How has Hopkins been able to perform at such a high level for so long?

I am surprised that the steroid question has not come up in his career, I have never seen a boxer peak so late in his career (2001 at 36) and continue to perform at such a high level for so long, many boxers are retiring in their early to mid 30's, this guy is well into his 40's and about to put on another big fight, every boxer out there should be asking for his advice when it comes to long gevity.

Two things
His life is Spartan to say the least, he works out constantly
He also studies tape when he isnt working out, like mad.
If the Calzaghe fight is actually close to happening,I garuntee you Bernard has every scrap of tape that has ever existed on Joe

his style of boxing has helped him go on for so long which is a credit to him.

Re modifying his style,saving himself from all the wars and his training/diet help. Amazing defence too=few miles on the clock. Defence first fighters tend to last way longer than most other styles of fighters.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brazilianbomber

I am surprised that the steroid question has not come up in his career, I have never seen a boxer peak so late in his career (2001 at 36) and continue to perform at such a high level for so long, many boxers are retiring in their early to mid 30's, this guy is well into his 40's and about to put on another big fight, every boxer out there should be asking for his advice when it comes to long gevity.

---

Because of his technical brilliance and desire its as simple as that.

Does not eat or drink crap.

Fights in a style that does not take to much ware and tear on the body.


Got a gift from god. ::**

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brazilianbomber

I am surprised that the steroid question has not come up in his career, I have never seen a boxer peak so late in his career (2001 at 36) and continue to perform at such a high level for so long, many boxers are retiring in their early to mid 30's, this guy is well into his 40's and about to put on another big fight, every boxer out there should be asking for his advice when it comes to long gevity.

---

to bring up a false steriod concern really does hopkins an injustice, its been well documented in the past that b-hop lives life as a full time boxer, always in shape, at middleweight he was at his natrual weight never needed to dry up before a fight, his style helps keep him fresh in the later rounds.................... he should be held in high regard for his dedication

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Gamo

Re modifying his style,saving himself from all the wars and his training/diet help. Amazing defence too=few miles on the clock. Defence first fighters tend to last way longer than most other styles of fighters.

---

That goes back to the tape thing,he has a different stragedy for every fight

Hopkins ability to not give a shit what people think about him pretty much has kept him fresh. Instead of changing his style to take more risks and become more fan friendly, he basically said "fuck you fans, you're not in the ring with me, and I'm gonna fight how I want to in order to win and not take punishment. And you're gonna pay $49.99 for it anyway." Look at his first fight with JT, he bore everyone to sleep for like 8 rounds until things picked up. In fact, most of his fights in his career have been unappealing, but when we look back on him now, all that crap didn't matter, he's a legend. Also, it was said before me but B-Hop lives his life outside the ring healthier than probably 90% of anyone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brazilianbomber

I am surprised that the steroid question has not come up in his career, I have never seen a boxer peak so late in his career (2001 at 36) and continue to perform at such a high level for so long, many boxers are retiring in their early to mid 30's, this guy is well into his 40's and about to put on another big fight, every boxer out there should be asking for his advice when it comes to long gevity.

---

Brazilian I'm sure you've gotten several answers by now and they can all be right but for 1 word summs up a fighter like Hopkins and thats 'Dedication'.

These days he is very economical with his punches and he conserves energy very well (he needs to at his age), I think everything else has been said.


Oh bloody hell ive clocked up over 2000 posts O0

everyones pretty much covered it but this guy lives and breathes boxing full stop.

People mostly covered this and I'll re-emphasize avoiding the weight rollercoaster is certainly one of the biggest things that has helped him, coupled with a style that relies on skill and craft. It's amazing he could maintain weight between fights and still be a big MW. That helps, too.

I'm drawing a blank here but does Hopkins have any kids?
For some reason I picture him holding a little girl can't remember where the image is from...... Anyone???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CutMeMick

I'm drawing a blank here but does Hopkins have any kids?
For some reason I picture him holding a little girl can't remember where the image is from...... Anyone???

---

Yes he has 1 child.