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Bernard Hopkins: The Ageless Wonder

Some fighters can be younger when they achieve success and others older. With Bernard Hopkins though we see a fighter who defies all logic and rationality by not only repeatedly competing at the highest level of the light heavyweight division at the staggering age of 49, but winning world titles in the process.

Hopkins-Shumenov-Tom Casino28 Photo by Tom Casino

A boxer’s prime can be anywhere between the ages of 25 to 35. Some fighters can be younger when they achieve success and others older. With Bernard Hopkins though we see a fighter who defies all logic and rationality by not only repeatedly competing at the highest level of the light heavyweight division at the staggering age of 49, but winning world titles in the process.

In a very colorful life, Hopkins has gone from a prison inmate as a young man, to a two-weight world champion. Hopkins proved his doubters wrong and snatched his opportunity with both hands when no one believed he was capable of doing so.

Since his pro debut in 1988, the 49-year-old stalwart has fought some of the greatest champions of the past two decades, developing a stellar resume and a formidable reputation. Even to this day, Hopkins has faced the upper echelons of the sport, taking on the young guns of his division to prove that age is just a number in his eyes. These results are testament to the way Hopkins lives his life, a true disciple of discipline and a credit to the sport.

There is a belief in boxing that you get back what you are willing to put in, and Bernard Hopkins is reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication.

Now that it has been officially announced that Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev will collide come November 8, Hopkins is further proving that he has an eagerness to fight the very best and refuses to take the easy option as he vies to unify the light heavyweight division.

It does seem absurd to think that a man of Hopkins’ age is squaring off against one of the most revered punchers in boxing, however Hopkins is not just there to make up the numbers, as he has a great chance of beating Kovalev.

With B-Hop’s ring intelligence, Kovalev could find it hard to land one of those sledgehammer shots that have buckled 23 out of his 25 opponents, leading to frustration setting in, and ultimately culminating in Kovalev becoming just another victim on the ever-growing list of men who have been outfoxed by the most cunning of foxes.

On the other hand if one of those devastating punches were to land, it will be interesting to see how Hopkins will react, as I do not think he could stand and trade with Kovalev like he did with Beibut Shumenov in his last bout.

Hopkins-Shumenov-Tom Casino23 Photo by Tom Casino

So how long can B-Hop go on if he is to dethrone the KO machine Kovalev?

Well, as he approaches his 50th birthday this coming January, Bernard Hopkins really seems to be showing no signs of aging and is looking exceedingly more like an extra-terrestrial superhuman. This means at a half century old, Hopkins could be around for just another few more years yet, which is incredible.

However, we all know that someday the Philadelphia native’s age will catch up on him, leading to the final chapter in an astonishing career.

In the meantime, let us all just enjoy the technique he possesses while it lasts because Hopkins may be controversial, outspoken and sometimes radical, but there most definitely will never be another like “The Executioner” to ever lace up a pair of gloves again.

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