They did it again.
Bernard Hopkins, at 46 years old, became the oldest man to ever earn a championship in boxing history, outpointing Jean Pascal and taking the younger man to school through the fight. Hopkins won on scores of 115-114, 115-113 in addition to 116-112. Bernard Hopkins won the Bad Kept Hook card, 117-112.
Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO) may be the legitimate light heavyweight champion for a minute time, following his years of domination while in the middleweight division. Pascal, as Hopkins said, fought fairly well for about four rounds, but subsequently it was all Bernard Hopkins. The Philadelphia legend simply dominated the remainder on the fight, sans a 12th round when Pascal managed hurt Hopkins.
Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KO) just just isn’t good enough for Bernard Hopkins, and above their two fights, I think that played out out. The first fight was close, nonetheless I felt Hopkins won. The second deal with was really not close, and luckily this occassion, Hopkins got the cards he very richly deserved.
Hopkins also complimented Pascal after that fight, though he did try to good him some advice. You may recall that he did the identical thing in 2008 against Kelly Pavlik, and Pavlik has really never been the identical. This was also Hopkins’ best performance, certainly, since that fight. The flaws in Pascal’s adventure are obvious, and he badly needs to fix them if he’s going to maintain his status like a legitimate top light heavyweight.
Hopkins also says he’s no plans to retire, and has two opponents in mind: Chad Dawson first, and Lucian Bute minute. Pascal asked for a third fight, and honestly I don’t think it could be the worst thing, but Dawson is within line next, and you can expect that fight later in 2010. Hopkins is 46, and probably doesn’t see any must fight Pascal again.
Congratulations to Bernard Hopkins. This evening, he made history, and we all have got to see it.