What Would You Do If You Were Bernard?

By Ross Enamait - RossBoxing.com

28.06 - Plenty of trash talking has transpired between Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins. Each guy has called the other out and each guy claims the other is scared to fight. I've noticed some fans shift gears suddenly criticizing Hopkins for avoiding this potential mega fight. Not long ago it seemed like everyone was calling for a "Roycott" claiming Roy hadn't fought anyone. Everyone is confused about who is ducking who and what should be done? Let's set the record straight?

First off, Hopkins has been repeatedly screwed by the system. This is a guy who recently surpassed Carlos Monzon with his 15th straight successful middleweight title defense. He's the first middleweight to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF belts simultaneously since Marvin Hagler had them in 1987. He fought through 12 middleweight defenses without earning a million dollar payday.

Hopkins is a guy who is always in shape and always fights with 110% of his heart. He can bang, box, and get dirty when needed. He defied the promoters by refusing to give in, instead fighting to the top on his own. Throughout this turmoil, Hopkins has not gotten any younger. He is a 37 year old champion rated in the top 2 or 3 of most pound for pound lists. He has beaten the odds by blowing out guys like Tito Trinidad when most figured he was over the hill. He boxes and moves like a guy in his 20's. His condition is always impeccable as he out hustles guys 10 years his junior.

After 12 consecutive defenses, Don King and his millions could no longer avoid Bernard Hopkins. The middleweight tournament was created with the hope that it would lead towards a colossal Trinidad vs. Jones fight. Bernard Hopkins spoiled these plans. He first defeated Keith Holmes while earning a million dollar payout. The rest is history as he destroyed Felix Trinidad and eventually hooked up with Don King.

Hopkins first turned pro in 1988. It took him roughly 13 years before he earned a major payday despite destroying the entire middleweight division. His time at the top is limited as he continues to age. Why then should he rush into a fight with Roy Jones? He weighed 157 pounds against Trinidad. Roy Jones typically tips the scales around 175. Bernard Hopkins would face a master boxer with a significant weight advantage. A loss could spell the end of his career and the few big paydays that he has left.

Boxing has not done any favors to Bernard Hopkins throughout his career. Who then does he owe the favor of fighting Roy to? The politics of boxing have repeatedly screwed Bernard Hopkins out of major fights and the spotlight associated with it. It has taken almost 13 years for Hopkins to get the recognition he deserves. When he fought Roy the first time in 1993, he was fresh off the block. Bernard Hopkins is a completely different fighter and he's proven that repeatedly in the past 9 years.

Can Bernard Hopkins beat Roy Jones? Probably not. Roy is likely too big and too fast. Bernard beat Tito by establishing and working off of his jab. With Roy, Bernard won't be the stronger man nor establish the same jab.

So what happens if Roy and Bernard do fight and Roy blows him out? Would anyone really want to see Bernard Hopkins again? Who knows maybe I'm wrong and Bernard gives Roy a serious run for his money? The fact is Bernard needs to do what is best for Bernard, not what's best for some guy sitting on his couch behind his pay per view box.

If Bernard can make the millions with a Trinidad rematch, then why not go for it. The money is there and many fans still believe that Tito can win. When he weighs in at 157 pounds, why not beat Tito again and then the winner of Vargas vs. De la Hoya?

Then he would be around 38 years old with both pockets full of money. If him and Roy want to do it again, this will be the time. Hopkins will likely have one more good run in him. Win, lose, or draw the money will be there and Bernard Hopkins can walk off into the sunset.

Hopkins has not had an easy day in this sport since 1988. He's been screwed by the system but kept trudging along until the fans took notice. Finally, this past year the fans gave this man the respect that he always deserved. A lot of guys are given "careful" paths to the top. Each opponent is carefully
chosen to ensure no speed bumps along the way.

Bernard Hopkins was not afforded this luxury. He is a true warrior. He's the type of guy that boxing needs more of. Forget the attention that Mike Tyson draws? give the attention to Bernard Hopkins. At his age, most guys are considered old timers. Ask Tito Trinidad if Bernard Hopkins is an old timer.

Let's give Bernard a break and let him earn some money. For all his years of perseverance, Bernard Hopkins has earned this right? the sport of boxing owes it to him.