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It was just a little over 17 years ago, after serving 56 months of an 18 year sentence for being convicted of strong-arm robbery, 22-year-old Bernard Hopkins was released from Graterford Prison. Hopkins told the New York Times that on the day of his release a guard said to him, "See you when you come back." According to Hopkins, he hasn't spit on the sidewalk since.
Hopkins made his pro-debut shortly after his release and lost a four round decision fighting as a light heavyweight. Only Bernard Hopkins could lose his first bout as a pro and make history. Today the future hall-of-famer shares that distinction with hall-of-famers Benny Leonard, Ted "Kid" Lewis, Henry Armstrong, Billy Conn, Manuel Ortiz and Alexis Arguello.
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Hopkins made his pro-debut shortly after his release and lost a four round decision fighting as a light heavyweight. Only Bernard Hopkins could lose his first bout as a pro and make history. Today the future hall-of-famer shares that distinction with hall-of-famers Benny Leonard, Ted "Kid" Lewis, Henry Armstrong, Billy Conn, Manuel Ortiz and Alexis Arguello.
[details]