Bernard Hopkins turned 49 last month, but the voice and bravado still sound like a boxer enjoying his prime. At an age when most fighters are looking for the nearest rocking chair, Hopkins finds himself in the middle of one of the most intriguing divisions in boxing and ready to cash in on a big 2014.
He is the reigning IBF light heavyweight champion, which gives him one of the prestigious belts in the 175-pound division that is gaining more attention because of two fighters with impressive knockout power. Adonis Stevenson, 36, of Canada is the WBC champion, and Sergey Kovalev, 30, of Russia is the WBO belt-holder. Both are gaining attention because of their punching power.
Stevenson is 23-1 with 20 knockouts, while Kovalev has stopped 21 opponents in his 23-0-1 record. Kovalev’s last six fights have not gone beyond the fourth round, while Stevenson won his title last June by stopping Chad Dawson in the first round.
Kovalev will defend his title against Cedric Agnew (26-0, 13 KOs) of Chicago on March 29 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, while Stevenson will make his next defense against Andrzej Fonfara (25-2, 15 KOs) of Poland on May 24 in Montreal. If both are victorious, the two could meet in a highly anticipated bout this fall, or either could decide to test himself against the ageless wonder Hopkins (54-6-2, 32 KOs).
“There hasn’t been this kind of buzz in the division for a while, but there is now because you have two big punchers,” Hopkins told The Post. “People always love knockouts because skills come secondary and brain damage comes first.”
Some might suggest Hopkins would be risking brain damage to get in the ring with either Stevenson or Kovalev. But those familiar with his career understand Hopkins shouldn’t be underestimated. Read between the lines and it sounds as if Hopkins has a plan: Let Stevenson and Kovalev beat each other up before he faces the victor.
With Kovalev and Stevenson signed to fights this spring, Hopkins is finalizing a deal to meet WBA champion Beibut Shumenov, 30, of Kazakhstan. An April 19 date is being discussed. Shumenov (14-1, 9 KOs) doesn’t have the experience or punching power of Stevenson or Kovalev, but is still a formidable opponent for any 49-year-old.
If Kovalev and Stevenson win their upcoming bouts, a match between the two could be set for later this year.
“The public and fans want this fight,” Kovalev said. “This year will be the fight, I’m sure.”
If Hopkins defeats Shumenov, he will be waiting for the victor between Stevenson and Kovalev.
“I’m blessed to even be in the conversation at almost 50 years old,” Hopkins said. “When anyone in any other sport wins a championship at 35 or 40, it’s a big deal. But I’m still looking to collect as many belts as I can. I’ve got at least four pairs of pants and I need belts for all of them.”
Hopkins regards Stevenson as the king of the division because of his victory over Dawson, who won a majority decision over Hopkins in 2012.
“The man that beat the man is Adonis Stevenson,” Hopkins said. “Until he gets beat by someone, he’s still the man. But let’s see how long he can keep it.”
Kovalev wants to prove he’s the man. His trainer, John David Jackson, insists his fighter is not just a knock-out artist.
“He has boxing skills, but nobody has had a chance to really see those because most guys don’t go past four rounds,” Jackson said. “He’s not just one-dimensional. Sergey has a lot of different tools to work with. Maybe Cedric will make the fight last longer and Sergey can showcase his talents.”
Hopkins will be watching.