Tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET a Showtime boxing card will commence that will be headlined by the ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins (54-6-2, 34 KO) who will face off against Beibut Shumenov (14-1-0, 9 KO) in a battle that can be live streamed by clicking this link.
At 49 years old, Hopkins is the oldest champion in boxing history. His two-fight winning streak proves he isn't done in the sweet science yet, however, and spawned his new nickname "The Alien." He calls himself that because of his otherworldly conditioning and ability to school fighters decades his junior.
"To be 49 years old, approaching 50, and knocking on the door of being a senior citizen, it's a profound statement of my dedication," Hopkins said. His trainer Naazim Richardson chimed in as well, in his belief Hopkins' feats are going underappreciated.
"I want people to acknowledge that we're dealing with a special athlete in Bernard," said Richardson. "Thirty is old in boxing. Guys still perform at 30, but it's old. So what he's doing is ridiculous."
Whether Hopkins wins or loses tonight, his legacy in the sport is unshakeable. That said, beating Shumenov is crucial to a major goal Hopkins plans on achieving. "Fifty is a milestone. I want to defend the title at 50," Hopkins said.
"When I turn 50 years old, providing everything goes the way I planned, I want to do one of those big celebrations with a big megafight at 50, like you'd do a big 50-year-old [birthday] party. Can you imagine?"
Shumenov is no pushover though, with real power that has helped him take three of his last five fights via knockout. "I want to fight the best and I am fighting the best," Shumenov said.
"I've been dreaming all of my life for this moment. I've been ready to fight at this level for several years. I am fighting one of the greatest ever, who beat so many other legends and great fighters. I am ready to show the world what I'm capable of. I will show the world that I am the best light heavyweight champion."
Sports World News prediction: Hopkins by split decision
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