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Hopkins Out-Classes Eastman, Makes 20th Title Defense By DOUG FISCHER
(February 20, 2005) Photo © Tom Hogan
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19 - World middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins turned back a spirited challenge from Howard Eastman to notch his record 20th title defense in front of a packed house at Staples Center. The unanimous decision victory for Hopkins was not the exciting ring war that many among the star-studded crowd had hoped to see, rather, it was an exhibition of expert ring artistry from a 40-year-old champ who has probably forgotten more about boxing than all of the contenders in the 160-pound division will ever learn.
However, Hopkins worked his craft in front of 12,828 Angelinos, people who drove in the rain to see a show, not art.
"The crowd was hot and cold, but I think I heard more cheers than boos," said Hopkins, who won by scores of 119-110, 117-111 and 116-112. "I think they wanted us to fight like Gatti-Ward, but that's not my style."
Hopkins, now 46-2-1 (32), was always a smart warrior, although in the early to mid-'90s he was a feared puncher. However, since the late '90s, Hopkins has developed into a cagey veteran who relies more on his mind than his muscle.
Smart Warrior.
(February 20, 2005) Photo © Tom Hogan
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19 - World middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins turned back a spirited challenge from Howard Eastman to notch his record 20th title defense in front of a packed house at Staples Center. The unanimous decision victory for Hopkins was not the exciting ring war that many among the star-studded crowd had hoped to see, rather, it was an exhibition of expert ring artistry from a 40-year-old champ who has probably forgotten more about boxing than all of the contenders in the 160-pound division will ever learn.
However, Hopkins worked his craft in front of 12,828 Angelinos, people who drove in the rain to see a show, not art.
"The crowd was hot and cold, but I think I heard more cheers than boos," said Hopkins, who won by scores of 119-110, 117-111 and 116-112. "I think they wanted us to fight like Gatti-Ward, but that's not my style."
Hopkins, now 46-2-1 (32), was always a smart warrior, although in the early to mid-'90s he was a feared puncher. However, since the late '90s, Hopkins has developed into a cagey veteran who relies more on his mind than his muscle.
Smart Warrior.
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