Bernard Hopkins became the oldest fighter to win a major world championship as he claimed the WBC light-heavyweight title after defeating Jean Pascal at the age of 46.
Hopkins wrested the WBC, IBO and The Ring magazine titles from his 28-year-old opponent, who was making his fifth defense at the Bell Centre.
Hopkins (52-5-2) is the oldest fighter to take a major world belt, six months older than George Foreman when he took the heavyweight title with a victory over Michael Moorer in 1994.
The Philadelphia boxer weathered an early attack from his Montreal opponent before landing more punches and avoiding many of Pascal's power shots, jabbing intelligently and landing a number of right-handers.
Hopkins also taunted his younger foe, dropping to do press-ups before the seventh round.
Despite getting hurt in the 12th Round, Hopkins survived and did enough to win.
Classic
Title WBC, IBO
Division Light Heavyweight
Rounds 12
Venue
Bell Centre
Place
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Favorite Pascal (-130) Hopkins (+110)
Profile
Rankings
Hopkins was ranked as BoxRec's top light heavyweight; Pascal was second.
Scoring
Hopkins
115-113, 116-112, 115-114
Facts
This bout was a rematch of their first fight five months earlier in which most ring experts thoughts Hopkins won. The bout was ruled a draw.
At 46, Hopkins became the oldest man to win a major world title.
51 5 2 Record 26 1 1
32 KOs 16
46 Age 28
6'1" Height 5'11"
74" Reach 72"
174¾ lbs Weight 175 lbs
Orthodox Stance Orthodox