In an era of alphabet titles, Hopkins’ previous defense (a typically methodical unanimous decision over Howard Eastman) also represented the first time a fighter had ever defended the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles simultaneously. For many years, Bernard Hopkins resented what he felt was a lack of appreciation by the boxing public. After stopping both Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya for the first times in their respective careers, a lack of respect is no longer an issue. Hopkins is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today – unprecedented for a 40-year-old. In fact, the discussion surrounding Hopkins now centers on just where he belongs among the greatest middleweights of all-time. So, just where does he belong?
The middleweight division has been home to some of the greatest fighters in history, including Sugar Ray Robinson, Harry Greb, Carlos Monzon and Marvin Hagler. Other great middleweights include Mickey Walker, Charley Burley, Jake LaMotta, Stanley Ketchel, Marcel Cerdan and Tony Zale. Sugar Ray Leonard and Roy Jones Jr. were also champs at 160, though they enjoyed the majority of their success in other weight classes.
While critics cite a lack of quality opposition as a knock on Hopkins, it’s not his fault that the division was less than stellar for much of his career. Also, much like Roy Jones in the light heavyweight division, Hopkins played a large role in creating the impression that his fellow middleweights were a mediocre bunch. Here are the victims of Hopkins middleweight reign:
01/27/96 - Steve Frank - KO1
03/16/96 - Joe Lipsey - KO4 – Lipsey was 25-0 at the time.
07/16/96 - Bo James - KO11
04/19/97 - John David Jackson - KO7
07/20/97 - Glencoffe Johnson - KO11 – Johnson was 32-0 at the time and defeated both Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver in 2004.
11/18/97 - Andrew Council - W12
01/31/98 - Simon Brown - KO6 – Brown was a former champ at 147 and 154.
08/28/98 - Robert Allen - NC4
02/06/99 - Robert Allen - KO7
12/12/99 - Antwun Echols - W12
05/13/00 - Syd Vanderpool - W12
12/01/00 - Antwun Echols - KO10
04/14/01 - Keith Holmes - W12 – Holmes was WBC champ at the time.
09/29/01 - Felix Trinidad - KO12 – Trinidad was 40-0 at the time.
02/02/02 - Carl Daniels - KO11 – Daniels was a former champ at 154.
03/29/03 - Morrade Hakkar - KO9
12/13/03 - William Joppy - W12 – Joppy was WBA champ at the time.
06/05/04 - Robert Allen - W12
09/18/04 - Oscar De La Hoya - KO9
02/19/05 - Howard Eastman - W12
Not exactly the level of competition that Sugar Ray Robinson or Marvin Hagler faced, but not exactly a bunch of stiffs either. Hopkins’ style also has something to do with the perception that his opposition has been weak. Similar again to Roy Jones, Hopkins’ goal in each and every fight is to inflict punishment on his opponent while absorbing as little return fire as possible. A great formula for longevity. Not so great if your goal is to be a fan favorite. A typical Hopkins fights is a one-sided clinic -- tactically brilliant but lacking in drama.
So, back to the question of where he ranks among the all-time greats . . . CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.
