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by David P. Greisman - He’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. And that’s probably the way Bernard Hopkins prefers it. He needs doubters and haters. They fuel him, giving him the motivation of proving them wrong.
Michael Jordan would find the slightest of slights and view it as the greatest of insults, taking it out on his opposition. Marvin Hagler has been quoted as saying those sleeping in silk pajamas (or, alternatively, in silk sheets) get too comfortable to wake up to do roadwork before dawn.
Hopkins never wants to consider his work done. There is no other way to explain a 48-year-old man, nearly 49 now, still competing at a high level despite his age, still participating in a hurt sport despite the fact that his famous frugality means he long ago could’ve retired worry-free.
Hopkins has always had something to prove.
He proved wrong those who expected the young felon to return to prison.
He kept fighting after losing his first pro bout, came back in better shape and worked his way toward a world title shot.
He continued to improve after losing that title fight to Roy Jones, earning another opportunity, winning a belt of his own and then defending it for years.
He kept a chip on his shoulder as fame and fortune eluded him. He wasn’t intended to win Don King’s middleweight tournament, yet there was Hopkins in front of a hostile crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City, celebrating his knockout win over Felix Trinidad and his ascent to undisputed champion.
He rejected millions of dollars for a rematch with Jones because he felt he deserved a better split of the money.
He battled promoters and burned bridges. Lou DiBella sued him for defamation and won. Hopkins looked at his fights with Jermain Taylor as a way to get back at DiBella, Taylor’s promoter.
He was thought to be on the decline after two decision losses to Taylor, and so he went up to light heavyweight and beat Antonio Tarver. [Click Here To Read More]
Michael Jordan would find the slightest of slights and view it as the greatest of insults, taking it out on his opposition. Marvin Hagler has been quoted as saying those sleeping in silk pajamas (or, alternatively, in silk sheets) get too comfortable to wake up to do roadwork before dawn.
Hopkins never wants to consider his work done. There is no other way to explain a 48-year-old man, nearly 49 now, still competing at a high level despite his age, still participating in a hurt sport despite the fact that his famous frugality means he long ago could’ve retired worry-free.
Hopkins has always had something to prove.
He proved wrong those who expected the young felon to return to prison.
He kept fighting after losing his first pro bout, came back in better shape and worked his way toward a world title shot.
He continued to improve after losing that title fight to Roy Jones, earning another opportunity, winning a belt of his own and then defending it for years.
He kept a chip on his shoulder as fame and fortune eluded him. He wasn’t intended to win Don King’s middleweight tournament, yet there was Hopkins in front of a hostile crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City, celebrating his knockout win over Felix Trinidad and his ascent to undisputed champion.
He rejected millions of dollars for a rematch with Jones because he felt he deserved a better split of the money.
He battled promoters and burned bridges. Lou DiBella sued him for defamation and won. Hopkins looked at his fights with Jermain Taylor as a way to get back at DiBella, Taylor’s promoter.
He was thought to be on the decline after two decision losses to Taylor, and so he went up to light heavyweight and beat Antonio Tarver. [Click Here To Read More]
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