Boxer Hopkins hoping historic title win proves age is just a number

Unlike other boxers who seem to age a little with each punch they absorb, Bernard Hopkins is still a marvel to watch at 49 years of age. The Philadelphia native is gearing up for his 66th professional bout as he tries to increase his record as the oldest world champion in boxing history. Hopkins, who turned pro in October 1988 when Ronald Reagan was president, will be two months shy of his 50th birthday when he seeks to defy Father Time once more by squaring off against Russian Sergey Kovalev in a light heavyweight unification fight on Saturday at Boardwalk Hall arena. George Foreman was the oldest title holder until Hopkins showed up on the scene. Foreman last fought at 48 and won his last title at 45.

This isn’t about being an athlete, a boxer or whatever it is. This is something separate. Me as a man. I’ve been here since 1965. I have been special ever since. I still have the hunger to prove myself.

Bernard Hopkins, who hopes to add Kovalev’s WBO title to his WBA and IBF 170-pound belts

Hopkins hopes to dispose of Kovalev, who is 21 years his junior, and then defend his title at age 50. But the Russian slugger is Hopkins’ most dangerous challenger in more than a decade. Kovalev has only one minor blemish on his career, a technical draw. In his 25 wins, only four opponents have lasted more than four rounds. Kovalev, who goes by the nickname “Krusher” has earned a reputation as a hard puncher. In 2011, Kovalev fought and beat Roman Simakov who suffered brain injuries and died three days later.

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