• Boxing

Cocky Hopkins creates boxing history

ESPN staff
May 22, 2011
Bernard Hopkins does push-ups while waiting for Jean Pascal to come out for round seven © PA Photos
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Bernard Hopkins mocked Jean Pascal before claiming a unanimous decision to become the oldest world champion in boxing history, and then declared he will fight until he is 50.

Hopkins usurped George Foreman's record by winning a major world title at the age of 46, six months older than when Foreman beat Michael Moorer in 1994.

The veteran did it in style too, scoring 115-113 116-112 115-114 with the judges thanks to an intelligent performance. Pascal had entered with the WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine titles, but it was Hopkins who left Montreal covered in gold.

He even found time to taunt his rival at the start of the seventh round, dropping down to do push-ups while he waited for Pascal to get off his stool.

Hopkins told The Globe and Mail: "I didn't feel like I was 46 tonight, I felt more like 36. I can say I'm a great fighter, it was exciting, I think everybody enjoyed themselves."

Pascal conceded: "Bernard fought a great fight, he's a great champion, he has a great defence and knows a lot of tricks. I learned a lot from Bernard and his style."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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