Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Karo Murat in a unanimous decision victory. Most Hopkins fights are not necessarily exciting; however, this one was an exception. Hopkins, as is typical, started off slow but after round three he pretty much pitched a shutout for the remainder of the fight. Although he did not get a knoutout as he planned, Hopkins did come close in the final round when Murat turned his back to the champion and the Alien jumped all over the frustrated fighter.
Al Bernstein indicated Hopkins’ performance was extraordinary. That said, although Murat is not a top fighter, he is a good fighter and the mandatory challenger. Subsequently, I have to agree that his performance was extraordinary. He is 48 years old and as he told Jimmy Lennon Jr., he is a “freakin alien.” You can’t disregard him against fighters nearly 20 years his junior, as he continues to compete very well at a championship level.
Uncharactaristic of a Hopkins fight, this one was action packed and exciting. Murat was a tough fighter and landed some hard shots, but Bernard was just too much for him. Bernard looked like the younger fighter and frustrated Murat more and more as the fight progressed. It’s probably never been said in a Hopkins fight that the opponent fought dirtier than the aforementioned champion; however, Murat was blatantly dirty in this one. He constantly hit on the break, threw low blows, and punched Hopkins while he was on the canvas from a push. Steve Smoger could have easily took more than the one point he did take from the challenger. Similarly, even though it was rather funny and total Bernard fashion, Smoger could have taken a point from Hopkins in the middle of the fight when Bernard kissed Murat both on the back of the neck and head.
Nothing will surprise me with Hopkins who is now claiming to be looking at super fights in lower weight classes, even hinting at a catchweight fight at 160 with Floyd Mayweather or other top fighters in lower weight classes. Who knows what will happen, but he is intriguing none the less. You can’t even call it an alien resurrection because the guy never left, and has been performing at a high level for almost 30 years through parts of four different decades. Hats off to the old man. I actually can’t wait to see what happens in the Alien Sequel.
In the undercard bout, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin defended his WBO middleweight title, winning by TKO in the ninth round over Gabriel Rosado in a very competitive fight. Although the judges at ringside had some very questionable scores at the time of the stoppage, it was a great fight up until it was stopped due to a bad cut on Rosado’s left eyelid.
@ Felix, Murat may not be a big name but I think you are missing the point that Hopkins is a 48 year old man in an extremely dangerous and demanding sport and can still make 90% of the guys in his division look awful. Sure young defensive minded fighters like Ward will beat Hopkins at this age. However Chavez Jr??? That is just comedy that fat cry-baby was beaten by a guy (even though chavez got the decision) that Hopkins would have dominated similar to how he did Murat. Hopkins may not be thrilling but the man is a hell of a boxer who knows how to win even at 48. So show some respect cuz the old man is a living, fighting legend. Like him or not (which I dont) we got to acknowledge that if we truly consider ourselves Boxing fans.
It’s not that Murat is a great fighter or beating him is extraordinary, but that Murat is top 5 or 6 ranked fighter and was the mandatory challenger for Hopkins which makes things somewhat amazing. It is extraordinary that a higher ranked light heavyweight fighter nearly 20 years younger was made to look so poorly. It is also quite remarkable the conditioning Hopkins keeps at nearly 50 years old, which really is the most extraordinary given he continues to complete. Whether you think he looks like an idiot or that his fights are boring, there is something special about BHOP. I was never a big fan of his per se, but I do appreciate him. I am 36 years old now and don’t think I could athletically keep up even close with a 18 to 20 year old inanything, and particularly not a professional fighter. How about you?
What the Hell is so extraordinary about Hopkins old ass fighting a nobody?? Coming in with that mask made him look like an idiot..Fight Ward or even Chavez jr. if he can commit to training properly…Floyd is to small and he would still out box Hopkins…
Comments are closed.