Bernard Hopkins defeats Jean Pascal in Rematch to Become Oldest Champion
Hopkins, who turned 46 in January, eclipsed the record set in 1994 by George Foreman, who knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to win the heavyweight title at the age of 45 and 10 months.
The fighters started out slow, but their dislike for each other showed through as the fight wore on. Hopkins taunted Pascal repeatedly, sticking his tongue out at champion several times. He even came out before the seventh round and did about four or five pushups to prove he was not as tired as a 46-year-old man should be.
The tongue-wagging by Hopkins seemed to touch a nerve in Pascal, 28, who responded by charging like a bull at Hopkins, who was able to avoid most of the punches and appeared to enjoy doing it, as if he was teaching the kid a few lessons leanred in his 23-year career.
Judge Guido Cavaleri scored the fight 115-113, Danseco Reynante 116-112 and Anek Hongstongkam 115-114, all for Hopkins, who used his guile and years of experience to avoid some of Pascal’s wild swings, and to tie up Pascal whenever he needed a breather.
It was textbook Hopkins, and the stats proved it. Hopkins landed 131-of-409 punches (32%), while Pascal connected on just 70-of-377 (19%).
“First I want to thank God for the victory,” said Hopkins. “It all started with Smoky Wilson (his mentor in prison). I didn’t feel like I was 46 tonight. I felt more like 36.”
Another masterful performance by G Manifesto Hall of Fame Member, Bernard Hopkins.
I still remember when I used to roll in Hopkins’ entourage back in the day. (Watch the old tapes, I was the young, Custom Suited Down cat rolling. Or just look for the only, non-African-American cat in the entourage).
It will be interesting to see if he can dismantle Lucien Bute.
For anyone that knows me personally or has been reading The G Manifesto since the beginning, you will know that I have an uncanny ability to pick boxing matches. I also have a well documented history of breaking down almost to a T how the fight is going to go down before it takes place. (Search through the archives for a near Impeccable record).
However, since that time, I have watched the fight a few more times more closely, and I really think Bernard Hopkins won and have argued that way since. In fact, just the other day, I was with my Godfather and a couple of friends (Suited Down of course), enjoying a mid-day lunch in 80 degree weather (while much of the country is freezing) and I got in a big debate about the fight.
Side note about scoring boxing matches:
When I first watch a fight I don’t really “score” a fight. I watch it more for enjoyment. When I do that, I do sometimes get influenced by the cheer leading of announcers, specifically Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant. In fact, if there was a feature where you could mute out those two guys and just listen to Emmanuel Stewart, I would buy it. Lately, I have been watching fights in Spanish for this very reason.
Anyways, after our lunchtime debate, I wanted to watch Bernard Hopkins VS Joe Calzaghe again (also, I never get tired of learning from Bernard Hopkins).
While looking for it on Youtube, I stumbled upon a series of videos that really breaks down how Bernard Hopkins won. Watch these. Have some patience (and I don’t mean that Exotic Dancer I know from the Spearmint Rhino in Las Vegas named “Patience”, real name Jenny, either) as they are long, but well worth it. Hopkins is a true master of the art of Boxing. So crafty. So subtle. So effective.
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 1
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 2
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 3
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 4
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 5
The Joe Calzaghe Deception, the night Bernard Hopkins was robbed PART 6
