How old was Bernard Hopkins when he stopped boxing?

By Arslan Saleem April 21, 2024 13:01

Photo by AP / Matt Rourke

Bernard Hopkins, a renowned American boxer, was known for his dominance in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.

Throughout his career, he achieved numerous milestones and accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest boxers of modern times.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on January 15, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bernard Hopkins had a tumultuous start in life, getting involved in street crime as a teenager and eventually serving time in prison for armed robbery.

It was during his incarceration that he discovered his passion for boxing. After his release on parole in 1988, Hopkins pursued a career in professional boxing, making his debut on October 11, 1988, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Rise to Prominence

Hopkins struggled in relative anonymity until 2001 when he entered a tournament to unify the middleweight title.

He gained widespread recognition by winning significant bouts, including his victory over Félix Trinidad, which earned him the World Boxing Association (WBA) title and unified the middleweight division, making him the first unified middleweight champion since Marvin Hagler in 1987.

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Undisputed Middleweight Champion

Hopkins achieved a significant milestone by defending the undisputed title six times, surpassing division records and solidifying his reputation as a formidable middleweight champion.

His iconic fight against Oscar De La Hoya in 2004 at a catch weight of 158 lbs further elevated his career, as he won the bout by knockout in the ninth round, unifying the titles of all four major sanctioning bodies and earning a career-high of $10 million.

Transition to Light Heavyweight

After experiencing losses in the middleweight division, Hopkins made a bold transition to the light heavyweight division.

Despite initial setbacks, he demonstrated his resilience and skill by defeating notable opponents such as Antonio Tarver, Ronald “Winky” Wright, and Kelly Pavlik.

In 2011, Hopkins made history by defeating Jean Pascal to become the oldest world champion in boxing at the age of 46.

Record-breaking Achievements

Continuing to defy age-related expectations, Hopkins further solidified his legacy by winning the IBF light heavyweight title at 48 years of age and unifying major titles by defeating Beibut Shumenov in 2014, becoming the oldest boxer to do so.

His remarkable achievements and longevity in the sport earned him widespread recognition and accolades, with some considering him as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Retirement from Professional Boxing

After an illustrious career marked by numerous victories and records, Bernard Hopkins announced his retirement from professional boxing.

His last fight took place in 2016 against Joe Smith, Jr., where, at the age of 51, he was unable to continue after falling out of the ring in the eighth round. With a record of 56 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, Hopkins left an indelible mark on the boxing world.

Legacy and Impact

Bernard Hopkins's legacy extends beyond his achievements inside the ring.

He was known for his outspoken advocacy for reforming unethical practices within the boxing industry, as well as his dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to physical conditioning.

All in all, Bernard Hopkins's remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a legendary boxer is a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering determination.

His contributions to the sport of boxing have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.