Bernard Hopkins is living proof that 40 is the new 30. In fact, make that 46. The veteran boxer still hasn't hung up the gloves and is taking a shot at history tonight (Showtime - 10 p.m. ET/PT).
Less than four weeks away from his 46th birthday, Hopkins (51-5-1, 32 KOs, 1 NC) is still close to the top. He's not just climbing into the ring for payday, Hopkins is actually challenging for a world title.
If Hopkins can pull the upset on 28-year-old Jean Pascal, he'll be the oldest fighter to ever win a world championship. He's 38 days older than George Foreman was when the grill master shocked Michael Moorer back in 1994.
Hopkins is proud of what he's doing. He can be mentioned in the same class as athletes like Mariano Rivera, Brett Favre, Randy Johnson and Chris Chelios.
"I want everyone to know this is unique," Hopkins told the AP. "Brett Favre got old. I'm by myself here."
Physically, Hopkins may not be what he was 15 years ago, but he's got other inherent advantages.
"Instead of looking at 45 as a negative, I'm proud to say that as of today, I'm an example of good fortune and also taking care of your yourself," Hopkins said. "And knowing the art of boxing. The art boxing is plain and simple: Hit and not get hit."
Hopkins says he'll have one demographic on his side.
"There's a lot of 40 year olds running around, dropping their canes, putting their teeth in and rooting for me," Hopkins said.
BHop better hope some of those Americans who are 40-plus show up tonight in Quebec City. The fight, just 165 miles from Pascal's hometown of Laval (just outside of Montreal), sold out in minutes. The 16,500 at the Pepsi Coliseum will be squarely behind Pascal.
Pascal may not think Hopkins is on top of his game anymore, but he knows the future Hall of Famer carries a name with a lot of weight.
"It's going to be a good start for me to beat a legend to become a legend one day," Pascal said. "Hopkins was the name out there, was the big name and that's why I chose to fight him because I want to fight the best to prove that I'm the best."
It is a huge fight for Pascal (26-1, 16 KOs). He's coming off an upset win over Chad Dawson, but didn't get the pop he deserved for that victory. Frankly, because Dawson's camp has done such a lousy job of promoting their guy over the years. A win for Pascal over Hopkins should resonate with casual fight fans.
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