The oldest world champion in boxing history was able to hang up his gloves in 2016 with an amazing legacy behind him.
Bernard Hopkins is one of the few undisputed world champions in the four-belt era. Winning belts in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, ‘The Executioner’ had a lengthy career.
Debuting in 1988, the fighter had an incredible 28-year career. Among some of the best moments, Hopkins defeated Kelly Pavlik and faced Joe Calzaghe.
However, in 2012, Hopkins would suffer a defeat that would end an extraordinary run.
Bernard Hopkins was defeated by Chad Dawson in their 2012 rematch
Aiming to defend his WBC World Light Heavyweight title, Hopkins was challenged by Chad Dawson in October 2011. Fighting in Los Angeles, Dawson was a former champion of the division.
However, their first meeting would be a lacklustre one. Following an accidental injury sustained by Hopkins, the bout was ruled a no-contest.
The two would meet again six months later, on April 28th, 2012, this time competing in Atlantic City.
Their second fight would have a more conclusive ending. Going all 12 rounds, Dawson would dethrone Hopkins.
The bout ended in a majority decision, as one judge scored the bout a draw. However, the other officials scored the bout 117-111 in favor of the challenger.
Hopkins was a remarkable 47 years of age when he fought Dawson, who was 18 years younger than the champion on fight night.
As well as dropping his light heavyweight title, Hopkins also had a lengthy record broken.
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Bernard Hopkins won a fight every year from 1990 to 2011
For a stretch of 21 years, Hopkins was able to get his hand raised in victory at least once in the calendar year. However, his defeat to Dawson in 2012 ended this incredible streak.
Losing his professional boxing debut in 1988, Hopkins returned two years later. Winning his second fight, he began the long streak.
Hopkins wouldn’t taste his second defeat until 1993, when he was bested by Roy Jones Jr. However, as he won two bouts three months on either side of the loss, he kept his streak alive.
2005 would bring two losses to his record, however, a win in February over Howard Eastman would mean he completed the year with a win.
A 2008 loss to Calzaghe would be followed by a win against Pavlik, saving his streak in that year. Then, in 2012, Dawson ended the run.