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George Foreman Congratulates Bernard Hopkins On Breaking His Record, Says B-Hop Never
By James Slater: Far from being disappointed at the way his world record for being the oldest man in boxing history to have won a world title was smashed by Bernard Hopkins last night, fellow living legend George Foreman is feeling nothing but happy for the 46-year-old light-heavyweight king.
Foreman sent shockwaves through the sport back in November of 1994, when he rendered defending WBA/IBF heavyweight champ Michael Moorer unconscious with a massive right hand to the chin, but Philly folk hero Hopkins went one better last night in Canada, as he fought 12-exciting, sprightly rounds with the much younger Jean Pascal. Hopkins didn’t score a KO, but he won and he won clearly - and he even found the time and the energy to treat the fans to a few push-ups as he waited for Pascal to get up off his stool for the start of the 7th-round!
Foreman amazed fans by the way he used to refuse a seat and stand between rounds during his great comeback, but “Big” George never went as far as doing push-ups both during and after a fight! Hopkins is a true marvel, no doubt about it, maybe the most amazing prize fighter to have ever lived. ’Nard was good enough last night to leave even the seen it all, done it all Foreman in awe.
“I was on the edge of my seat every round,” Foreman told Ringtv.com. “It was such an exciting fight. Bernard was the better athlete, the smarter fighter and in the better condition. Now that [age] 46 has done it, next a 47, 48, 49 and 50 will do it. And if somebody does it at 60, then I’ll have to get back in there.”
Foreman was joking when he came out with that last line, but Hopkins, in speaking post-fight with Max Kellerman, made it clear he intends to carry on fighting until he’s 50! Far from content with making boxing history, “The Executioner” mentioned possible future fights with the likes of Lucian Bute and Chad Dawson. Not only that but the man aged 46 years and four months spoke of doing something “big” after taking care of those two young fighters. Is there no end to Hopkins’ ambition?
Some fans may wish to see Hopkins retire now; to call it a day while he is still on top and feeling and looking glorious. After all, no fighter can go on forever and there is a chance Hopkins will be pushing his luck by carrying on until he reaches his half century. But as great as he looked last night, and as smart and as dedicated as he is, why should Hopkins quit?
Dawson, a skilled lefty, looked far from dazzling on last night’s under-card, as he won a dull 12-rounder against Adrian Diaconu. Would any fans fear for Hopkins if he took on “Bad” Chad? Such a meeting would possibly result in a boring, chess-match type affair, but Hopkins would almost certainly be able to bully the defensive-minded southpaw.
A fight with Bute could be a tough one for Hopkins. A fierce body puncher, “La Tombeur” would have a chance of taking Bernard’s legs away with his attacks to the midsection. I wouldn’t go as far as to make Bute an overwhelming favourite to beat Hopkins, but it could be a risky encounter for the all-time great, who would, after all, be almost 47 by the time the fight rolled around.
For now though, B-Hop, a teetotaller just like Foreman, can celebrate his comprehensive win over Pascal. How many more times will Hopkins - arguably the most supremely conditioned 46-year-old human being on the planet - make a mockery of all logic?
By James Slater: Far from being disappointed at the way his world record for being the oldest man in boxing history to have won a world title was smashed by Bernard Hopkins last night, fellow living legend George Foreman is feeling nothing but happy for the 46-year-old light-heavyweight king.
Foreman sent shockwaves through the sport back in November of 1994, when he rendered defending WBA/IBF heavyweight champ Michael Moorer unconscious with a massive right hand to the chin, but Philly folk hero Hopkins went one better last night in Canada, as he fought 12-exciting, sprightly rounds with the much younger Jean Pascal. Hopkins didn’t score a KO, but he won and he won clearly - and he even found the time and the energy to treat the fans to a few push-ups as he waited for Pascal to get up off his stool for the start of the 7th-round!
Foreman amazed fans by the way he used to refuse a seat and stand between rounds during his great comeback, but “Big” George never went as far as doing push-ups both during and after a fight! Hopkins is a true marvel, no doubt about it, maybe the most amazing prize fighter to have ever lived. ’Nard was good enough last night to leave even the seen it all, done it all Foreman in awe.
“I was on the edge of my seat every round,” Foreman told Ringtv.com. “It was such an exciting fight. Bernard was the better athlete, the smarter fighter and in the better condition. Now that [age] 46 has done it, next a 47, 48, 49 and 50 will do it. And if somebody does it at 60, then I’ll have to get back in there.”
Foreman was joking when he came out with that last line, but Hopkins, in speaking post-fight with Max Kellerman, made it clear he intends to carry on fighting until he’s 50! Far from content with making boxing history, “The Executioner” mentioned possible future fights with the likes of Lucian Bute and Chad Dawson. Not only that but the man aged 46 years and four months spoke of doing something “big” after taking care of those two young fighters. Is there no end to Hopkins’ ambition?
Some fans may wish to see Hopkins retire now; to call it a day while he is still on top and feeling and looking glorious. After all, no fighter can go on forever and there is a chance Hopkins will be pushing his luck by carrying on until he reaches his half century. But as great as he looked last night, and as smart and as dedicated as he is, why should Hopkins quit?
Dawson, a skilled lefty, looked far from dazzling on last night’s under-card, as he won a dull 12-rounder against Adrian Diaconu. Would any fans fear for Hopkins if he took on “Bad” Chad? Such a meeting would possibly result in a boring, chess-match type affair, but Hopkins would almost certainly be able to bully the defensive-minded southpaw.
A fight with Bute could be a tough one for Hopkins. A fierce body puncher, “La Tombeur” would have a chance of taking Bernard’s legs away with his attacks to the midsection. I wouldn’t go as far as to make Bute an overwhelming favourite to beat Hopkins, but it could be a risky encounter for the all-time great, who would, after all, be almost 47 by the time the fight rolled around.
For now though, B-Hop, a teetotaller just like Foreman, can celebrate his comprehensive win over Pascal. How many more times will Hopkins - arguably the most supremely conditioned 46-year-old human being on the planet - make a mockery of all logic?
DeGale And Warren Cry Robbery; Demand Instant Rematch With Groves
By James Slater: So much for James “Chunky” DeGale’s pre-fight promise of knocking out “ugly kid” George Groves inside four-rounds. As fans know, last night’s bitter grudge-match ended with Commonwealth super-middleweight champ Groves winning via close, controversial decision. A good fight, with plenty of action that saw both men cut and marked up, the 12-round majority verdict that went to Groves has resulted in plenty of debate.
Though any complaints the trash-talking DeGale has can be put down to nothing but sour grapes (the fight was close, but Groves was in no way handed a gift), his promoter Frank Warren has issued on his official website a statement that says he will call on the BBB of C to order an immediate rematch. The fans may or may not get excited over the prospect of the two former amateur rivals hooking up for a third time (Groves also out-pointed DeGale in the unpaid ranks), but Groves himself doesn’t seem too keen on another fight with “Chunky.”
“How many times do I have to beat this man,” Groves asked. “After this fight I’ll go on to bigger and better things. He has no titles, he’s just come off a loss, I’m pretty sure I can find a better opponent that James DeGale.”
Doubtless Groves’ fans will agree with him. Now the holder of the British and Commonwealth titles, the 13-0(10) 23-year-old will almost certainly look towards the European crown. However, Warren seems insistent that their will be an immediate rematch. Warren is adamant his man won last night.
“The general consensus seem to be that James won the fight, so they [the BBB of C] should order a rematch,” Warren stated. “One way or another that fight will happen again. If it doesn’t happen, George Groves should be ashamed of himself.”
Ashamed of himself? Groves, far from feeling ashamed of anything, is rightly celebrating the biggest win of his still-young pro career. Happy also at silencing a sometimes classless trash-talker - a man who has bugged him for many months now - Groves should be in the position to be able to call the shots.
Bottom line: if Groves doesn’t want to fight DeGale next he doesn’t have to. Ask yourself, would Frank Warren be demanding a rematch if the admittedly close verdict had gone to his fighter last night?
In losing his perfect pro record, the still-promising DeGale is now 10-1(8).
By James Slater: So much for James “Chunky” DeGale’s pre-fight promise of knocking out “ugly kid” George Groves inside four-rounds. As fans know, last night’s bitter grudge-match ended with Commonwealth super-middleweight champ Groves winning via close, controversial decision. A good fight, with plenty of action that saw both men cut and marked up, the 12-round majority verdict that went to Groves has resulted in plenty of debate.
Though any complaints the trash-talking DeGale has can be put down to nothing but sour grapes (the fight was close, but Groves was in no way handed a gift), his promoter Frank Warren has issued on his official website a statement that says he will call on the BBB of C to order an immediate rematch. The fans may or may not get excited over the prospect of the two former amateur rivals hooking up for a third time (Groves also out-pointed DeGale in the unpaid ranks), but Groves himself doesn’t seem too keen on another fight with “Chunky.”
“How many times do I have to beat this man,” Groves asked. “After this fight I’ll go on to bigger and better things. He has no titles, he’s just come off a loss, I’m pretty sure I can find a better opponent that James DeGale.”
Doubtless Groves’ fans will agree with him. Now the holder of the British and Commonwealth titles, the 13-0(10) 23-year-old will almost certainly look towards the European crown. However, Warren seems insistent that their will be an immediate rematch. Warren is adamant his man won last night.
“The general consensus seem to be that James won the fight, so they [the BBB of C] should order a rematch,” Warren stated. “One way or another that fight will happen again. If it doesn’t happen, George Groves should be ashamed of himself.”
Ashamed of himself? Groves, far from feeling ashamed of anything, is rightly celebrating the biggest win of his still-young pro career. Happy also at silencing a sometimes classless trash-talker - a man who has bugged him for many months now - Groves should be in the position to be able to call the shots.
Bottom line: if Groves doesn’t want to fight DeGale next he doesn’t have to. Ask yourself, would Frank Warren be demanding a rematch if the admittedly close verdict had gone to his fighter last night?
In losing his perfect pro record, the still-promising DeGale is now 10-1(8).
^^that fight sucked ass up until about the 10th round. Can't believe that was a PPV for UK people.
And LOL at a number of people were saying DeGale would beat Andre Ward, Froch, Kessler, etc. Dude really isn't that good and he has zero inside game whatsoever.
he's young though and has plenty of room to improve though, I'll give him that.
And LOL at a number of people were saying DeGale would beat Andre Ward, Froch, Kessler, etc. Dude really isn't that good and he has zero inside game whatsoever.
he's young though and has plenty of room to improve though, I'll give him that.
I didn't think it was that bad of a fight. I actually just got threw watching it right now. DeGale is actually pretty good, IMO better than the other guys they're hyping over there right now save for Cleverly (Groves wasn't really much hyped.)
I think he was feeling himself too much to be honest. DeGale's been telling anyone who would listen that he's much better than anyone at the domestic level and he'd easily trump anyone local fighters etc etc. He gave up too many of the early rounds to cry robbery and ended up out punched & out landed by a guy who could fight.
I think he was feeling himself too much to be honest. DeGale's been telling anyone who would listen that he's much better than anyone at the domestic level and he'd easily trump anyone local fighters etc etc. He gave up too many of the early rounds to cry robbery and ended up out punched & out landed by a guy who could fight.
That's really sad to see Roy get knocked out in that fashion. That should be the last time we see him in the ring. That last punch that dude landed looked like one of those last punches from Fight Night Champion when your fighter is on the way down. That knockout was brutal. Yeah it's the refs fault for not stepping in and stopping the action.
I thought it was pretty weak until about rounds 10 through 12 (which were much more exciting).
but I wasn't impressed with either guy at all. I know they are young and can improve and degale certainly has some natural abilities, but I wasn't impressed in the least bit. Cleverly sucks too! The ref stoppage was reminiscent of young Calzaghe fights, stopping it if the opponent gets a little scratch on his eyebrow or if a couple of punches were landed! All three of them are hyped up UK bums!
but I wasn't impressed with either guy at all. I know they are young and can improve and degale certainly has some natural abilities, but I wasn't impressed in the least bit. Cleverly sucks too! The ref stoppage was reminiscent of young Calzaghe fights, stopping it if the opponent gets a little scratch on his eyebrow or if a couple of punches were landed! All three of them are hyped up UK bums!
Bradley says he will be fighting Khan in the future – just not now
By William Mackay: WBC/WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11 KO’s) had some reassuring words for WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KO’s) in a recent interview telling him that they will be fighting in the future but just not now.
When they do fight, Bradley says they will be the terms that he dictates. In other words, Khan, if he wants to fight Bradley, will have to be willing to agree to the conditions that Bradley lays out for him in order to get the fight. Since that’s the only way to get the fight, Khan pretty has no other choice but to agree to what Bradley wants. It comes down to this: Khan feels that he needs the Bradley fight to get validated somehow with boxing fans and seen as the best fighter in the light welterweight division.
But the thing is, there are a lot of other guys out there that Khan will still need to fight even if he does somehow beat Bradley. If Khan beats Bradley, which I don’t think he can, it won’t mean a lot because Bradley is already been exposed as a small fighter with little power. The fighters that Khan would still need to fight and beat if he wanted to be considered the best in the division would be as follows: Zab Judah, Mike Alvarado, Breidis Prescott, the winner of Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson and possibly Roberto Guerrero if he moves up in weight. Just beating Bradley, who isn’t a popular fighter, won’t do the trick.
If Khan beats Bradley by running around the ring all night long and then immediately claims he’s the best fighter in the division before moving up to welterweight, it’s going to be seen as a bit of a joke because there’s too many quality guys out there that we don’t know that Khan can beat. We already know that Khan couldn’t beat Prescott. Khan was knocked out by him and isn’t in any kind of hurry to try and avenge that loss even after three years.
Khan beat Marcos Maidana but had the benefit of a referee that seemed to keep Maidana from fighting on the inside for much of the bout, in particular when it was down to the last three rounds when Khan was basically holding on for dear life and getting pummeled. For Khan to really make a claim he’s the best in the division, he needs to beat Bradley, Prescott, Matthysse, Peterson, Judah, Maidana [with a different referee] and Guerrero.
If Khan can win all those fights then I think it’s time for him to move up in weight to the welterweight division. But if he doesn’t face those guys and makes a claim he’s the best because of a win over the light hitting Bradley, then Khan is kidding himself. He won’t be the best; He’ll just be some guy that beat Paul McCloskey, Bradley, Paulie Malignaggi, Maidana [by holding on in the last three rounds] and a bunch of B and C level guys.
By William Mackay: WBC/WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11 KO’s) had some reassuring words for WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (25-1, 17 KO’s) in a recent interview telling him that they will be fighting in the future but just not now.
When they do fight, Bradley says they will be the terms that he dictates. In other words, Khan, if he wants to fight Bradley, will have to be willing to agree to the conditions that Bradley lays out for him in order to get the fight. Since that’s the only way to get the fight, Khan pretty has no other choice but to agree to what Bradley wants. It comes down to this: Khan feels that he needs the Bradley fight to get validated somehow with boxing fans and seen as the best fighter in the light welterweight division.
But the thing is, there are a lot of other guys out there that Khan will still need to fight even if he does somehow beat Bradley. If Khan beats Bradley, which I don’t think he can, it won’t mean a lot because Bradley is already been exposed as a small fighter with little power. The fighters that Khan would still need to fight and beat if he wanted to be considered the best in the division would be as follows: Zab Judah, Mike Alvarado, Breidis Prescott, the winner of Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson and possibly Roberto Guerrero if he moves up in weight. Just beating Bradley, who isn’t a popular fighter, won’t do the trick.
If Khan beats Bradley by running around the ring all night long and then immediately claims he’s the best fighter in the division before moving up to welterweight, it’s going to be seen as a bit of a joke because there’s too many quality guys out there that we don’t know that Khan can beat. We already know that Khan couldn’t beat Prescott. Khan was knocked out by him and isn’t in any kind of hurry to try and avenge that loss even after three years.
Khan beat Marcos Maidana but had the benefit of a referee that seemed to keep Maidana from fighting on the inside for much of the bout, in particular when it was down to the last three rounds when Khan was basically holding on for dear life and getting pummeled. For Khan to really make a claim he’s the best in the division, he needs to beat Bradley, Prescott, Matthysse, Peterson, Judah, Maidana [with a different referee] and Guerrero.
If Khan can win all those fights then I think it’s time for him to move up in weight to the welterweight division. But if he doesn’t face those guys and makes a claim he’s the best because of a win over the light hitting Bradley, then Khan is kidding himself. He won’t be the best; He’ll just be some guy that beat Paul McCloskey, Bradley, Paulie Malignaggi, Maidana [by holding on in the last three rounds] and a bunch of B and C level guys.
I wouldn't judge Cleverly off his last 2 to be honest. He was supposed to fight Brahemer in both of them for the title in and Brahemer pulled out at the very last second in both of them. His fight with Karo Murat is more indicative of what he's capable of in the ring.
DeGale has clear skills IMO. I think he'll be far better in the future. The UK has a bad habit of completely rushing their talented Olympians. I mean look at DeGale's fights since winning the gold medal compared to some of these other amateurs from the same class. They put him in a 12 rounder in like his 7th fight, he's not Rigondeaux or Gamboa who fought in the amateurs for years and years, he's a young kid who had an excellent Olympic run and was rushed to main event status and the limelight far too soon.
DeGale has clear skills IMO. I think he'll be far better in the future. The UK has a bad habit of completely rushing their talented Olympians. I mean look at DeGale's fights since winning the gold medal compared to some of these other amateurs from the same class. They put him in a 12 rounder in like his 7th fight, he's not Rigondeaux or Gamboa who fought in the amateurs for years and years, he's a young kid who had an excellent Olympic run and was rushed to main event status and the limelight far too soon.