Bernard Hopkins became the oldest fighter to win a major world championship as he claimed the WBC light-heavyweight title after defeating Jean Pascal at the age of 46. Hopkins wrested the WBC, IBO and The Ring magazine titles from his 28-year-old opponent, who was making his fifth defence at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Hopkins, who has won 52 fights and lost only five in a professional career spanning four decades, is the oldest fighter to take a major world belt, six months older than George Foreman when he took the heavyweight title with a victory over Michael Moorer in 1994.
The Philadelphia boxer weathered an early attack from his Canadian opponent before landing more punches and avoiding many of Pascal's power shots, jabbing intelligently and landing a number of heavy right-hands.
Hopkins also taunted his younger foe, dropping to do press-ups before the seventh round. Despite a late charge from Pascal, Hopkins did enough to win with the judges each having him ahead on points after the 12th round, the cards reading 115-113, 116-112, 115-114.
"I didn't feel like I was 46 tonight, I felt more like 36," Hopkins said. "I can say I'm a great fighter, it was exciting, I think everybody enjoyed themselves."
Pascal admitted his two bouts, the first of which was a draw against Hopkins, had taught him lessons. He said: "Bernard fought a great fight, he's a great champion, he has a great defence and knows a lot of tricks. These two fights will lead me to the next level, I learned a lot from Bernard and his style."
Hopkins will next fight Chad Dawson, who had a unanimous decision win over Adrian Diaconu in an elimination bout.
Hopkins, who has won 52 fights and lost only five in a professional career spanning four decades, is the oldest fighter to take a major world belt, six months older than George Foreman when he took the heavyweight title with a victory over Michael Moorer in 1994.
Hopkins also taunted his younger foe, dropping to do press-ups before the seventh round. Despite a late charge from Pascal, Hopkins did enough to win with the judges each having him ahead on points after the 12th round, the cards reading 115-113, 116-112, 115-114.
"I didn't feel like I was 46 tonight, I felt more like 36," Hopkins said. "I can say I'm a great fighter, it was exciting, I think everybody enjoyed themselves."
Pascal admitted his two bouts, the first of which was a draw against Hopkins, had taught him lessons. He said: "Bernard fought a great fight, he's a great champion, he has a great defence and knows a lot of tricks. These two fights will lead me to the next level, I learned a lot from Bernard and his style."
Hopkins will next fight Chad Dawson, who had a unanimous decision win over Adrian Diaconu in an elimination bout.
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