Hopkins KOs De La Hoya in 9

As expected, the good big man defeated the good smaller man. Bernard Hopkins retained his undisputed middleweight title with a ninth-round left hook to the body of Oscar De La Hoya that put a sudden end to what proved be a tactical and relatively even bout. De La Hoya, unable to beat the count of referee Kenny Bayless, pounded the canvas in frustration at being stopped for the first time in his career. Hopkins was ahead on two scorecards at the time of the stoppage and seemed on the verge of imposing his superior strenth on the smaller De La Hoya. Hopkins now has 19 consectuive title defenses and hasn't lost in 11 years. Next up for Hopkins: Hopefully either Roy Jones Jr. or Antonio Tarver if a catch-weight can be negotiated. Next up for De La Hoya: The winner of Felix Trinidad-Ricardo Mayorga; the winner of Winky Wright-Shane Mosley II; or possibly even retirement.