THE STORY
On December 17, 2016, at The Forum in Inglewood, California, 51-year-old Bernard Hopkins faced Joe Smith Jr. in a WBC International light heavyweight title bout. In the eighth round, Smith landed a combination that sent Hopkins through the ropes and onto the floor. Unable to return within the 20-second count, Hopkins was declared defeated by technical knockout, marking the first stoppage loss in his 28-year career. This unexpected conclusion ended Hopkins' illustrious boxing tenure. (espn.com)
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Bernard Hopkins
WHY IT MATTERS
This fight marked the end of Bernard Hopkins' legendary boxing career, highlighting the challenges of competing at an advanced age in a physically demanding sport.