Those who hoping Bernard Hopkins would consider retiring after last Saturday’s loss to Chad Dawson will have to continue waiting.
The 47-year-old, multi-division champion made clear this week that he feels his performance shows he can compete with any fighter in the light-heavyweight division.
“ I fought hard Saturday night and feel the fight was closer than two of the scores reflected,” said Hopkins. “Regardless of the result, I will continue my career and challenge any champion in my division. I might be older, but I don’t feel a decline in my skills or abilities in the ring. I love to fight and am still competing at a level where boxing cannot deny me the opportunity to succeed.”
Those remaining champions are Nathan Cleverly (WBO), Beibut Shumenov (WBA) and Tavoris Cloud (IBF). Hopkins, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in a No-Contest bout to Dawson in October, lost the WBC title rematch rematch by scores of 114-114 and 117-111 twice. Dawson had vowed to “retire” Hopkins, but later admitted that the former champion was still a viable fighter.
“He can still beat anyone else in the division,” stated Dawson.
At press time, Hopkins did not disclose whether he plans to fight again in this year.
