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.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 