Along with the light-heavyweight championship, Bernard Hopkins has another big accolade he could win this Saturday (December 18) when he faces Jean Pascal. Hopkins, at 45 years old, is 38 days older than George Foreman was when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 to become the oldest champion in history. A win this weekend, and Hopkins would now hold the distinction as the oldest man ever to win a major boxing title.
Outside of their age, Bernard Hopkins sees his current circumstances as very different from what Foreman faced. While Foreman’s win shocked the boxing world, Hopkins expects many experts to pick him going into Saturday night.
“The difference between me and Foreman is that most people didn’t think Foreman could do it,” Hopkins stated. “He was the underdog of all underdogs when he faced Moorer. Not only do people think I can win, they think I can win big, and I plan on proving them right.”
Two years ago, Hopkins scored a signature upset by defeating Kelly Pavlik, a rising middleweight champion 17 years his junior. Jean Pascal is a few months younger than Pavlik, making the age gap with Hopkins close to 18 years. In a sport where the young lions normally devour the aging vets, Hopkins has made a career out fighting on even terms and outclassing foes many years younger than him. Those experiences are what he feels gives him the edge over Pascal.
“Youth doesn’t bother me. I have faced youth. Pascal hasn’t faced someone like me,” Hopkins argued. ” He hasn’t faced a legend. He is hosting me in his country, on his turf, defending his title. He has a lot to be nervous about on top of the fact that when he looks in the opposite corner on fight night, he is going to see greatness. I can only add to my legacy. I can only continue to make history and back-up what I have already accomplished.”
Hopkins-Pacal will air on Showtime Championship Boxing December 18 at 10 PM ET.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 