The Executioner claims another victim

by Joseph Birmingham

Friday December 4, 2009 

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Bernard “The Executioner”  Hopkins extended his career record to 50-5-1 with a unanimous decision against Enrique Ornelas Wednesday night.  In a surprise upset, Australian Danny Green stopped Roy Jones Jr. early in the first round in Australia, thereby preventing the expected rematch between the Philadelphia native and the man who delivered the most telling defeat of his long career.

Roy Jones Jr is now 54-6 and, at 40, may retire after earning 8 titles in his 20 year career.  The veteran had been slated to fight Hopkins sometime next year pending the successful conclusion of the fight against Green, intended as a warmup for the long awaited rematch.

Meanwhile, “The Executioner” left no doubt he has gas left in his tank as he dominated the younger challenger throughout, actually appearing stronger late in the 12th round than in earlier rounds.   He dominated the middle rounds, staggering his younger opponent several times in the fifth and sixth rounds.  It seems probable he would have knocked Ornelas out if the 12th round had gone much longer, or if he had started his final flurry 30 seconds earlier as Enrique was all but out on his feet when the bout ended.   As it was, the unanimous decision showed him ahead by at least 8 points on all three judges scorecards.   “This is what happens when you take care of your body when you’re young in the brutal sport,” Hopkins said. “I invested in myself like you invest in money in the bank.”

Hopkins was introduced to a roaring crowd as the pride and joy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Flyers goalie Ray Emery who has Hopkins painted on his helmet, were among the 6,662 fans cheering on Hopkins

Based on the Roy Jones loss, Hopkins may next challenge WBA heavyweight champion David Haye for his biggest bout of 2010, a year in which he will turn 45 in January.  Hopkins, who once had a ten year prefect reign as middleweight champion, claimed “I’m going to be a problem next year” and re asserted his intentions to become heavyweight champion in 2010.

“The Executioner” will certainly shake things up in the boxing world next year.  His last hiatus was one of 14 months, and he well could have three matches including the one this week in the newxt 14months  before retiring as champion.

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Comments

3 Responses to “The Executioner claims another victim”

  1. rick on December 4th, 2009 3:36 pm

    I would love to see Hopkins-Haye next year. Hey, what do you think about the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight that may happen? Now that’s a fight!

  2. joseph on December 4th, 2009 3:48 pm

    Rick, I am really looking forward to that one. It is looking like it’s going to be a go next March, and I would have to give the edge to Mayweather with one note, he has to get out and attack early and establish his jab since he will probably be overpowered and has a history of hand injuries.

  3. rick on December 4th, 2009 9:00 pm

    Well it looks official. This will be the biggest buy in boxing history. UFC is great, but for one night, boxing will be back on top!

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