Bernard Hopkins – Fighting fit at father time

Bernard Hopkins – Fighting fit at father time

Common boxing understanding is that most boxers peak in their late 20’s to early 30’s. This is the age where most are in their prime and best able to compete at a high level. In a sport that is demanding, it is rare for a fighter to continue at the highest level by their early 30s, however, there are still some that defy father time and continue to fight at an elite level.

Bernard “the executioner” Hopkins just so happens to be that man. The ageless wonder will defend his IBF Middleweight title against Karo Murat on October 26^th and looks to re-write the record books on a card that is stacked from bottom to top.

Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO) first entered the record books to become the oldest man in history to win a world championship when he defeated Jean Pascal at the age of 46 . He then won the IBF belt earlier this year from Tavoris Cloud, breaking his own record as the oldest man to win a world title, at age 48.

So, how has Bernard Hopkins continued to fight on for so long?

What seperates Bernard from the rest of the fighter is his boxing style? Bernard is technically brilliant, displaying a boxing master class of not getting hit. This means he rarely takes brutal punishment everytime he steps into the ring  and over the years has avoided taking heavy damage increasing his longevity.

Another quality Bernard posseses is discipline, this is displayed year round where he is always in good shape  and commited to the sport. His lifestyle gives him an advantage over his foes and can maintain a high work rate like no other.

Finally, Bernard Hopkins is a smart boxer with great ring IQ. He has always found a way to negate his opponents strength and capitalise on them. His ability to dictate the pace and stay one step ahead of his opponent has also meant he has avoided big punishment which has meant he has continued to fight on for so long.

Bernard Hopkins will look to re-write the records as he looks to stretch his victory over tricky opponent, Karo Murat, on October 26^th live from Atlantic City on Showtime.

-Qasim Hussain

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