After a unanimous-decision victory on Saturday, Bernard Hopkins is still the oldest boxing champion on record.
Two years ago, at the age of 46, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins defeated Jean Pascal for the WBC light-heavyweight title and became the oldest boxing champion on record, and after his “unanimous-decision victory” in Saturday’s match against Tavoris Cloud at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, he is maintaining that record. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hopkins was the “better boxer,” landing 169 of the 417 punches he threw, while Cloud landed only 139 out of 650. The Times also notes, “Hopkins also connected on an impressive 48% (110 of 227) of his power shots.”
Hopkins said of his victory, “Tonight was one of the bigger fights … Because I’m older … more gratifying.” He has said that he will be retiring before he turns 50, but for now he’s “ready to take on any of the champions” in both the light-heavyweight and super-welterweight boxing divisions. He said, “I don’t believe anybody in the 175 weight class and possibly the 168 class can beat me … I’m motivated to do it”
Hopkins is an amazing example that age does not mean the end of a career. With motivation and the right attitude a man can accomplish anything he desires, at any age.