Bernard Hopkins, winner in a split decision vs. Beibut Shumenov.
He isn’t getting older, he’s getting better. In a history-making contest with the Unified Light Heavyweight World Championship belt on the line, 49 year old Bernard Hopkins prevailed over Beibut Shumenov to become the oldest fighter ever to unify a boxing world championship. Hopkins dazzled with his timing and, at times, with his showmanship. A short right hand in the 11th round from Hopkins sent Shumenov to the canvas for the fifth time in his career.
In his post-fight interview, Hopkins remarked, “It’s my job to get ready and to unify the championship before [I turn] 50.” Referring to Canada’s Light Heavyweight titleholder Adonis Stevenson, “Stevenson, I am coming to Canada. I am getting my papers together. I want to be the undisputed light heavyweight world champion this year, period.”
When ShowTime ringside reporter Jim Gray asked Hopkins about his legacy, he compared himself to another boxing great. “I describe my legacy like a Joe Frazier. We get knocked down but we get back up. I’ll let the historians analyze and debate over the years as I grow a deeper gray beard watching soap operas. I’ll let them break down my legacy.”
In the first co-feature, Shawn Porter overwhelmed Paulie Malignaggi to remain undefeated and retain his IBF Welterweight World Championship. The fourth round proved to be decisive for Porter when his powerful right to the temple dropped Malignaggi for only the fourth time in his career. Porter closed the show with a barrage of punches that sent Malignaggi down again and forced referee Sam Williams to wave off the fight without a count at 1:14.
Speaking about the win, Porter said, “I definitely needed this victory. To get it like that from a guy like this. He touched me in every way possible being in the ring with him. I knew what he was coming with. But I always had questions of my own. I came in and answered those questions tonight.”
In the second co-feature, Peter Quillin retained his WBO Middleweight World Championship with a unanimous decision win over Lukas Konecny. Quillin clearly had control of the fight for its duration.
He was the stronger, quicker and more effective fighter capturing 34 out of 36 rounds on the judge’s scorecards.
After the fight, Quillin said, “I’m thankful that I was able to get up in here with a tough customer in front of me and get up and fight.”