As the bout is only hours away, both fighters aim to mentally prepare themselves for the task in hand. Bernard Hopkins at age 49, only two months shy from 50, has more experience undergoing this process than any other top active fighter.
Hopkins already has a hall of fame worthy career. His name will be stamped in boxing’s history as one of the great fighters to come along this brutal sport. Despite his outstanding resume he continues strive to build on his legacy. Hopkins stated, “I didn’t need to take any fight for the last 10 years. But I’ve always wanted to prove myself to be the best.”
Hopkins has indeed proved himself throughout his career by defying the odds, and will try to do it once more against Sergey Kovalev. Despite Hopkins being a considerable underdog in Vegas, many boxing insiders are choosing Hopkins to win. Some people find it hard press to go against someone, who has proven them wrong time and time again.
Hopkins explained, “I’ve done so many unpredictable things and so profoundly. Even the people who want to go against me, are afraid to go against me. They’ve been wrong so many times. A lot of them are just being mum right now. They must feel I can still do things.”
If Hopkins does get the victory it would certainly be one of the greatest victories of his career. The majority of people are rooting for Hopkins to win, due to the historical meaning of this fight. This would certainly be the greatest win any boxer has ever experienced in their late 40’s. Hopkins urges people to just appreciate on what he’s able to do in the ring, at this particular juncture of his career.
Hopkins stated, “Enjoy that you can see me now. I would love to see the great Michal Jordan and Julius Erving in their younger days, but they’re gone. Look at me at 50. This fight isn’t about boxing, it’s something deeper than that. I was made to be where I’m at.”
Win or lose, Hopkins will always be appreciated in the boxing world for all the great accomplishments he was able to achieve in his illustrious career.
