This individual did it again.
Bernard Hopkins, at 46 years of age, became the oldest man to ever succeed a championship in boxing history, outpointing Jean Pascal and taking the younger man to school throughout the fight. Hopkins won on scores of 115-114, 115-113 along with 116-112. Bernard Hopkins won the Bad Kept Hook card, 117-112.
Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO) is the legitimate light heavyweight champion for a second time, following his years of domination in the middleweight division. Pascal, as Hopkins said, fought against fairly well for about four rounds, but after that it was all Bernard Hopkins. The Philadelphia legend simply dominated the remainder in the fight, sans a 12th round when Pascal do hurt Hopkins.
Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KO) just isn’t good enough for Bernard Hopkins, and above their two fights, I think that enjoyed out. The first fight was close, yet I felt Hopkins won. The second attack was really not close, and luckily this time around, Hopkins got the cards he very luxuriously deserved.
Hopkins also complimented Pascal after the actual fight, though he did try to provide him some advice. You may recall that he did the same thing in 2008 against Kelly Pavlik, and Pavlik has really never been the same. This was also Hopkins’ best performance, definitely, since that fight. The flaws in Pascal’s online game are obvious, and he badly needs to fix them if he’s going to maintain his status being a legitimate top light heavyweight.
Hopkins also says he has no plans to retire, and has two opponents at heart: Chad Dawson first, and Lucian Bute second. Pascal asked for a third fight, and honestly I don’t think it would be the worst thing, but Dawson is within line next, and you can expect that fight later this year. Hopkins is 46, and probably doesn’t see any ought to fight Pascal again.
Congratulations to Bernard Hopkins. Tonight, he made history, and we all have got to see it.
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