Bernard Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs) says he will think about retirement following what turned out to be the worst loss of his career.
Hopkins was walloped by Sergey Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KOs), who united the light heavyweight division via a unanimous decision win Saturday in Atlantic City. The Russian landed nearly three times as many punches as Hopkins, who was overmatched from start to finish.
After the fight, Kovalev told HBO’s Max Kellerman that he thinks Hopkins should retire.
“He needs to stop (his) career, I think, because he’s already did a lot in boxing world and he needs to give opportunity to younger guys to be champions,” Kovalev said. “I’m next.”
Kovalev did praise Hopkins’ defense, and the Russian said he was ready to fight anyone next.
Hopkins agreed that “the better man won” the fight. The 49-year-old Philly native says he is going to contemplate hanging up the gloves, just like he has ever since turning 40.
“It’s 50-50 what I’m going to do,” said Hopkins. “But I’ve done more than what anyone’s expected me to do my whole career. I’m going to think about it. Everything’s 50-50, but it’s been like that (ever since I turned 40).”
Based on the sounds of things, Hopkins may be contemplating retirement, but he probably won’t. He’s still in good shape and better than most boxers out there, and he seems to love to fight. I bet he continues his career.
