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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!!
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!! ;)
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.
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.
Congratulations to B-Hop for his victory. He's a true champ.
AND NEW LIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
congrats to Bernard Hopkins God Is Great and he proved it tonight Thank you BHOP
Bernard did his thing, 46! That's insane man, I have a feeling dawson vs hopkins don't happen though
Bhop is a strong man!!!!#serious
@THEREALBHOP JUST SET A NEW STANDARD FOR BOXERS ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! I LOVE THIS MAN!!!
@THEREALBHOP brings it home at 46 years old. What an amazing fighter of this era. One of the best. @GoldenBoyBoxing @hboboxing #boxing
@THEREALBHOP congrats! You did it twice!
Congrats to @THEREALBHOP!
@THEREALBHOP Congrats!! Happy for you bro!!
@THEREALBHOP. RESPECT!!! (still mad at ya, though).
@THEREALBHOP is a great fighter and living legend... but there aren't too many B-Hop's out there. #StayingRetired