Bernard Hopkins became the oldest major world champion in history by beating Jean Pascal for the WBC light-heavyweight title.
Hopkins makes history by eclipsing Foreman as oldest world champion
Bernard Hopkins made history on Saturday night as he became the oldest fighter to win a major world championship by beating Jean Pascal for the WBC light-heavyweight title.
At the age of 46, Hopkins was given the unanimous points verdict at the Bell Centre in Montreal to also pick up the WBC, IBO and The Ring magazine titles from his 28-year-old opponent, who was making his fifth defence.
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.
Points verdict
Despite a late charge from Pascal, Hopkins did enough to win with the judges each having him ahead on points after the 12th round, the cards reading 115-113, 116-112, 115-114.
Hopkins was quoted in The
Globe and Mail, saying: "I didn't feel like I was 46 tonight, I felt more like 36.
"I can say I'm a great fighter, it was exciting, I think everybody enjoyed themselves."
Pascal admitted his two bouts, the first of which was a draw, against Hopkins had taught him lessons.
He said: "Bernard fought a great fight, he's a great champion, he has a great defence and knows a lot of tricks.
"These two fights will lead me to the next level, I learned a lot from Bernard and his style."
Hopkins, who says he will not retire until he is 50, will next fight Chad Dawson, who had a unanimous decision win over Adrian Diaconu in an elimination bout.
