Renaissance man Bernard Hopkins added another stellar chapter to his long storied career last night. ‘The Alien’ stepping between the ropes as the IBF title holder, would attempt to unify the division against WBA and IBA titlist, Beibut Shumenov. The fact that a sentence is being written about a man approaching half a century old is breathtaking.
Hopkins put forth a crafty, dominating performance. Working behind an accurate jab, Hopkins found a home for the straight hand all night long. Bernard controlled the range, choosing the spots to go to work and when to step off the gas.
Whilst Shumenov had spurts of success, there was little meaningful work offered. As the fight wore on, Shumenov showed no signs of adapting or producing any fight altering action. Flat footed and coming in head on was always going to be the wrong option against a crafty veteran like Hopkins.
Pushing the boundaries beyond what was thought possible, at 49 years of age Hopkins continues to out work father time and opponents alike. The key to Hopkins’ longevity is more than hard work and dedication. Bernard plays with a full deck, shuffling and playing whichever hand got the job. Controlling distance and working when he needs to, Hopkins has mastered the art of stealing rounds.
“I’ve been around 27 years and I’ve seen everything. Shumenov is a tough guy and will be champion when I’m gone.” When the subject of his next fight arose, Hopkins made his intentions crystal clear, “Adonis Stevenson I’m coming for you. I’m getting my papers together and coming to Canada to unify the division before 50.”
As a unified light heavyweight titlist coming off a commanding performance, Hopkins will have a few tantalizing options at the table. Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson surely sit at the top of the list, Stevenson being the more likely option of the two at this point having signed with Showtime. When HBO announced they had opted to not renegotiate a deal with Stevenson, Showtime wasted no time in picking up the Canadian slugger, who will make his Showtime debut on May 24th in Canada against Andrzej Fonfara.
Stevenson would present Hopkins with a formidable challenge at this point. The Canadian power puncher has developed a slick style in recent fights, complimenting his devastating left hand. Hopkins is masterful in closing down an opponent’s offence. Holding the court just outside the opponents range, this fight could be seen as the bull and the matador.
Stevenson coming in to push the pace on the older man, whilst on his part, Bernard would look to weather the early storm and frustrate Stevenson. Fighting from the southpaw stance, Adonis brings a number of combustible elements to this fight.
Bernard Hopkins has produced some of his finest performances in his twilight years, that fact alone supports his ‘Alien’ moniker. A graduate from the school of hard knocks, Hopkins is a shining example of what the human body is capable of not just in boxing, but in life. One fact is certain; Bernard Hopkins will stand the test of time.
B Hop is good, but I think he would be biting off more than he could chew with Stevenson. Shumenov is not that great of a fighter and neither was Murat. It was impressive that Bernard could beat them at his age but it’s a different level of opposition. Who knows he may be able to get in Stevenspns head before the fight and pull it out, but i think its a tough task at this point
I don’t think Hopkins can win in canada, as Stevenson is no Bute. I think Bernard will simply get outpointed to lose his title. It’s a interesting fight, but Hopkins will look his age in it.
I know for sure Hopkins is going to attack Stevenson for his rape past, question is, will Stevenson be able to cope with the mind games? I don’t think so
unreal that no one can take this fossil out…he’s so one dimantional…just need someone who can fight a litle bit