Hopkins, (55-8-2, 32 KOs), whose first professional fight occurred when Smith was a toddler, was in the ring for the first time in over two years, and it showed.. fighting at a methodical tempo against his more fresher, stronger opponent. Regardless, Bernard Hopkins hasn't reigned at the top of his sport for two decades for nothing, and although Smith had all of the physical advantages, Hopkins superior skill and defense to seemed to be serving him well through the early rounds, sneaking in enough right hands in between Smith’s attacks, to legitimately claim two of the first four sessions.. Smith however only fought in spurts, weighing up what was in front of him, allowing Hopkins time to catch breath and control parts of the action.
Smith whom was categorically thrust into this opportunity on the strength of his huge upset knockout of Andrzej Fonfara in June, finally started to pick up the pace in round five, forcing the action and making Hopkins visibly uncomfortable. To his credit, Hopkins made the necessary adjustments in round six, slipping many of Smith’s punches before landing counters of his own.. Smith kept coming forward, growing in confidence and by the eighth round it was clear Hopkins was having trouble keeping Smith at bay.. From out of nowhere, the end came when Smith landed a left, right, left combination as Hopkins was laying along the ropes, the final shot forcing Hopkins through the ropes and onto the ballroom floor.. Hopkins fell approximately three feet to the concrete, taking the majority of the force on his shoulders and head. There was a moment of confusion over whether Hopkins was able to return to the ring, but in a shocked and distressed state he officially retired due to an ankle injury, handing Smith the victory of his career. Bernard originally made a statement that he was pushed from the ring, but in hindsight the whole incident left Bernard in a confused frame of mind to comment.. The time came at :57 of round 8.
No comments:
Post a Comment