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The Middleweight division has always been economical when in comparison to the other weight divisions. A weight class with Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and a whole list of other quality boxers. The current Middleweight division is home to Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Jermain Taylor and to dip a few pounds upwards or downwards who can mingle in the middleweight division you have Ronald “Winky” Wright, Jeff Lacy and Joe Calzaghe to name a few. One name not mentioned in the group of current fighters and his name was not left out due to memory error. Bernard Hopkins, The Executioner and “B-Hop” are a few of the listings that reside with naming the middleweight king. At the age of thirty-nine, this man is still within reach of solidifying his signature into becoming the greatest middleweight ever.
Great debate can be made between Hopkins and Hagler; there are many common traits one can find from both names starting with the letter H to the rigorous and arduous training habits that they both applied towards training for their fights. Can Bernard be the best? Mr. Hopkins is a throwback of a fighter, another link you can share with looking at Hagler also. The current middleweight champion controls a defense stance that seems well kept and his punching philosophy is punish first, finish later; one that many new school fighters/boxers show no desire for. Yes, Bernard’s lack of excitement in some fights can make a second or third class fan yawn and change the channel in between rounds. He can make the sweet science seem like rocket science with time and patience of picking his shots, taking his time. No big exchanges, unplanned or weird angle punches from Hopkins.
Even his choice of fighters can be played into the debate. Morrade Hakkar was not an opponent many will remember, yet Hopkins still trained with the spirit of a champion. Never underestimating any boxer’s ability. Bernard Hopkins is the man with nineteen straight title defenses and that is reason enough to consider him the greatest middleweight. He actually maintained to his division and did not do the current weight jumping that occurs so often in today boxing environment. Yes, he has called up his opponents but that was Bernard playing chess and with precise planning, it has all paid off.
The great schooling of Felix “Tito” Trinidad and the beating of Oscar De La Hoya are evidence that he will show up for the big fights. Business wise, he has elevated into a position to make an impact outside the ring, as he sees the ring becoming a history page in boxing’s ever-growing book. A book with a middleweight chapter that includes two “Sugar Rays,” Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas “The Hitman” or “Detroit Cobra” Hearns and Roberto Duran. Maybe Bernard is the best Middleweight in the last ten to twelve years. He still has a chance to continue writing his page in the Middleweight chapter. When he is done. May we start the debate? Bring your notes to the table as well.
Shaun Rico LaWhorn can be reached at filmmakers_revolution@msn.com
