LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Former world champion Bernard Hopkins plans to call time on his 28-year boxing career in December when he takes on compatriot Joe Smith in his farewell bout, it was announced on Monday.
Hopkins, 51, a multiple world champion at middleweight and lightheavyweight, will climb into the ring for his 65th and final fight at the Forum in Los Angeles on December 17.
The bout will see Hopkins, nicknamed “The Executioner’’, attempt to improve his record from its current 55-7-2, with 32 knockouts, against Smith (22-1, 18 KOs).
“A lot of people will focus on my age, the history of my run in the sport, the titles, etc…but I’m focused on one thing – knocking Joe Smith out,’’ Hopkins said.