Associated Press
Late Saturday
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. ó After thoroughly confusing and dominating previously unbeaten Kelly Pavlik, Bernard Hopkins walked to the edge of the ring and stared at some of his detractors in the media.
The message was obvious. Don’t ever doubt me again, even at 43 years old.
“I’m tired” of having to prove himself, Hopkins said. “What do I have to do? Kill someone? I believe I am the most underrated fighter when it comes to defense, when it comes to offense, when it comes to my heart. In my heart, I fought like I had to prove something.”
Hopkins (49-5-1) showed himself to be one of boxing’s all-time greats Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall, taking Pavlik to school in a 12-round non-title fight in which he beat up and embarrassed the middleweight champion with skills honed in a magnificent 20-year career.
“To be 43 years old and doing anything in sports is good,” Hopkins said.
The one-sided victory could set a rematch with Roy Jones Jr. early next year, provided Hopkins’ longtime antagonist beats Joe Calzaghe next month in a fight in New York City. Calzaghe scored a controversial decision over Hopkins in April.
Jones beat Hopkins in a 12-round decision in 1993.
“If I am going to fight again, it has to be no later than January or February, or it’s a wrap,” Hopkins said, hinting at retirement.