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Bernard HopkinsAmerican professional boxer
Date of Birth: 15.01.1935
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Bernard Hopkins
Bernard Hopkins, an American professional boxer, achieved two major goals in his career: becoming a world champion and the first middleweight champion from Philadelphia. Known as "The Executioner," Hopkins held the titles of WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO in the middleweight division. He was born on January 15, 1965, in Philadelphia, USA. Standing at 185 cm and weighing 72.5 kg, Hopkins had a reach of 178 cm. Throughout his professional career, he had a record of 45 wins (32 by knockout), 2 losses, and 1 draw.
Early Life and Career
Hopkins acquired a significant portion of his boxing skills through street fights, battling teenagers from his neighborhood. His teachers believed he wouldn't live past 18 years old. At 17, he faced the prospect of spending 18 years in prison. Hopkins says, "I went to court 30 times in two years. I never stole from women or used weapons. To be honest, I went to court to escape the cruelty of the streets. I regret all the things I did back then, but the path I chose afterwards speaks for itself." From 1984 to 1989, Hopkins served time in Graterford Penitentiary in Pennsylvania. After his release, he vowed to change his life.
Professional Career
Hopkins began his professional career on October 11, 1988, losing a decision to Clinton Mitchell. Despite the loss, Hopkins remained determined to achieve his dreams. He then made a pivotal decision to hire trainer English "Bouie" Fisher. Under Fisher's guidance, Hopkins secured 22 consecutive victories, 16 of which were knockouts, and became a world champion within three and a half years. His dream almost came true on May 22, 1993, when he faced Roy Jones Jr. for the vacant IBF title. Hopkins, ranked #1, fought at the distance dictated by Jones and lost by decision. Despite the loss, many recognized Hopkins as a rising star in the middleweight division.
Hopkins got another chance to fulfill his dreams when Jones vacated the title to move up in weight class. On December 17, 1994, Hopkins faced Segundo Mercado, ranked #2, for the IBF title. The fight in Quito, Ecuador, ended in a draw after 12 rounds. However, Hopkins got his redemption in the rematch on April 29, 1995, in Maryland, just two hours away from his hometown. This time, Hopkins did not leave the decision to the judges. He drew inspiration from watching recordings of Mike Tyson's fights and unleashed a relentless barrage of right hooks. The fight was stopped in the seventh round, and Hopkins became the middleweight champion.
Hopkins defended his title successfully in his next five fights, including a knockout victory over former champion John David Jackson. On July 20, 1997, he defeated Glencoffe Johnson via an 11th-round knockout. Later that year, he won a decision against Andrew Council. On January 31, 1998, Hopkins further proved his dominance by stopping Simon Brown in the sixth round. On August 28, 1998, Hopkins faced Robert Allen, but the fight ended prematurely due to an injury Hopkins sustained after slipping through the ropes. In the rematch on February 6, 1999, Hopkins won by technical knockout in the seventh round.
On December 12, 1999, Hopkins faced Antwun Echols and won a decision after being knocked down in the first round. He continued his winning streak with victories over Syd Vanderpool and a rematch with Echols. Both fights ended in Hopkins' favor. Hopkins became known for his ability to generate controversy and attract attention to his fights. His next goal was to secure the biggest fight of his life.
In 2001, Hopkins made a fateful decision to sign a contract with legendary promoter Don King. This move elevated him to a diamond collection of King's middleweight champions, which included Keith Holmes, William Joppy, and Felix "Tito" Trinidad. On April 14, 2001, Hopkins defeated Holmes to break Marvin Hagler's record for successful middleweight title defenses. He then participated in a tournament featuring the other middleweight champions promoted by King.
On September 29, 2001, Hopkins faced Trinidad in a highly anticipated fight. Hopkins stirred controversy by disrespecting the Puerto Rican flag during their promotional tour, which angered many. Despite the negative attention, Hopkins delivered a masterful performance in the ring, controlling the fight and ultimately stopping Trinidad in the 12th round. Hopkins became the undisputed middleweight champion, holding all four major organization titles simultaneously.
On February 2, 2002, Hopkins defended his title against Carl Daniels and won after the 10th round when Daniels surrendered. This victory marked his 15th successful title defense, surpassing Carlos Monzon's record set in 1977. Hopkins continued to dominate in his next three fights against Morad Hakkar, William Joppy, and Robert Allen.
On September 18, 2004, Hopkins faced Oscar De La Hoya and knocked him out in the ninth round. With this victory, Hopkins became the first boxer in history to unify all four major organization titles in the middleweight division.
In recent years, Hopkins has also been involved in community work, spending time with children in disadvantaged areas. He aims to help them choose the right path in life and be a positive influence. Hopkins believes that anyone can achieve their dreams with effort and smart decision-making.
