1980s–2010sAmericanOrthodoxretired
Bernard Hopkins
“The Executioner / The Alien”
Record: 55–8–2 (32 KO)Weight classes: Middleweight, Light heavyweightBorn: 1965-01-15
Titles & honours
- Undisputed Middleweight Champion (2001–2005)
- WBC / IBO / Ring Light Heavyweight Champion (2011)
Biography
Bernard Humphrey Hopkins Jr., born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1965, served 56 months at Graterford State Correctional Institution for armed robbery before being released in 1988. As a pro he made 20 consecutive middleweight title defences (1995-2005) — the all-time divisional record — and unified the IBF / WBC / WBA / IBO titles in 2001 by stopping Felix Trinidad in the 12th round. He became the oldest fighter ever to win a world title at age 46 (May 2011, over Jean Pascal) and successfully defended at 49. Retired 2016 at age 51. His longevity and his calculated, defence-first approach — built on smothers, catches, and counter-shots — earned him the second nickname 'The Alien.'