B-Hop dropped twice early, dominates late, settles for a controversial draw in Canada
On December 18th, 2010 – Bernard Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KOs) almost did it again. Live on Showtime, The Executioner stepped into enemy territory to take on WBC Light Heavyweight titlist Jean Pascal in front of a jam packed, sell-out crowd of 17,000 screaming Canadian’s – everyone one of whom came to see their local hero Pascal. A win would put Hopkins in the history books as the oldest world champion ever in the history of professional boxing. Many are saying it was the best B-Hop fight they have seen in years. The end result was a majority draw that is being appealed up to the highest courts of boxing.
After a few weeks press conferences of both fighters throwing verbal darts at each other – the theme again was young hungry fighter in need of a big name win to boost his net value against the old lion who still feels that he is on top of his game, even if many others near him say the ship has sailed.
After two fairly dramatic entrances, the bell sounded and the fight began. In the beginning it looked like B-Hop might be showing his age as hit was sent to the canvas for the first time in 16 years by a Pascal right hand which seemed to have landed behind the head. Hopkins beat the count and was competitive through round round two but again was sent to the canvas by a flush right hand to the forehead in round three.
Like Philadelphia warrior that he is – Hopkins got up – stayed calm and continued to fight hard. For the first time in a while we now saw Hopkins fight as the aggressor. He moved forward patiently pounding the body then stepping inside to smother anything Pascal had to offer. By the time round 8 rolled around, Pascal was on the retreat and wore the facial expression of a lost soul. The old man was out punching and out producing his younger foe.
Hopkins clearly dominated rounds 10 – 12. Judge Daniel Vande Wiele needs to be put on the spot for inexplicably giving a 10-10 round in the 10th frame. No way pal!
With all that said – there are two schools of though. Many knew that there was no way Hopkins was going to get a decision in Canada. some the wiliest of boxing veterans will tell you that when you go into the champions backyard you have to go in there and take the belt – not hope that a close decision will go your way. Others think that this was a highway robbery. There have been strong indications that the WBC is going to order an immediate rematch. The question is, does Pascal want to take it after the way he looked at the end of the fight? More on this to come….
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