By Edward Chaykovsky
Former champion Bernard Hopkins, 48-years-old, is hoping to accomplish two things on March 9th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He wants to defeat IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud in order to break his own record as being the oldest man to capture a world title. And he wants to send one of his rivals, promoter Don King, into retirement.
Hopkins, who at one time was promoted by King, had a bad falling out with the veteran promoter following the 2001 middleweight tournament final - which saw Hopkins stop Felix Trinidad in the twelfth round to unify the WBC/IBF/WBA titles.
"Don and I are alumni of the sport. He helped build my career. At the end of the day, everyone he threw in front of me helped secure my legacy in the middleweight division. I am at least 15-0 against him. He really helped me without even knowing it," Hopkins said.
"After I beat Cloud, Don King will have to pawn his jacket [to make money], and that jacket is just as old as me. [King's] empire is on [Cloud's] shoulders. [Cloud is] the last horse. There's no one left in the stable. [Don,] enjoy your day because after March 9, there will be a big celebration of your long lasting promotional legacy as I send you into retirement."
