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Showing posts with label Bernard Hopkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bernard Hopkins. Show all posts

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Smith stops 51 year-old Hopkins

Bernard Hopkins , Features
Smith stops 51 year-old Hopkins
In the 2:28 minute mark of Round 8, Bernard Hopkins fell out of the ring after a series of punches landed coming from Joe Smith.

It was a bizarre scene to end an extraordinary 28 years boxing career that began in 1988. He was stopped for the first time during the final fight of his incredible career.

The 51-year-old Hopkins (55-8-2 32 KOs) was knocked out of the ring.

This happens to boxers who hang around a little bit too long. The sport will push you out of retirement. Well for me the best time for Bernard to actually retire was when he beat Beibut Shumenov. He got a title at that time, he was 49. But well, it was really tempting to have another shot at age 50. I think that was a record also in boxing. He lost to Sergey Kovalev when he was 50.



Well, for Hopkins it may look like a "controversial" loss because of what had happened. If he did not fell out of the ring, he could have got up before the count of ten and manage to continue. In fairness, he wasn't unconscious when he landed outside the ring.

But anyway, I hope this result will convince Hopkins not to fight again any more and sticks to retiring. He should not wait to be knockout cold out there. Just like what happened to Roy Jones Jr. in one of his recent fights.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016

HOPKINS vs SMITH LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Bernard Hopkins , Joe Smith Jr.
HOPKINS vs SMITH LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2016) - Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of FamerBernard "The Executioner" Hopkins(55-7-2, 32 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles press conference to discuss their 12-round battle set for December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Also, in attendance for this press conference was Los Angeles-based undefeated Vyacheslav "Lionheart Chingonskyy" Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) as he takes on Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) for a 10-round bout for Shabranskyy's WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on HBO Latino® Boxing on Friday, December 16 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Also rounding out the HBO Latino® Boxing card, was Former WBC Silver featherweight titlist Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs) against Roy "Pitbull" Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Below is what the fighters, their trainers, managers and promoter had to say at today's press conference:

BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of Famer:

"This is history, we have been here many times where history has been made. This is obviously different than everything I have ever done, because it is the Final 1. To be able to have the Final 1 in LA, where the city of stars are trying to be stars, however you cut it, it couldn't have been better with the history placed in the DNA that the Forum has produced.

"It is fitting that the end of a twenty-nine year career, since 1988 is in a historic place at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. This is something that came as an opportunity to be here. I couldn't tell you that it would be in this arena-it just happened, and here I am against an incredible opponent.

"I don't want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything-give me an opportunity and give me a door and I'll open it myself. I don't' have to convince anyone of anything. This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from "The Executioner" to "B-Hop" to "The Alien" they all exist in me.

"On December 17th you will see "The Executioner," it will all come full circle. This press conference is just a warm up. Win, lose or draw, there is no excuse-Final 1."

JOE SMITH JR., Light Heavyweight Contender:

"I'm so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I'm going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I'm looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"As you know, we are calling this the "Final 1," and Bernard has expressed this is the final one. We are really excited to be putting together this card. We want to thank HBO for putting this card together.

"December 17th will be historical. I want to say coming out party, but it will be the last hoorah, as a champion goes out in his terms, in his way. Only legends can do that and superstars who transcend the sport.

"What excited me about this fight is that Bernard is not fighting someone who is a walk in the park, he is fighting a difficult fight, and this gentleman has every opportunity in the book to win and win a world title. This is Hopkins, this is who Hopkins chose. Joe Smith Jr. has an amazing record and an outstanding knockout percentage that is unheard of in his division.

"Hopkins will be an athlete that will transcend the sport, not just for what he has accomplished in the ring, but for outside of it, and that is huge. I am very excited and happy that this fight will be taking place in an arena where I began my professional career. It is an honor for me and thank you for giving Los Angeles and Angelenos an opportunity to watch this fight.

"Leading up to the event, we have some great events coming up. The annual Oscar De La Hoya Foundation Toy Giveaway will be taking place the day of the fight. We want to get the community involved, not only because yours truly is from here and I began my career here-but because we are celebrating a legend, such as Bernard in a way he should be honored.

"Part of the festivities leading up to the December 17th fight will be a card on December 16th on HBO Latino at one of the best casinos in California, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,

"At Golden Boy, we are very proud to grow our young fighters. Rios vs. Tapia wasn't an easy fight to make, because we have developed these fighters, but you have to make great fights for the fans and this will be an exciting fight to watch

"On December 16th, I think it is best to promote one of the best divisions in boxing today, the middleweight division. I acknowledge Jason Quigley, who is here today as an undefeated middleweight fighter.

"The main event fight on December 16th has a potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate, in a very hot division-light heavyweight division. Ever since I saw Shabranskyy, who I nicknamed 'Chingonskyy' I have seen something in him, with his finesse in the ring. He is a very special fighter and he is facing an experienced, durable fighter in Sullivan Barrera.

"Thank you to our sponsor, Tecate. I am proud to announce that Tecate will be sponsoring boxing in a whole new way in 2017, everyone will be blown away by how they will bring boxing to the next level.

"What makes Bernard Hopkins is that he doesn't stop, he keeps going and surprises people. He would continue until he was 60 if he could, that's what a legend is, he takes care of himself and keeps going.

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:

"It is certainly great to be here in LA at the Forum where so much history has been made. This fight was really easy to male, and that is a testament to Bernard Hopkins, because most fighters would shy away from a puncher like Joe Smith Jr. It is an honor and I thank Bernard and Oscar for taking this fight."

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

"December 17th is our last broadcast of the year, and it is very special because it is the last time we will see Bernard Hopkins in the ring. This fight will be Bernard's twenty-third fight on HBO, tying him with Lennox Lewis in appearances. Hopkins will join all of the boxing greats you can name. His traits of tenacity and endurance have been with him and we are going to celebrate Bernard with this Final 1 fight."

JOSE "PEPE" SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC's Los Angeles Office:

"With greatness comes great responsibility, Bernard Hopkins has taken this to very high levels. He is an ambassador for peace, and is an example in and outside the ring. He has a wonderful relationship with the WBC, and was a very great friend to my father.

"At the WBC, we are very proud to be a part of this fight. This is not another fight, this is not a farewell fight, this a real fight. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of this. Great champions fight great fights and great fighters. There will be two belts. One for the winner and one to celebrate a great champion."

ANDY FOSTER, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission:

"One thing I can tell you, the California Commission does not care who wins, we want both fighters to go home safe. We look forward to a safe and successful event."

NICK SPAMPANATO, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of the Forum and MSG:

"The people up here are the best in the business. At The Forum, we are extremely excited to host this fight and have the historic Forum be the host. December 17th will be a great night of fights and we look forward to seeing everyone there."

CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

"Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to be hosting a great weekend in boxing, it will be broadcast live on HBO Latino. We are proud of our longtime relationship with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy boxing brings about ten to twelve shows a year to Fantasy Springs and Shabranskyy vs. Barrera will be an exciting fight on December 16th."
VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

"My next fight is December 16th on HBO Latino, and I am very excited to fight. This is a good opportunity for me and for the fans to witness a great fight. I will be ready"
RONNY RIOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

"First and foremost, thank you to HBO and Golden Boy for this great opportunity. December 16th and 17th will be a great night for boxing, as a legend says good bye to the sport. I never underestimate any opponent or fight, so Roy let's put on a great show for everyone to see why Golden Boy is the best promoter in the sport."
ROY TAPIA, Featherweight Prospect:

"What can I say, December 16th will be a great fight. I want to thank my manager and Golden Boy. It has been anything but a smooth path to get here, but on December 16th you will see who I am and what I can do. Like Bernard Hopkins just said up here, give me a door and I will knock it down."

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO's flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
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Sunday, November 9, 2014

Sergey Kovalev dominates Bernard Hopkins, wins UD

Bernard Hopkins , Luis Carlos Abrigu
Sergey Kovalev dominates Bernard Hopkins, wins UD
Good thing comes to those who wait.

It was the virtue of patience, apart from his vaunted power, that carried the night for Sergey Kovalev, who now owns three alphabet belts in the light heavyweight division, after his dominant performance over Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City. The unification bout is the main event on Saturday night, televised by HBO.

Kovalev dropped Hopkins in Round 1 en route to unanimous decision victory.  The scorecards read: 120-106, 120-107, and 120-107.

[caption id="attachment_4464" align="alignright" width="300"]Sergey Kovalev dominates Bernard Hopkins, wins UD Al Bello[/caption]

Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO) employed a very effective and brilliantly executed game-plan. He was too cautious not open up recklessly, but not that too cautious to stay longer than needed in the defensive shell. He pressed forward, but retreats to reset if he got hit. He traded punches, but he never overextend. He showed he's not just about power, but a well polish fighter who can outbox the trickiest boxer in Bernard Hopkins.

But you have to give full credit to Bernard Hopkins, who is half century old, for taking a fight from a younger and most feared puncher in the sport today.

Hopkins was able to absorbed hard right hands from Kovalev, except one that came in the first round that dropped him. Those kinds of punches from the Russian put to sleep several young yet untested opponents.

For me it was a well calculated performance for both men.

Krusher, although dominating, yet, employed controlled aggression.

The Alien, sensing he cannot subdue the younger and stronger lion – fight to survive.

With the above being said, few boxing fans in attendance can be heard with their roaring boos! I just don’t know exactly for who those boos are. One thing was certain; it was heard all over the venue.

After the fight, both men were gracious.

“Hopkins is a tough opponent. He’s very good at keeping distance and keep control. I respect him for the fight, but he needs to stop career I think because he’s already done a lot in the boxing world and he needs to give opportunity to younger guys to be champions, says Kovalev.

“He had a good game plan nice and rangy. Stayed outside when he got hit with punches. Not that many, but when he did get hit he stepped back. He didn’t try to engage the fight as far as when he got hurt. But he fought a great technical fight.” says Hopkins.

With the defeat Hopkins is uncertain to fight on. But one thing for sure, Kovalev sits atop at the light heavyweight division, with another man on his radar – Adonis Stevenson.

Sadam Ali stops Luis Carlos Abrigu, passes toughest test


It was very scientific yet entertaining fight. In the first three rounds, a casual fan might be bored. But for hard core boxing fans those rounds were certainly fun to watch, as both fighters fighting like a chess match, anticipating each other moves and counter moves. Those rounds were actually difficult for judges to score.

In Round 4, it becomes obvious that Sadam Ali (21-0, 13 KO's) prefers to counter-punch while Abrigu pressing the action, but Ali is slightly getting the better of it. He started to get more confidence, as he lands clearer punches after a very cautious first three rounds.

In round 6, Ali shocks Abregu. He lands a well timed straight right hand right on the jaw that drops Abrigu. The shot perfectly thrown as Abrigu's feet squared up while pursuing the backpedaling Ali. Although, Abrigu got up -- he's obviously hurt. Sensing the groggy, Abrigu, Ali tries to unload flurries but there's the bell rang to signal the end of the round.

In round 7, Ali's confident grew even bigger and becomes the aggressor. But Abrigu hangs tough and landed significant punches that momentarily put Ali back to counter-punching again -- although it was again another clear round for Ali.

In Round 8, Abrigu (36-2, 29 KO's) clearly needs a knockout to win (Abrigu at this round, clearly behind the scorecards) he mounted a rally. He was able to land crisp punches from the outside that somewhat slowed down the footwork of Ali. It was the only round I saw Abrigu put a smile on his face going back into his corner. A decisive round for Abrigu.

However, the rally Abrigu started in Round 8 becomes history in the next round as Ali fight back. Ali landed couple of hard shots that sent Abrigu down again! This time pretty hard! The referee let Abrigu continue but moment’s later stop the contest after Ali came in for the kill, landing some straight right hands.

With the win, Ali is now entering the mix of talent loaded welterweight division.

Vyanchezlav Shabransky TKO2 Emil Gonzalez


Vyanchezlav Shabransky (11-0, 9 KO's) made a quick work on Emil Gonzalez in the under-card. The light heavyweight prospect was too strong and too powerful. From the opening bell, Shabransky was all over Gonzalez, unloading tons of heavy bombs to the head and body of Gonzalez.

It was a mismatch from the beginning.

Gonzalez (11-9-1, 8 KO) seemed never lands any punch of significant and was on the back foot for the six minutes he fought. Few seconds before the end of Round 2, Gonzalez received tremendous punishment. He tried to hold Shabransky. But he fell on his knees prompting the referee to rule a knockdown. He got up and beat the count. The bell rang to signal to end of the second round. Few seconds, after Gonzalez reported to his corner, the referee signaled that the fight is over. Gonzalez was not able to continue. Shabransky gets the win via TKO and remains undefeated.
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Friday, November 7, 2014

Hopkins vs Kovalev weigh-in results: Hopkins 173.5, Kovalev 174.5

Bernard Hopkins , News
Hopkins vs Kovalev weigh-in results: Hopkins 173.5, Kovalev 174.5
HOPKINS VS KOVALEV WEIGH IN RESULTBoth men hit the scale this afternoon and there's no problem in the first try on the scale as they came in below the light heavyweight limit. Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) came in first and registered the scale at 174.5 lbs. He's looking cut and trim as usual. Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) came in next and tipped the scale and registered one pound less than Kovalev at 173.5 lbs.

During the face-off, Hopkins was so intense. He's damn serious while Kovalev smiled and not able to look straight towards Hopkins. After the face-off, Hopkins wears a Joe Frazier T-shirt, honoring another great Philly boxer who looks fit and ready to rumble.

On Saturday night, Hopkins and Kovalev battles for the light heavyweight division on HBO main event.

For the co-featured fight, undefeated prospect Sadam Ali (20-0, 12 KO's) came in at 146 lbs and Luis Carlos Abrigu (36-1, 29 KO's) weighted in at 146.5 lbs.
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Livestreaming: Hopkins-Kovalev weigh-in at 3PM EST

Bernard Hopkins , Sergey Kovalev
Livestreaming: Hopkins-Kovalev weigh-in at 3PM EST


Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

After all the talks and hard work the fighters put leading into the Bernard Hopkins vs Sergey Kovalev light heavyweight unification bout, they will hit the scales today, Friday at 3 pm EST in Atlantic City, for Saturday night's HBO main event.
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Forget about age factor: Hopkins vs Kovalev Preview

Bernard Hopkins , Previews
Forget about age factor: Hopkins vs Kovalev Preview
Sure Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey Kovalev in a rare unification bout in the light heavyweight division on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. This will be B-hop's comeback fight on HBO. Here's my Hopkins vs Kovalev Preview and Prediction.

Hopkins (55-6-2, KO 32) is two months shy from his 50th birthday on Jan. 15 next year. I don't want to elaborate further how old Hopkins is. But if you want to know more what is there and what is not there when Hopkins was born almost 50 years ago, please follow this link here.

[caption id="attachment_4436" align="alignright" width="300"]Hopkins Kovalev/Hoganphotos Hopkins NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

Well, Hopkins, will again try to beat his own record as the oldest fighter to ever win a world championship. This distinction, he first set, when he defeated Jean Pascal at age 46. He surpassed that record when he also defeated Tavoris Cloud at age 48. On November 8, he will once again try to break his own record. But there's one man standing on that feat -- the Russian "Krusher" Kovalev.

Kovalev (25-0-1, KO 23) is one of the feared fighters of the sport. He possessed an eye popping 88 percent knockout percentage. The only dent on his record is a draw against Grover Young in 2011, due to accidental foul. Only two opponents heard the final bell against the 31 year old Kovalev. Darnell Boone and Karen Avetisyan were the two lucky fighters who were able reached the final round when Kovalev met them in 2010.

My Prediction


In my prediction, I tried to eliminate the age factor. Yes, Hopkins is old. I agree. But his age doesn't show in the ring. And Kovalev knows about it. "Fifty is just a number. I think nothing of his age. If he was old he would be retired, but he's still in there. He's not an old man, he's a young alien", says Kovalev during the Brooklyn media workout. Hopkins is always in a superb condition because of the discipline he imposed in his lifestyle. What I put more weight here, is his experience, his in-and-out-of-rule-book-tricks and of course his overall skill as a fighter. Hence, this bout is about Hopkins experience and ring savvies versus Kovalev's punching power and patience.

[caption id="attachment_4438" align="alignright" width="300"]Forget about the age factor: The Hopkins-Kovalev Preview Kovalev NYC Workout/Hogan Photos[/caption]

I'm not taking away Kovalev's skills as a fighter. He had a great amateur career. And if you want to know more about that click here. But certainly, his punching power is what made him one of the feared fighters in the sport. It's his punching power that carried him up to this point of his career. The same way goes to Hopkins in terms of his ring craftiness and defense.

Now, if the above factors collide at times, punching power can be disarm. Look how Chris Algiere disarmed Ruslan's Provodnikov's power. Look how Floyd Mayweather Jr. negated Marcos Maidana's power.

But the puncher has always the chance throughout the fight, as it takes only one punch to turn everything in favor of the puncher. Look at how Alexander Povetkin's power carried the night against a more athletic Takam. Look at Hasim Rahman's power froze Lennox Lewis.

This is what made this bout so intriguing, exciting and difficult to predict. But what to do this is just a prediction, then so be it, let me predict. Hopkins by decision.
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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Hopkins: I prepare to do what I know how to do best

Bernard Hopkins , Features
Hopkins: I prepare to do what I know how to do best
During the media workout in Philadelphia, light heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) was oozing with confidence. He said that "you can't worry about things can't change". Bernard is referring to Oscar talking about him fighting or preparing the fight against a much younger and heavy handed Sergey Kovalev without any pressure.
I believe the difference comes in the execution. If you think about it too much beforehand it will keep you up at night. You can't worry about things you can't change. I prepare to do what I know how to do best. That rule of code has never betrayed me."

Hopkins: I prepare to do what I know how to do bestBut I don't think Hopkins had nothing to worry about the 31 year old hard-hitting Russian. Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) has been regarded as one of the heaviest puncher in the sport today. He's been undefeated in 26 fights and knocked out 23 of his opponents. His victims include Nathan Cleverly, Gabriel Campillo and Cornelius White. These fighters were former champion and top ten contenders in the light heavyweight division at the time they fought Kovalev. But none of them lasted five rounds.

But Hopkins recognized that Kovalev is "real" and a "threat" to everybody. An indication that he never under estimate Kovalev, and he understand that it won't be an easy fight.
Kovalev is a threat to anybody. It won't be an easy fight, even if it looks easy to you. I don't just have to beat the man, but I have to beat a lot of people. They're either going to watch me win or watch me lose, and I don't mind playing that game. I don't believe in luck. I believe in whoever brings the best and whoever sacrifices the most to be victorious will win.

I'm excited of this fight to see how Hopkins can again defy father time, and or how Kovalev handles the wits and ring smarts of oldest champion in the history of boxing that calls himself "The Alien"

 
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Saturday, October 25, 2014

Hopkins: How can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?

Bernard Hopkins , Features
Hopkins: How can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?
It's seldom in boxing wherein you will see a boxer fighting the student of a trainer he once fought.

On November 8, the 49 year old Bernard Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO's) will face Sergey Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO's) who trained John David Jackson who once fought Hopkins. The then, nicknamed "The Executioner" executed Jackson in the seventh round of their April 1997 encounter.

Hopkins: How can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?During the media conference call, Hopkins was asked if Jackson is a factor in any way, or something that could be a personal challenge to him.
It's not a personal challenge to me. First of all, John David Jackson, I always said, is one of the elite trainers out there who never really got his respect and November 8th he wants to get that big boost to get that respect. But, again, maybe John David Jackson will show him the fight that we fought and realize that he didn't have the code to beat "The Executioner" at the time and now it's "The Alien." So, maybe John realized how he should have ducked or how he should have fought at that time." Hopkins answered.

He further added that: "John isn't fighting, John isn't in the ring. You have to give the information to the athlete, the athlete has to be able to take that information, and be able to use it to his best ability."

Well, Hopkins has a point, but the fact that Jackson had the personal experience fighting him inside the ring; he (Jackson) actually had the first hand experience to pass on to Kovalev. However, that questions the ability of the trainer how to pass knowledge to his student as what Hopkins pointed out.
"Let's see if he can do that, because John David Jackson definitely can't fight for him. John David Jackson had his chance. John David Jackson got knocked out, I believe, in the ninth round. So, to me how can a teacher teach a student and the teacher flunked the test too?"

Bernard Hopkins turns 50 years old in January. And he will be fighting 31 year old hard hitting Sergey Kovalev to unify the three alphabet straps. Hopkins started his professional boxing career late in the late 80's. He first got a shot at the middleweight championship, but lost to former pound-for-pound kingpin Roy Jones Jr. in 1993. He got the opportunity again for the title, but ended up in a draw against Segundo Mercado. He finally became a world champion five fights after his lost to Jones by knocking out Mercado in a rematch in 1995.

Since then, Hopkins defended the title 21 times and became the undisputed middleweight champion. He held the title for one decade before he lost to Jermain Taylor in 2005. After the Taylor loss, I thought that was it, for the hall of famer career of Hopkins. But Hopkins move up in weight and started re-writing the history of the light heavyweight division.
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Friday, October 3, 2014

Kovalev: I'm living for this fight

Bernard Hopkins , Features
Kovalev: I'm living for this fight


The hard hitting light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev is expecting his first born child while preparing for the fight of his life. But he assured the fans that his focus is fixed 100 percent on Bernard Hopkins. He will face Hopkins for the light heavyweight unification bout on November 8.

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Hopkins vs Kovalev 24/7 premieres Saturday, October 18

Bernard Hopkins , News
Hopkins vs Kovalev 24/7 premieres Saturday, October 18


The award winning American reality television series 24/7 will premiere on Saturday, October 8 for the light heavyweight unification bout between Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins and Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev.

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Saturday, August 23, 2014

Hopkins vs Kovalev set on Nov 8 at Boardwalk Hall

Bernard Hopkins , Golden Boy Promotions
Hopkins vs Kovalev set on Nov 8 at Boardwalk Hall
Hopkins-Kovalev set on Nov 8 at Boardwalk Hall

In a press released from Golden Boy Promotions, Hopkins vs Kovalev will takes place at the Boardwalk Hall in Altlantic City on Saturday, 8th Nov. 2014.



Since the August 4th official announcement of the Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins vs. Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev light heavyweight title unification fight, the boxing world has been waiting and wondering when and where the two will meet and put their respective titles on the line. The wait is over as Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today that the fall's most anticipated boxing event will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

I believed that this is the first time wherein a Golden Boy exclusively promoted fighter in Bernard Hopkins to air fight back on HBO. Earlier, Golden Boy Promotion top man Oscar De La Hoya told that the so called "cold war" in boxing has ended.

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Monday, August 4, 2014

Its official! Bernard Hopkins faces Sergey Kovalev for light heavyweight unification bout

Bernard Hopkins , HBO
Its official! Bernard Hopkins faces Sergey Kovalev for light heavyweight unification bout

Bernard Hopkins faces Sergey Kovalev in light heavyweight unification bout


IBF, WBA and WBO Championships all on the line as The Alien vs. Krusher comes to the East Coast in November on live on HBO World Championship Boxing


(August 4, 2014) -- Speed, savvy and defense will come face-to-face with explosive power and force this November when Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev in a Light Heavyweight Unification title fight, Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today.


Hopkins, incredibly just two months short of his 50th birthday, is seeking to add the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship to his collection of IBF and WBA belts. Kovalev, who burst on the scene just a year ago, has never lost a fight and has won 23 of his 25 victories by knockout.


"Everything I do at this point in my career affects my legacy," Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) said. "I've set and broken many records, but becoming the oldest undisputed light heavyweight world champion is the goal and Kovalev stands in the way of that goal. He's another young, hungry fighter and just like the ones that came before him, he will leave the ring beltless."


"I respect Bernard Hopkins for taking this fight," said the 31-year-old Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs). "When I came to America, it was dream to fight the best and now I am fighting, I have my chance. He says he is alien. He punch, I punch, then we see who is gonna go to Mars."


In April, Hopkins defeated Beibut Shumenov to win the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, breaking his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world title, which he set in May of 2011 after defeating Jean Pascal at age 46. Kovalev comes off of the third defense of his WBO Light Heavyweight Title on HBO, defeating Blake Caparello by TKO on Saturday night. Hopkins vs. Kovalev is set to take place in the first half of November and will be held on the East Coast at a venue still to be determined.


"Golden Boy Promotions has been crystal clear that we will make the best fights for our fans no matter who else is promoting it, where it takes place or what network broadcasts it; this is Exhibit 'A' of our keeping that commitment," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "At 49 years of age, Bernard continues to electrify crowds with lightening quickness and impregnable defense; Sergey hits with thunderous force and is an early-round knockout threat every time he steps in the ring. With those two forces coming together, fans are in for a real treat."


 "Throughout boxing's history, great champions have always been motivated by fighting the best," said Main Events' CEO, Kathy Duva. "Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya are both living legends who never back down from a challenge. Sergey Kovalev made it clear that all he wants to do is test his skills against the finest in the world. Main Events has always been able to deliver the biggest fights for its fighters and their fans. Since George Foreman defeated Joe Frazier in 1973, HBO has been synonymous with boxing at its highest level. It shouldn't be any surprise that when you combine those elements, you get the most anticipated fight of the year."


"Sports capture our imagination when elite athletes seek superlative challenges of the highest stakes, which is precisely the caliber of fight these two intrepid champions have given their fans by choosing to face-off against one another," Peter Nelson, Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports said. "Hopkins vs. Kovalev is a destination event, and HBO is delighted to present this light heavyweight unification championship to our subscribers."


For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com or www.hbo.com/boxing


Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/main_events, www.twitter.com/hboboxing,www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/krusherkovalev


Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing and www.facebook.com/hboboxing.

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Sunday, April 20, 2014

Saturday night recap: Hopkins, Porter, Quigg win

Beibut Shumenuv , Bernard Hopkins
Saturday night recap: Hopkins, Porter, Quigg win

217-yE47i.AuSt.55


This Saturday night is fully loaded with boxing matchups starting from the UK all the way to US. If I could watch all these fights without getting myself groggy during my day job; I'll really do. But the time difference is just too much.


Most of the UK fights will start at 10PM and will finish at 1AM the following day. And my work starts at 8AM Sunday. We have work during Sunday's here in the middle-east. Sunday is the first day of the week and Friday is weekend (most of the time, I'm late during Sunday). Ok… enough with my rant… let's start.



Scott Quigg TKO 2 Tshifhiwa Munyai


Let's start with UK's AWE, Sky Sports, Matchroom boxing. When open my favorite live streaming site; the first round of Scott Quigg vs. Tshifhiwa Munyai fight has already started. Within a minute watching it, I can tell that the last minute substitute Munyai (24-3-1, 12 KO) will not last long against Quigg. And yes! Quigg dropped Munyan with a left hand counter shot to end the very first round.


Quigg (28-0-2, 21 KO) again blasted Munyan in the second round with a cracking right hand that send Munyan again to the floor. I bet this could be it. It's going to be a short night for the bomber from Bury, Lancashire. Munyan still in wobbly legs and groggy that made referee Howard foster to halt the fight.


At times it's very difficult to be a late substitute. You don't have time to prepare and study your opponent. But sometimes, late substitutes rise to occasion and score stunning upset. But this is not the case for Munyan last night. Pacquiao fought Ledwaba in 2001 with only two weeks' notice but stopped the 'hands of stone' capturing the IBF 122 pound title.



Anthony Crolla TKO 10 John Murray


My eyes were really closing when I tried to watch this fight. It’s not that the fight is boring -- I'm too sleepy. So I decided to close my laptop and sleep. It will be too late if I'll finish this fight and for sure I'll wake up late and might miss Hopkins Shumenuv at 6AM (Kuwait time). I read that this indeed a very good fight, and that Crolla (28-4-1, 11 KO) stopped Murray (33-3, 20 KO) in the 10th round.


It seemed that Murray gas out and was dropped with a punch that did not even fully connect. Now let me jump to Hopkins Shumenov. I am not able to neither watch nor read about the outcome between Josh Warrington (17-0, 2 KO) and Rendall Munroe (28-5-1, 11 KO). What happen in this fight? I heard Warrington retired Munroe on his sit.



Bernard Hopkins SD 12 Beibut Shumenov


I passed Crolla-Murray and slept to watch this fight. But I almost fall asleep again. Really! If not that strong coffee partnered with creamy Kuwaiti milk; I might fall down from my computer chair. However, I'm happy with the split decision win although other media outlets called it a 'bizarre' decision. It's a close fight, isn't it?


In the first three rounds it's really a snoozer. Both men simply staring each other. But it doesn't mean that you should give those rounds to Hopkins. The problem with judging: is that when a round is too close; the judges would blindly give it to the favorite fighter. Remember that both men here have titles.Well, I give credit to the judge that scored the fight 114-113 for Shumenuv. For sure he gave close rounds to Shumenov.


No Holds Barred also fell asleep during this fight. I don't know why? His asking if Hopkins looked good. Below is his FB wall status.






Post by NoHolds Barred.



I commented and said: that I slept after the quigg fight and woke up just in time for the Hopkins-Shumenuv fight. Yes. Hopkins looked good in round 11. The same Hopkins style Ryan, potshots, 1-2-hug combination, for 12 rounds.



Although there's nothing to do about it, because this is the style of Hopkins. What would intrigue us to watch Hopkins is his ability to neutralize the power and strength of youth. He's fighting fighters ranging from 15 to 20 years his junior. But he's beating this guys mentally and physically. Now, I heard his calling out Stevenson (I'm not able to watch the interview; I went to the shower to get myself ready to work) during the interview. It seemed Hopkins will be fighting the best Light Heavyweights in his golden age. I thinks this guy is really an alien.


Shawn Porter TKO 4 Paulie Malignaggi



I hate this one. I'm still snoring when this fight takes place. We love KO' ending fights Anyway I saw a clip of the knockout. I think that will sum up the story.






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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Hopkins vs. Murat statistics comparison by BoxStat

Bernard Hopkins , BoxStat
Hopkins vs. Murat statistics comparison by BoxStat
[caption id="attachment_523" align="aligncenter" width="400"]BoxStat: Hopkins vs. Stats comparison BoxStat: Hopkins vs. Murat Stats comparison[/caption]

If you notice, more and more boxing websites and blog sites are using BoxStat. It is a widget that you can get from Boxstat.co developed by Mr. John Williams. This blog is carrying this widget and you can find it in the sidebar. By default it will show the upcoming bouts that are covered by BoxStat. If you click any of the bout listed on the widget, it will give you the statistics of each fighter -- just exactly the image I provided above.

If you want to know how Mr. Williams come out with those statistics, you may visit BoxStat website. You can also follow BoxStat on twitter @box_stat and send in your questions regarding the stats he provided or you can drop your questions on the comment section. If you're lazy to touch your keyboard but your microphone is ready, simply click the "send voice mail" on the right side of your screen, record your voice comment and send.
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Friday, October 25, 2013

Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat Weigh-in Live Streaming

Bernard Hopkins , full-image
Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat Weigh-in Live Streaming
Hopkins vs Murat Live streaming

Looking for the Live Streaming for the Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat weigh-in on Friday? You can watch it here at BLH. It will start at 3:30 PM ETD on Friday, October 25, 2013.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat will be brought to you by Showtime on October 26, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City for the light heavyweight title.

The 48 years old Hopkins will be facing Murat, which 18 years younger. Hopkins is the oldest fighter to defend a title at light heavyweight. Hopkins is 5-1-1  since losing to Joe Calzaghe in 2008.

The under-cards features Guillen vs. Rosado and Wilder vs. Firth.
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Bernard Hopkins retires "The Executioner" moniker, says "I'm an Alien"

Bernard Hopkins , full-image
Bernard Hopkins retires "The Executioner" moniker, says "I'm an Alien"
Bernard Hopkins retires the excecutioner moniker says hes an alien

Hopkins said that he is an "alien" during the final presser for his fight with Karo Murat on October 26 at the boardwalk hall, Atlantic City, for the light heavyweight title.
"I'm an alien, I don't get old if they're waiting for that." Hopkins said, "because I am of this world, but I'm not from this world."

Hopkins was famous being "The Executioner" in boxing for the last two decades of his career, especially in the middleweight. He wears a mask during his ring-walks portraying as a verdugo to his opponent.

He's indeed an executioner who defended his middleweight title a record 20 times before losing the title to Jermain Taylor in 2005.

I just don't know why Hopkins wanted to replace "The Executioner" moniker. How do you think an alien fights? Is he really an alien? But who knows -- maybe he is indeed an alien? Imagine at 48, he's the oldest fighter to defend a title. Oh come on he's better than that.
"I'm coming to show you all that not only am I different and I don't get tired of doing what I do. I love winning opportunities and situations to win."

I believed that Hopkins lives a clean and discipline life inside and outside the squared circle. This is what made him stay for so long in a sport that is also called "young-man's-sport".

Will Hopkins, at 48 years old, again could defy father time and win against 18 years younger opponent? Will Hopkins fight like an alien this time?
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