Give Bernard Hopkins his just due!

[ykdadamaja]

Ya know?

We started a thread on Larry Holmes, and everyone started to rant off on how he was a whiney and bitter old man- never happy, always bitchin' about how he never got his just due because of Ali's dominance. (even worse now since we enjoyed Tyson shortly after him...)

But we have also slighted Bernard Hopkins. Not only is he the oldest man to ever win a championship title, breaking his own record, but he was also THEE FIRST to unify the WBA, WBC, IBF AND WBO belts holding them all simultaneously.

Also, he is the longest reigning middleweight champion EVER, with a career spanning 10 years as a title holder. Who in the world can beat that record at that weight?

You see? Bernard Hopkins has continually been overshadowed because of the glitz and glamorous nature oft he division- division with the likes of Ray Leonard, Ray Robinson, Hagler, Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Tito Trinidad, Monzon, Minter... and the list goes on and on.

He has particularly been overshadowed by the flashier Roy Jones Jr. and due to his loss to RJJ at their "prime" level. But Hopkins has shown us that being a champion is not about prime age, it's about being a champion!!!

He did beat RJJ in the rematch YEARS later, after RJJ got ko'd twice already in brutal fashion.

While we also like Calzaghe, Bernard did slightly a little more WITHOUT the unbeaten record.


Let's not let B-Hop be bitted by us not recognizing him for all he has done, feats that can never be broken in this lifetime ever again.

[Mars_ax]

Yes, B-Hop bee's a legend, now please just retire and get your front teeth capped.

[beenKOed]

I've already said all I'm going to about Mr. Hopkins.

[bigstinkybug]

*if Hopkins was more entertaining... he'd be a hero.. BUt it's the way he won. Sure, he's a HOF'er... a legend..? more like a myth...

the flops... If u watch when Hopkins floped against Roy Jones in their 2nd fight...man,it's ridiculous. He really wanted the ref to dq Jones... it's not what "LEGENDS" do... the flops against Chad Dawson..Hopkins initiats the ruff-housing and flops when it's returned...

the headbutts and cheap-shots..the holding... it's legendary how he got away with it all these years.

don't get me wrong..he can fight... but it's all the crap he did instead of fighting... it's like eating an expensive t-bone steak with a $3 bottle of wine... it doesn't go down well.

[Master]

Hopkins is a legend but I was not happy with his antics of pretending to be hit low against Galzaghe.

[roberto duran legend]

He is a great fighter,but wish he would do more fighting instead of his stupid antics.
Rolling around on the floor , claiming low blows, and his head butting,and he can be
a boring fighter,apart from that he is a superb fighter.

[Master]

How he keeps beating these young, undefeated, athletic, strong, seasoned world champions is truly amazing.

[bigstinkybug]

How he keeps beating these young, undefeated, athletic, strong, seasoned world champions is truly amazing.

*i agree..there's greatness in what he does. Have u ever heard him talk boxing? Not the ESPN stuff, but BOXING. The guy can talk hours on movement alone. It really is facinating. There really is something to note when young fighters can't touch u.. Is it fan freindly? No..but it is fascinating.

[Master]

How he keeps beating these young, undefeated, athletic, strong, seasoned world champions is truly amazing.

*i agree..there's greatness in what he does. Have u ever heard him talk boxing? Not the ESPN stuff, but BOXING. The guy can talk hours on movement alone. It really is facinating. There really is something to note when young fighters can't touch u.. Is it fan freindly? No..but it is fascinating.

He is very knowledgeable, he could make a good trainer if he hangs up the gloves.

[roberto duran legend]

He lives boxing , there is nothing he does not know about the game.What he is achieving
is really incredible.

[Master]

What is his next big challenge?

[Spicoli]

Hopkins is a legend and totally fine with being the bad guy and pissing people off.

[ykdadamaja]

What is his next big challenge?

Run for President.

[ykdadamaja]

After it is all said and done, the record will relfect B-Hop's achievment over all other middleweights.

[Master]

What is his next big challenge?

Run for President.

I was thinking rematch Dawson, Cleverly, Ward, moving up to Cruiserweight,