By Edward Chaykovksy
Bernard Hopkins, 50-years-old, is a living legend in the sport and considered to be one of the best fighters to come out of Philadelphia.
But since 1993, Hopkins has only fought twice in his hometown. He plans to fight one more time, most likely in October, in the final fight of his career - and says there is no way that fight will be held in Philadelphia.
Besides the high taxes that rip away a big chunk of money from a fighter's purse, Hopkins says the city has no respect for their fighters and instead they worship Rocky Balboa, a character played by actor Sylvester Stallone in several motion pictures.
He says the ongoing disrespect, which he feels is racially motivated, has kept him away from fighting in his hometown. Hopkins says that's the reason why WBC/WBA 140-pound champion Danny Garcia has fought five of his last six fights in New York City.
"This has been swept under the rug, but it's talked about. We have a problem in this town where we recognize Rocky - a fictitious boxer - and the ficticional gods that they create," Hopkins told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"It's racially motivated and it's about 50 percent of the people. I went to jail 27 years ago and they still talk about it. What they don't know is they motivated me to stay straight - to not get caught up in my fame and fortune and turn to alcohol and drugs because that is what sells. I was told that if I started acting ignorant - having four and five babies out of wedlock - it would bring me more attention because people are interested in skullduggery."
"You mean to tell me that living a clean life is not news? I don't walk around Philadelphia with no bodyguards or anything like that. What I am is a role model - a guy who reinvented himself, not only professionally but personally."
Because of the current landscape of the city, Hopkins doubts that any major fight will be held in Philadelphia any time soon.
"The chances of a major fight being held in Philadelphia are less than the 76ers winning the championship next year."