American · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Born 15 January 1965Bernard 'The Executioner' Hopkins set the record for successful middleweight title defences and became the oldest man to win a world title at age 48.
Bernard Hopkins was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1965. He served nearly five years in Graterford Prison before turning professional in 1988. He won the IBF middleweight title in 1995 and made a record 20 consecutive middleweight title defences — a record for any weight class. His October 2001 win over Felix Trinidad — stopping him in round 12 when Trinidad had not been beaten before — is considered one of boxing's greatest defensive performances. He unified the undisputed middleweight championship against Oscar De La Hoya in 2004. He moved to light heavyweight and won the WBC title at 46 years and 126 days — the oldest world champion in boxing history. He retained it against Sergey Kovalev in 2014 aged 49. He lost the rematch to Kovalev. His professional record was 55 wins, 8 losses and 2 draws with 32 knockouts across a professional career that spanned 28 years. His tactical intelligence, defence and ability to neutralise powerful punchers through positioning and ring generalship made him one of the finest defensive fighters in boxing history.
Record 20 consecutive middleweight title defences; oldest boxer to win a world title twice
How They Played
Defensive counterpuncher with exceptional ring IQ and conditioning
Lasting Impact
One of greatest middleweights ever, known for defensive mastery and longevity
Career Honours
- Oldest world champion ever at 48
- International Boxing Hall of Fame
American Athletes