The electricity in Quebec City, Canada was outstanding. The buzz was greater than anticipated. Finally, a name that could potentially put Quebec on the map of the boxing world.
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| Jean Pascal (R) & Bernard Hopkins |
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Jean Pascal may just be that guy.
However, Philadelphia native Bernard Hopkins (51-5-1, 32 KOs) stole the show tonight. Well, almost.
The 45 year old Hopkins came out in his usual intimidating attire, wearing black with silver on his trunks and robe, hood up over his head, executioner's mask on, hiding everything but his eyes. He slowly moved into the ring, with his longtime cornerman Naazim Richardson right on his left hip. Bernard entered the ring to a furry of boo's but feeling confident as always. He exited feeling robbed.
Jean Pascal (26-1, 16 KOs) waited for "All I do is Win" to hit the sound system and started bobbing, getting in his pre-fight groove. Pascal's attire consisted of a black robe and beige, hood up as well, looking focused as ever. He came in the WBC light heavyweight champion, and left still wearing the prestigious green belt. Was he feeling like a champion by time's end? Not really.
Hopkins, +17 in the age category, appeared sluggish early, getting caught with two punches by the French-Canadian star. While Hopkins came out as the one who would pursue, throwing combinations and attacking Pascal's body, Pascal popped Bernard's head with a hard right hand. Hopkins pleaded to the referee he received a punch behind the head, but nothing could change the early deficit.
"The first knockdown was to the back of the head. I don't think that it
was legitimate. But I'm not crying about it. I'm a warrior...I wasn't even hurt..."
The second round was easily won by Pascal as well, countering Bernard every time the 45-year old attempted to get inside. Pascal, who is known for possessing heavy hands, dropped Bernard with a hard left hook. Bernard would escape the round, and have to adjust his gameplan.
Maybe the bell finally rung in "The Executioner's" Hopkins in the beginning of round four.
Hopkins, who came in as the underdog, got in the groove we saw him get in when facing Antonio Tarver, Kelly Pavlick, and Felix "Tito" Trinidad. The crafty veteran got in and got out, dodged the countering Pascal, and took his opponent completely out of the fight mentally. Hard charging right hands and working off the jab showed age is just a number. Hopkins landed at will in the middle to late rounds, and landed more shots than the champion; 171-105.
At one point we saw the Hopkins of old, cocky and showboating to his opponent, but executing punches and taking the opposing corner completely out of the fight. Jean Pascal did not even throw punches for a period of time, taking blow after blow from B-Hop.
In the 12th round, Hopkins was feeling the victory in his grasps, raising his arms and exhibiting the smile of a twelve year old boy.
The final bell had rung. Prior to the scorecards being read, Hopkins leaned against the south end ropes, yelling out "45 years old baby! 45 years old!"
The scores were in...
Judges Steve Morrow 114-112 for Bernard Hopkins.
Jean Claude
Paquette 113-113.
Daniel Van de Wiele 114-114.
Hopkins felt embarrassed by the results, and why should he not be? Only one fighter out there looked 45 years old, and it was not the American.
"I ain't got no reaction" Hopkins said. "The world has seen it...Come on, man, I had the guy beat up and he was holding and
I'm the older guy?" He continued to say, "I won every round."
As for a rematch Jean Pascal?
"If he wants a rematch, any time."
UCONN
