Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter presented city native Bernard Hopkins with an honorary Liberty Bell replica to celebrate the Executioner’s May 21 light-heavyweight title win.
The presentation was made in front of the city’s famed Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Hopkins, a troubled teen who spent several years in prison for armed robbery, went on to reform himself through boxing and become arguably the most accomplished fighter of this generation. Nutter acknowledged Hopkins’ past and the power of transformation that can come from sports and second chances.
“Let’s give it up for Bernard Hopkins, the new light-heavyweight World Champion,” Nutter began. “He had some challenges as a teenager. He found himself on the wrong side of the law, but in prison, he found faith in himself and in boxing. This is the real reason why Bernard Hopkins is a champion. The heritage of great boxing in Philadelphia is proudly being carried on by Bernard Hopkins.”
“Even more than these accomplishments is his life is a lesson to all of us. It is never too late to do something great. It is never too late to change your life.”
Hopkins, who still runs miles around the city as a part of his training, has made visits to the Rocky statue to remain inspired.
“The ‘Rocky’ movies are an inspiration to the blue-collar workers of this city. Rocky used what he had to make the best of it, which is what I had to do,” Hopkins explained. “I played jacks like they were aces and I made something out of nothing. Where we are standing right now, is where I train. It is where I started. I have run those steps [of the Philadelphia Museum of Art] for many years, even last month [in preparation for the Pascal fight]. It means a great deal to me to be honored where I train. This is where I have come all of my life.”
In closing, Hopkins advised those in attendance to “invest” in themselves. He cited his avoidance of the celebrity life as the main reason he’s never suffered an embarrassing upset despite routinely competing against fighters half his age.
“I invested in my life…people ask, ‘What is your secret?’ They are waiting for me to say ‘I am that good,’ but I am here because I invested in myself and made a determination not to get caught up in the high life of being a celebrity,” he said. “You have to have good health to have a fighting chance. You have to treat yourself like a temple.”
Bernard Hopkins is expected to compete in two more fights before retiring. One of those matchups is confirmed to be against Chad Dawson.
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