[24]
Hopkins told the world of boxing that his next fight was going to be against former champion Chad Dawson. They fought on 15 October 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. [25] 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.[26] 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.[27]
A rematch with Dawson was set for April 28, 2012. Hopkins lost the bout via majority decision.
| 52 Wins (34 knockouts, 18 decisions), 6 Losses, 2 Draws, 2 No Contest[28] |
| Result |
Record |
Opponent |
Type |
Rd., Time |
Date |
Location |
Notes |
| Loss |
52-6-2
2 NC |
 Chad Dawson |
Decision (majority) |
12 |
April 28, 2012 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA |
Loses WBC, & The Ring light heavyweight titles. |
| NC |
52-5-2
2 NC |
Chad Dawson |
No Contest |
2 (12), 2:48 |
October 15, 2011 |
Los Angeles, California |
No Contest. It was originally ruled a TKO victory for Dawson but was overturned by the CSAC since Hopkins was unable to continue after getting thrown from a clinch.
The WBC ruled the fight a "technical draw" and continued to recognize Hopkins as their champion.[29][30] |
| Win |
52-5-2
1 NC |
 Jean Pascal |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
May 21, 2011 |
Montreal, Canada |
Won The Ring and WBC Light Heavyweight titles. Awarded WBC Diamond belt. |
| Draw |
51-5-2
1 NC |
Jean Pascal |
Draw (maj.) |
12 |
December 18, 2010 |
Quebec City, Canada |
For The Ring, WBC and WBC Diamond Light Heavyweight titles. |
| Win |
51-5-1
1 NC |
Roy Jones, Jr. |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
April 3, 2010 |
Las Vegas, USA |
|
| Win |
50-5-1
1 NC |
 Enrique Ornelas |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
December 2, 2009 |
Philadelphia,PA |
|
| Win |
49-5-1
1 NC |
Kelly Pavlik |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
October 18, 2008 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Loss |
48-5-1
1 NC |
 Joe Calzaghe |
Decision (split) |
12 |
April 19, 2008 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Lost The Ring Light Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
48-4-1
1 NC |
Ronald Wright |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
July 21, 2007 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained The Ring Light Heavyweight title. |
| Win |
47-4-1
1 NC |
Antonio Tarver |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
June 10, 2006 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Won The Ring Light Heavyweight title. |
| Loss |
46-4-1
1 NC |
Jermain Taylor |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
December 3, 2005 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
For WBC, WBA Super, WBO & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Loss |
46-3-1
1 NC |
Jermain Taylor |
Decision (split) |
12 |
July 16, 2005 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Lost IBF, WBC, WBA Super, WBO & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
46-2-1
1 NC |
 Howard Eastman |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
February 19, 2005 |
Los Angeles, California |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super, WBO & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
45-2-1
1 NC |
Oscar De La Hoya |
KO |
9 (12), 1:38 |
September 18, 2004 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super, The Ring and won WBO Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
44-2-1
1 NC |
Robert Allen |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
June 5, 2004 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
43-2-1
1 NC |
William Joppy |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
December 13, 2003 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
42-2-1
1 NC |
 Morrade Hakkar |
TKO |
8 (12), 3:00 |
March 29, 2003 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
41-2-1
1 NC |
Carl Daniels |
TKO |
10 (12), 3:00 |
February 2, 2002 |
Reading, Pennsylvania |
Retained IBF, WBC, WBA Super & The Ring Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
40-2-1
1 NC |
 Félix Trinidad |
TKO |
12 (12), 1:18 |
September 29, 2001 |
New York City, New York |
Retained IBF, WBC and won WBA Super Middleweight titles.
Awarded vacant The Ring Middleweight title. |
| Win |
39-2-1
1 NC |
Keith Holmes |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
April 14, 2001 |
New York City, New York |
Retained IBF and won WBC Middleweight titles. |
| Win |
38-2-1
1 NC |
Antwun Echols |
TKO |
10 (12), 1:42 |
December 1, 2000 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
37-2-1
1 NC |
Syd Vanderpool |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
May 13, 2000 |
Indianapolis, Indiana |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
36-2-1
1 NC |
Antwun Echols |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
December 12, 1999 |
Miami, Florida |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
35-2-1
1 NC |
Robert Allen |
TKO |
7 (12), 1:18 |
February 6, 1999 |
Washington, D.C. |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| NC |
34-2-1
1 NC |
Robert Allen |
No Contest |
4 (12), 2:57 |
August 28, 1998 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
34-2-1 |
Simon Brown |
TKO |
6 (12), 1:00 |
January 31, 1998 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
33-2-1 |
Andrew Council |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
November 18, 1997 |
Upper Marlboro, MD |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
32-2-1 |
 Glen Johnson |
TKO |
11 (12), 1:23 |
July 20, 1997 |
Indio, California |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
31-2-1 |
John David Jackson |
TKO |
7 (12), 2:22 |
April 19, 1997 |
Shreveport, Louisiana |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
30-2-1 |
William Bo James |
TKO |
11 (12), 2:02 |
July 16, 1996 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
29-2-1 |
Joe Lipsey |
KO |
4 (12), 2:50 |
March 16, 1996 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
28-2-1 |
 Steve Frank |
TKO |
1 (12), 0:24 |
January 27, 1996 |
Phoenix, Arizona |
Retained IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
27-2-1 |
 Segundo Mercado |
TKO |
7 (12), 1:10 |
April 29, 1995 |
Landover, MD |
Won vacant IBF Middleweight title. |
| Draw |
26-2-1 |
Segundo Mercado |
Draw |
12 |
December 17, 1994 |
Quito, Ecuador |
For vacant IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
26–2 |
Lupe Aquino |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
May 17, 1994 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Retained USBA Middleweight title. |
| Win |
25–2 |
Melvin Wynn |
TKO |
3, 0:48 |
February 26, 1994 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
24–2 |
Wendall Hall |
TKO |
3 (12), 0:28 |
November 23, 1993 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
Retained USBA Middleweight title. |
| Win |
23–2 |
Roy Ritchie |
TKO |
7 (12), 1:47 |
August 3, 1993 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Retained USBA Middleweight title. |
| Loss |
22–2 |
Roy Jones, Jr. |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
May 22, 1993 |
Washington, D.C. |
For vacant IBF Middleweight title. |
| Win |
22–1 |
Gilbert Baptist |
Decision (unan.) |
12 |
February 16, 1993 |
Denver, Colorado |
Retained USBA Middleweight title. |
| Win |
21–1 |
Wayne Powell |
TKO |
1 (12), 0:21 |
December 4, 1992 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Won vacant USBA Middleweight title. |
| Win |
20–1 |
Eric Rhinehart |
KO |
1, 1:47 |
September 14, 1992 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
19–1 |
James Stokes |
KO |
1 |
August 28, 1992 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
18–1 |
 Anibal Miranda |
Decision (unan.) |
10 |
May 21, 1992 |
Paris, France |
|
| Win |
17–1 |
Randy Smith |
Decision (unan.) |
10 |
April 3, 1992 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
16–1 |
Dennis Milton |
TKO |
4 (10) |
January 31, 1992 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
15–1 |
Willie Kemp |
Decision (unan.) |
10 |
December 13, 1991 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
14–1 |
David McCluskey |
TKO |
7 (10) |
November 26, 1991 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
13–1 |
Ralph Moncrief |
TKO |
1 (10), 1:28 |
September 23, 1991 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
12–1 |
Danny Mitchell |
KO |
1 |
July 9, 1991 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
11–1 |
Pedro Marquez |
TKO |
1 |
June 20, 1991 |
Parsippany, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
10–1 |
Steve Langley |
TKO |
3 (6), 1:10 |
March 18, 1991 |
Las Vegas, Nevada |
|
| Win |
9–1 |
Richard Quiles |
KO |
1 (6) |
February 26, 1991 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
8–1 |
Mike Sapp |
TKO |
1 |
November 17, 1990 |
Fort Myers, Florida |
|
| Win |
7–1 |
Darrin Oliver |
TKO |
1 |
October 20, 1990 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
6–1 |
Percy Harris |
Decision (unan.) |
6 |
August 5, 1990 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
5–1 |
Khalif Shabazz |
KO |
1, 0:36 |
June 30, 1990 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
4–1 |
Jouvin Mercado |
TKO |
2 (4), 0:43 |
May 31, 1990 |
Rochester, New York |
|
| Win |
3–1 |
Eddie Tyler |
TKO |
1 |
May 18, 1990 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
| Win |
2–1 |
Keith Gray |
TKO |
1 |
April 26, 1990 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Win |
1–1 |
Greg Paige |
Decision (unan.) |
4 |
February 22, 1990 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
| Loss |
0–1 |
Clinton Mitchell |
Decision (maj.) |
4 |
October 11, 1988 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
|
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.
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 Leonard's 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."[31][32]
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. On January 23, 2008, the fight was officially announced to take place on April 19, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
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."
- ^ http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/169390-10-best-middleweight-titleholders-of-the-last-50-years?start=8
- ^ Steve Bunce (2001-11-11) The forgotten prince Guardian. Retrieved on 2009-07-29.
- ^ Duran, Coyote. "Still Waiting for Bernard Hopkins to Grow Old?" 15 July 2005.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (2008-01-15). "Can Jones be serious?". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3197314&name=rafael_dan. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
- ^ Boxing, BBC (2001-05-13). "Triumphant Trinidad stops Joppy". BBC Boxing. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/1327842.stm. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ Fans, Boxing (2001-09-09). "How far can Felix go?". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/sports_talk/1529355.stm. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ Kevin Iole (2004-08-21). "In ring, Hopkins will finally dictate". reviewjournal.com. http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-21-Sat-2004/sports/24590920.html. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Body blow". CNN. September 19, 2004. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/more/09/19/delahoya.hopkins/index.html. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Mulvaney, Kieran (2005-10-01). "Lacy, Corrales, Common Foe Joppy Predict Outcome". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2243473. Retrieved 2008-10-24.
- ^ Rec, Box (2006-06-10). "Antonio Tarver vs. Bernard Hopkins Fight News/Stats". BoxRec.com. http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:1066695. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- ^ Willis, George (2007-07-21). "Hopkins, Wright Brawl at Weigh-in". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/07212007/sports/hopkins__wright_brawl_at_weigh_in_sports_george_willis.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ "Hopkins fined $200,000 for weigh-in scuffle with Wright". ESPN. 2007-08-17. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2979488. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (2007-07-23). "Hopkins keeps title with entertaining win over Wright". ESPN.com. http://proxy.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2945004. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=13596
- ^ "Bernard Hopkins wins unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2010-04-04. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5054148. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Hopkins beats Jones and eyes Haye". BBC News. April 4, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/8602743.stm. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ "Haye dismisses Hopkins challenge". BBC News. April 5, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/8603435.stm. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Vester, Mark (June 3, 2010). "Joe Calzaghe Turns Down Bernard Hopkins Rematch". BoxingScene.com. http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=28278. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
- ^ Iorfida, Chris (2010-12-19). "Pascal, Hopkins box to entertaining draw". Cbc.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/12/18/sp-pascal-hopkins.html. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ [3]
- ^ LaBate, Chris (May 22, 2011). "Bernard Hopkins Beats Jean Pascal To Make History". Boxing Scene. http://www.boxingscene.com/bernard-hopkins-beats-jean-pascal-make-history--39442. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ a b "Bernard Hopkins becomes oldest champ". ESPN. May 22, 2011. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=6574889. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ [4]
- ^ http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/169724-ring-light-heavweight-belt-wont-change-hands-pending-appeal
- ^ [5]
- ^ "Bernard Hopkins's career boxing record". Boxrec.com. http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=1414&cat=boxer. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
- ^ http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7128840/bernard-hopkins-gets-title-back-decision-overturned-technical-draw
- ^ http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Bernard+Hopkins+regains+boxing+crown+after+ruling/5587046/story.html
- ^ 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/
| Achievements |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Reggie Johnson |
USBA Middleweight Champion
December 4, 1992 – 1994
Vacated |
Vacant
Title next held by
Robert Allen |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Roy Jones, Jr. |
IBF Middleweight Champion
April 29, 1995 – July 16, 2005 |
Succeeded by
Jermain Taylor |
Preceded by
Keith Holmes |
WBC Middleweight Champion
April 14, 2001 – July 16, 2005 |
New title
|
WBA Middleweight Super Champion
September 29, 2001 – July 16, 2005 |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Marvin Hagler |
Undisputed Middleweight Champion
September 29, 2001 – July 16, 2005 |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Sumbu Kalambay |
The Ring Middleweight Champion
September 29, 2001 – July 16, 2005 |
Preceded by
Oscar De La Hoya |
WBO Middleweight Champion
September 18, 2004 – July 16, 2005 |
Preceded by
Antonio Tarver |
IBO Light Heavyweight Champion
June 10, 2006
Immediately vacated |
Vacant
Title next held by
Antonio Tarver |
The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion
June 10, 2006 – April 19, 2008 |
Succeeded by
Joe Calzaghe |
Preceded by
Jean Pascal |
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion
May 21, 2011 – April 29, 2012 |
Succeeded by
Chad Dawson |
The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion
May 21, 2011 – April 29, 2012 |
| Sporting positions |
Preceded by
Roy Jones Jr. |
Ring Magazine Pound-for-pound #1 Boxer
2004–2005 |
Succeeded by
Floyd Mayweather Jr. |
| Awards |
Preceded by
Félix Trinidad |
Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year
2001 |
Succeeded by
Vernon Forrest |
Preceded by
Félix Trinidad |
BWAA Fighter of the Year
2001 |
Succeeded by
Vernon Forrest |
|
|
|
| 2004 |
|
|
| 2005 |
|
|
| 2006 |
|
|
| 2007 |
|
|
| 2008 |
|
|
| 2009 |
|
|
| 2010 |
|
|
| Persondata |
| Name |
Hopkins, Bernard |
| Alternative names |
|
| Short description |
American boxer |
| Date of birth |
January 15, 1965 |
| Place of birth |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
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