Watch: @beastsmithjr knocks @THEREALBHOP out of the ring 53 seconds into round 8, ending the fight. #Final1 https://t.co/Pj2svLUlC9
— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) December 18, 2016
Bernard Hopkins got knocked out of the ring in his final fight
Hopkins’ career ends in an unfortunate way.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
You hate to see a great boxer like Bernard Hopkins retire. The 51-year-old boxer finally decided to hang it up and declared that Saturday’s fight against Joe Smith Jr. would be his last.
And after seeing the way in which Hopkins went out — this time quite literally — you can’t help but feel for the guy. In the eight round, Smith got Hopkins in the corner and proceeded to land a huge combo, forcing Hopkins to gradually make his way from leaning on the ropes to falling from the ring.
Hopkins would hit his head as he fell down and the referee named Smith the winner as a result of a 20-second count out. After finally getting up, Hopkins said that he was pushed instead of repeatedly hit.
The thought of athletes going out on their shields is often told in relation to a lionized sense of stoicism and resolve but when you finally see it, it’s far from it; you’re concerned for their well being instead of focused on things like legacy. We’re glad Hopkins was able to get up after that. Enjoy retirement B-Hop.
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