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Based on his split-decision win tonight, Jermain Taylor must be given his just due as undisputed middleweight champion. He just finished beating the fighter, who held the title longer and defended it more times than any other fighter who ever held it. Some may try to water down his victory because it was against a fighter closer to 30 than 50. But, Hopkins was a slight favorite and probably fought at a higher level after the age of 40 than any other fighter in boxing history with the exception of Archie Moore.
The win over Hopkins did not come easy, Bernard came on strong in the late rounds. With full knowledge that Hopkins is a slow starter, Taylor came out very fast in the really rounds. A right hand in the second round sent Hopkins reeling into the ropes as the crowd exploded. As the rounds wore on, Taylor's speed and power was getting the better of the aging champion. In fifth round, a cut opened up on the forehead of Taylor from a clash of heads. Hopkins saw blood and started to land heavy right hands on the young bull.
In the final three rounds, Hopkins put it all on the line as he threw his best punches of the fight. Taylor ate repeated right hands from Hopkins, but Bernard was unable to put the young star away. Taylor, tired and bruised from the biggest fight of his career, held on in the final rounds to pull of the victory. The judges saw the fight 116-112 for Hopkins, 115-113 twice for Taylor. There is a rematch clause and Taylor went on the record to state that he would be willing to meet Hopkins again in the ring. [details]
The win over Hopkins did not come easy, Bernard came on strong in the late rounds. With full knowledge that Hopkins is a slow starter, Taylor came out very fast in the really rounds. A right hand in the second round sent Hopkins reeling into the ropes as the crowd exploded. As the rounds wore on, Taylor's speed and power was getting the better of the aging champion. In fifth round, a cut opened up on the forehead of Taylor from a clash of heads. Hopkins saw blood and started to land heavy right hands on the young bull.
In the final three rounds, Hopkins put it all on the line as he threw his best punches of the fight. Taylor ate repeated right hands from Hopkins, but Bernard was unable to put the young star away. Taylor, tired and bruised from the biggest fight of his career, held on in the final rounds to pull of the victory. The judges saw the fight 116-112 for Hopkins, 115-113 twice for Taylor. There is a rematch clause and Taylor went on the record to state that he would be willing to meet Hopkins again in the ring. [details]