Bernard Hopkins talks future fights with Kovalev, Stevenson(vid)

[boliodogs]

Hopkins promised his mother he would retire on his 40th birthday. He gave it 9 extra years so now would be a very good time to retire. He makes good money working with and owning part of Golden Boy. He does not need the money. He has set records with his wins that will never be broken. His fights are pretty ugly to watch these days with all the wrestling and dirty tactics. Fighters his age are much more likely to suffer brain damage. He puts himself at great risk fighting huge punchers like Kovalev and Stevenson. It would be sad to see this great fighter end up like James Toney.

[L3TH4L]

B-Hop embodies what it means to be a boxer. His refusal to submit to father time and continued success against rising prospects at the ripe old age of 49 is unheard of in boxing. He's a living legend, the last remaining remnant from a time where motivations were fueled by rivalries, and no challenge was left unaccepted.

[SN!PER]

Hopkins is right about the fight being popular and selling. He's never been knocked out in his entire career, and now the LHW division finally has two fighters who seem to be perfect candidates for the mission. Two KO machines in Stevenson and Kovalev who are blowing out everyone. A lot of people want to see if they could do that to Hopkins or if the old master will make fools out of them.

I like Hopkins' attitude of going out on his shield. If Hopkins gets knocked out, he will know it's time to retire. It's not important whether he wins or loses. What matters is that he'd end his career fighting the best of his division. Joe Louis' fight against Rocky Marciano comes to mind. That is what the greatest champions in history do--pass the torch to the next generation before they leave the sport. It's a befitting conclusion to the Hopkins era.

[MDPopescu]

When does any one think Hopkins would get past any one?

Afterward: "He beat a 13-0 part time fighter doe."

Right!
But I still won't like to see B-Hop retiring after a dramatic KO...

[Light_Speed]

Love to listen to B-Hop, always entertaining. He really understands the business and media aspects of boxing and how to play them. I don't see the Kovalev vs Stevenson winner fighting the Hopkins vs Shumenov winner unless he comes to Showtime, sad to see business/contractual issues get in the way of a significant fight but that's boxing for ya.

[Hougigo]

Could happen if Kovalev wins and then has the fight in Russia on Russian T.V.
These network deals are U.S exclusive broadcasting rights right?