Bernard Hopkins defies Father Time in the ring
49-year-old American adds WBA light-heavyweight crown to his IBF belt and says he wants to become an undisputed champion before turning 50
Bernard Hopkins, the oldest world champion in boxing history at age 49, became the eldest fighter to unify world titles when he defeated Beibut Shumenov in a light-heavyweight showdown.
Two judges gave ageless wonder Hopkins a split-decision victory by the same score, 116-111, while the outvoted third saw Shumenov as a 114-113 winner.
"I had a great night," Hopkins said. "I'm special. Special is what it is. There is no definition for special."
I had a great night. I'm special. Special is what it is. There is no definition for special
Hopkins, who knocked down his younger and larger foe in the 11th round, kept his International Boxing Federation crown and took the World Boxing Association title from Kazakhstan's Shumenov.
Now his aim is to add the World Boxing Council title and become an undisputed champion before turning 50 next January.
"My job is not to worry about the judges. My job is to get ready to unify the championship before 50," Hopkins said.