Bernard Hopkins was a modern legend of boxing when he was competing as he had one of the most unique careers of all time.
As the oldest ever boxing world champion, Hopkins was still competing at a high level in his final fight aged 51.
Hopkins has stopped the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad in his career, before retiring with a professional record of 55-8-1.
In one of his greatest performances, Hopkins was truly able to upset the odds to snap a losing streak.
- READ MORE: 47-year-old Bernard Hopkins was dethroned in rematch loss that ended long-standing streak
Bernard Hopkins lost back-to-back fights to Jermain Taylor in 2005
Hopkins’ win over De La Hoya would see him become an undisputed champion, holding all four major belts in the middleweight division. Defending his undisputed status against Howard Eastman in February 2005, Hopkins aimed for his second retention against Jermain Taylor five months later.
Undefeated Taylor had a 23-0 record, and was 26 years of age as the pair met in Las Vegas. As for the defending champion, Hopkins held a 46-2-1 record at 40 years old.
Despite the huge age gap, the pair had a very close meeting. Winning by split decision, Taylor would dethrone Hopkins. Given the success both men had in the fight, they had an immediate rematch.
In December 2005, Hopkins and Taylor would once again have a back-and-forth affair. Meeting in Las Vegas for the second time, Taylor defended the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles as he had vacated the IBF belt.
Speculation of retirement began to surround the 40-year-old. However, Hopkins instead decided to make a big career jump.
Bernard Hopkins moved to light heavyweight to take on Antonio Tarver
Six months after losing out to Taylor twice, Hopkins returned to the ring. Surprisingly, ‘The Alien’ would compete at light heavyweight for his next bout.
Hopkins took on former Roy Jones Jr. rival Antonio Tarver at 175 lbs, and was a huge underdog going into the bout two weight classes above middleweight.
Tarver was the first fighter to stop Jones Jr., as well as earning two victories over the great. However, Hopkins shocked fans with his performance.
Showing excellent pressure and pace, Hopkins knocked down Tarver in the fifth round. As well as this, he would continue to land damaging blows on his opponent.
The excellent performance from the veteran would result in a one-sided unanimous decision. Despite being 41 when facing Tarver, Hopkins would continue to fight for another decade as he created history.