49 year old living legend Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins is facing what many pundits deem the toughest opponent of his career in undefeated 31 year old Russian light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. The fight takes place next Saturday, November 8th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Hopkins holds the record for the oldest man to capture a significant championship belt in boxing, at 49 years old. He started his career in 1988, when Kovalev was just 5 years old. Bernard has changed his nickname form "The Executioner" to "The Alien" because what he is accomplishing inside of the boxing ring is not human.
To be almost 50 years old and beating fighters who are often 10-15 years his junior is remarkable. How does Hopkins do it? Well, Bernard has always prided himself on hitting, and not getting hit, which is the essence of boxing. Boxing isn't about who packs the harder punch, who has the quickest hands, or who has the best chin. Its about hitting your opponent, and not getting hit back. This is what Hopkins has done best over a 26 year career, compiling a professional record of 55-6-2.
Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev on the other hand, also lives up to his nickname. He has a pro record of 25-0-1 with 23 wins coming by way of knockout. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, as are all championship fights, yet Kovalev has never been past the 8th round in his pro career. Kovalev usually makes quick work of his opponents, knocking them out early, and exciting fans. This fight is one of those great clash of styles fights, and is building up to be one of the better fights of the year. Come November 8th, we'll see if the old man Hopkins, who has defied all odds to get to this point, still has something left in the tank, or if Kovalev will reign supreme.
(Photo Credit: http://thaboxingvoice.com/will-the-alien-hopkins-abduct-kovalev-because-of-distractions/32602)
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