By James Slater: Far from being disappointed at the way his world record for being the oldest man in boxing history to have won a world title was smashed by Bernard Hopkins last night, fellow living legend George Foreman is feeling nothing but happy for the 46-year-old light-heavyweight king.
Foreman sent shockwaves through the sport back in November of 1994, when he rendered defending WBA/IBF heavyweight champ Michael Moorer unconscious with a massive right hand to the chin, but Philly folk hero Hopkins went one better last night in Canada, as he fought 12-exciting, sprightly rounds with the much younger Jean Pascal. Hopkins didn’t score a KO, but he won and he won clearly – and he even found the time and the energy to treat the fans to a few push-ups as he waited for Pascal to get up off his stool for the start of the 7th-round!
Foreman amazed fans by the way he used to refuse a seat and stand between rounds during his great comeback, but “Big” George never went as far as doing push-ups both during and after a fight! Hopkins is a true marvel, no doubt about it, maybe the most amazing prize fighter to have ever lived. ’Nard was good enough last night to leave even the seen it all, done it all Foreman in awe.
“I was on the edge of my seat every round,” Foreman told Ringtv.com. “It was such an exciting fight. Bernard was the better athlete, the smarter fighter and in the better condition. Now that [age] 46 has done it, next a 47, 48, 49 and 50 will do it. And if somebody does it at 60, then I’ll have to get back in there.”
Foreman was joking when he came out with that last line, but Hopkins, in speaking post-fight with Max Kellerman, made it clear he intends to carry on fighting until he’s 50! Far from content with making boxing history, “The Executioner” mentioned possible future fights with the likes of Lucian Bute and Chad Dawson. Not only that but the man aged 46 years and four months spoke of doing something “big” after taking care of those two young fighters. Is there no end to Hopkins’ ambition?
Some fans may wish to see Hopkins retire now; to call it a day while he is still on top and feeling and looking glorious. After all, no fighter can go on forever and there is a chance Hopkins will be pushing his luck by carrying on until he reaches his half century. But as great as he looked last night, and as smart and as dedicated as he is, why should Hopkins quit?
Dawson, a skilled lefty, looked far from dazzling on last night’s under-card, as he won a dull 12-rounder against Adrian Diaconu. Would any fans fear for Hopkins if he took on “Bad” Chad? Such a meeting would possibly result in a boring, chess-match type affair, but Hopkins would almost certainly be able to bully the defensive-minded southpaw.
A fight with Bute could be a tough one for Hopkins. A fierce body puncher, “La Tombeur” would have a chance of taking Bernard’s legs away with his attacks to the midsection. I wouldn’t go as far as to make Bute an overwhelming favourite to beat Hopkins, but it could be a risky encounter for the all-time great, who would, after all, be almost 47 by the time the fight rolled around.
For now though, B-Hop, a teetotaller just like Foreman, can celebrate his comprehensive win over Pascal. How many more times will Hopkins – arguably the most supremely conditioned 46-year-old human being on the planet – make a mockery of all logic?