Twitter Reacts to Bernard Hopkins Making History: Friends and Old Rivals Pay Respect

by Scott Christ on May 22, 2011 1:23 PM EDT in Boxing News Analysis

Bernard Hopkins won the light heavyweight championship at age 46 last night. Admiration has poured in since the scores were announced. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

Friends, old rivals, and boxing admirers of the legendary Bernard Hopkins sent out messages of respect and congratulations to the 46-year-old "Executioner," who last night became the oldest man to ever win a major title by beating Jean Pascal in Montreal to win the legitimate light heavyweight championship of the world.

Hopkins reigned for years as dominant middleweight champion before losing a pair of close, disputed decisions to Jermain Taylor in 2005. In 2006, he was lined up for light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver in a two-division jump that most felt at the time Hopkins was doing simply for the money. He destroyed Tarver. In 2008, he was again thought to be washed up after losing tight against Joe Calzaghe, and fought Kelly Pavlik. He destroyed Pavlik.

Last night, he mentally and physically dominated Pascal, once again defeating Father Time. Here are some reactions from those in boxing, via Twitter.

But before we jump to reactions from Joe Calzaghe, Antonio Tarver, Andre Dirrell and others, here's one that stood out to me today. This was posted before the fight. I think it says a lot.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but an habit!!less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyJean Pascal
jeanpascalchamp

After the jump: Tons of kind words for the new champ from Joe Calzaghe, Lennox Lewis, Antonio Tarver, and more.

@THEREALBHOP congrats old man great win!! ;)less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyJoe Calzaghe
RealJoeCalzaghe

just want to send out a well deserved congrats to B-Hop for a workman like UD to become the oldest man to win a world title.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyAntonio Tarver
AntonioTarver

B-Hop career has been filled with record breaking marks and it just goes to show what can be achieved through hard work, true legend.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyAntonio Tarver
AntonioTarver

Congratulations to B-Hop for his victory. He's a true champ.less than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplySergio Martínez
maravillabox

AND NEW LIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLDless than a minute ago via ÜberSocial Favorite Retweet ReplyKendall Holt
Kholt456

congrats to Bernard Hopkins God Is Great and he proved it tonight Thank you BHOPless than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® Favorite Retweet ReplyVanes Martirosyan
VanesBoxing

Bernard did his thing, 46! That's insane man, I have a feeling dawson vs hopkins don't happen thoughless than a minute ago via ÜberSocial Favorite Retweet ReplyIshe Smith
IsheSugarShay

Bhop is a strong man!!!!#seriousless than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® Favorite Retweet ReplyLuis A
TeamCollazoBK

@THEREALBHOP JUST SET A NEW STANDARD FOR BOXERS ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! I LOVE THIS MAN!!!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyAndre Dirrell
andredirrell

@THEREALBHOP brings it home at 46 years old. What an amazing fighter of this era. One of the best. @GoldenBoyBoxing @hboboxing #boxingless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyRobert Guerrero
GHOSTBOXING

@THEREALBHOP congrats! You did it twice!less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPad Favorite Retweet ReplySteve Cunningham
usscunningham

Congrats to @THEREALBHOP!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyFrankie Jr. ✔
espinozaboxing

@THEREALBHOP Congrats!! Happy for you bro!!less than a minute ago via Echofon Favorite Retweet ReplyAndre S.O.G. Ward
andreward

@THEREALBHOP. RESPECT!!! (still mad at ya, though).less than a minute ago via TweetCaster Favorite Retweet ReplyLou DiBella
loudibella

@THEREALBHOP is a great fighter and living legend... but there aren't too many B-Hop's out there. #StayingRetiredless than a minute ago via Tweetie for Mac Favorite Retweet ReplyLennox Lewis
LennoxLew1s

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Comments

Hello everyone...

signed up last week but have been reading this site for a while now, I’m just getting back into Boxing, so bear with me guys.

Back on topic – Nice to see B-Hop getting his well deserved props. Great fight last night. Really enjoyed it. :)

by Prize-fighter on May 22, 2011 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

Hello

Good to have another boxer/boxing fan on board.

by Matt Mosley on May 22, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks, man. I look forward to the future fights/discussions on here :)

by Prize-fighter on May 22, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

also,

I managed to catch that Roy Jones fight yesterday, it was sad to see… I think he should hang it up. He did look ’’alright’’ early on though, but still; a shell of his former self.

by Prize-fighter on May 22, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep

I saw it and agree.
The ending especially was pretty hard to watch.

by Matt Mosley on May 22, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

And good to see all these pros give Hopkins his due respect.

by Matt Mosley on May 22, 2011 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

Yes Matt

I’ve never been a Hopkins fan but you’ve just got to give the guy total respect. His body has always been a temple and doesn’t it show .
As for Roy , nothing left , looked soft and tired(as in nearly falling asleep tired) and very , very old. I hope he goes now because bad things will happen otherwise , if they already haven’t.
It’s shit to watch Roy like that. Really gutting.

Disarm you with a smile ....

by Sir Jack Daniels on May 22, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions