Photos: Bernard Hopkins dethrones Tavoris Cloud, captures IBF light heavyweight crown at age 48

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Article by Chris Robinson / Photos courtesy of Naoki Fukuda

On Saturday night, inside of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, living legend Bernard Hopkins once again dethroned a younger champion in out slicking Tavoris Cloud over twelve rounds.

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Seeming as relaxed as ever, the 48-year-old Hopkins picked his spots against Cloud and prevailed by score of 116-112 on all three scorecards. With the victory, Hopkins improves his record to 53-6 with 32 knockouts while claiming the IBF light heavyweight title.

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“I just wanted to use my speed and reflexes, which I still have at 48 years old,” Hopkins stated in the post-fight interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman.

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“I stuck to the plan and I just took a little time to get warmed up,” Hopkins continued. “Like I said in the HBO meeting yesterday, I was going to work on combination punches and it’s hard to get adjust to it when you’re throwing one or two punches like I had my whole career.”

Always one to play mind games during the lead up to his fights, Hopkins gave Cloud his due and feels he can still be a player at 175 pounds.

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“Once I found that rhythm, things became easy and I seen a lot of telegraphing punches coming from Cloud,” Hopkins explained. “But he’s a gutsy, strong, young champion. I told him that I won’t be here too long, only five more years. He will definitely be a champion again.”

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Once again, another grand night for the marvel Bernard Hopkins.

Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com and www.HustleBoss.com

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