Hopkins is just working the geriatric angle. Is the same reason people cheer when they see clint eastwood still hit someone in the mouth in a movie. Its a "feel good, yes you can" human interest story. Hopkins picks his opponents wisely and exploits their short comings. Its technically part of what boxing and gamesmanship is and while I applaud the guys efforts in his conditioning (especially last night to outlast the younger guy) it doesn't mean its worthy of selling tickets and watching. The kissing, fouls, and clowning stuff only makes it worse. When your light years ahead of your competition, its showboating... when you're running on empty, its desperation/ stupidity.