Bernard Hopkins Jr. is a legendary American former professional boxer whose career spanned from 1988 to 2016. Renowned for his exceptional skills and strategic prowess, Hopkins held multiple world championships across two weight classes, including the undisputed middleweight title from 2001 to 2005. His journey to becoming a world champion began in 1995 when he captured the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title, successfully defending it 20 times against 17 opponents, showcasing his dominance in the ring.
In 2001, Hopkins unified the middleweight division by defeating Félix Trinidad, earning accolades as the first male boxer to hold titles from all four major boxing sanctioning bodies simultaneously. His victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2004 further solidified his status as an undisputed champion. Recognized for his remarkable achievements, he was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2001, and he has been consistently ranked among the greatest boxers of all time.
After a brief setback in 2005, Hopkins transitioned to light heavyweight, where he continued to excel. At the age of 46, he became the oldest boxer to win a world championship by defeating Jean Pascal for the WBC and lineal titles. He further extended his record by winning the IBF light heavyweight title at ages 48 and 49, demonstrating his extraordinary longevity and resilience in the sport.
Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Hopkins has also made significant contributions to boxing promotion as a minority partner with Golden Boy Promotions. His legacy as a highly strategic and defensive fighter, coupled with his ability to adapt and thrive at an advanced age, has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of boxers.