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Hopkins versus Pascal: History making or a passing of the torch? By Socrates Celestial PhilBoxing.com Sun, 19 Dec 2010  Decades separate the two fighters in age and are set to make history on December 18, 2010 in Quebec City. Throwback fighter Bernard ?The Executioner? Hopkins (51-5-1,32KO) is due to fight the new sensation and current titleholder, Jean Pascal (26-1, 16KO). The 28-year-old Pascal, who hails from Quebec, will be representing his hometown against a Philadelphia born legend, 45 year old, Bernard Hopkins. This bout offers its own set of rewards for each fighter in this war set for the WBC Light-Heavyweight title. Young champion Pascal is content with a world title fight against one of Boxing?s most regarded fighters and that it is to be held in his hometown Canada. Seasoned pugilist Hopkins has the invested interest of possibly becoming the oldest fighter in Boxing History to win a world title. Currently George Foreman holds this record for being the oldest titleholder, knocking out Michael Moore at the age of 45 years old back in 1994. Hopkins is also 45 years old to date, but a win would allow him to steal this auspicious record by a matter of 38 days. Pascal is hoping to stop him from achieving this goal. Pascal?s reign is filled with success over the divisions best pushing for critics and fans to take a serious look at this prodigy?s career. His resume is filled with wins over Silvio Branco, division leader Chad Dawson and twice over the impressive Adrian Diaconu. His only loss was to a participant in the Super Six tournament Carl Froch. Some believe that Pascal?s streak is in immanent danger fighting the renowned ?Executioner?, but as far as experts and odds makers go, the sports books place Pascal as the favorite with 2-1 odds. Since losing in the United Kingdom, Pascal has remained undefeated in his hometown of Quebec. At the Toronto press conference held in October of this year, the enthusiasm beamed off of the ?Young Lion? Pascal as nicknamed by retired fight legend Oscar De La Hoya. The president of Golden Boy Promotions was filled with accolades and addressed that ?This Young Lion looks very hungry for a win. We know that. We also know that he is stepping into the ring with a very experienced Lion as well?. The eager Pascal was set to fight the world stating, ?I know that Hopkins is the man, but I?m the new kid on the block. I am ready to fight him. Put anyone in front of me and I will fight him. If aliens landed on our planet I would fight them too!? The light hearted press conference hosted by Yvon Michel, Pascal?s promoter, showed good relations between Golden Boy Productions and GYM, Michel?s promotional company. The presser?s attention was stolen by the humorous banter between Hopkins and Pascal. The ever-witty Hopkins was able to illustrate his seriousness in the industry and his loyalty to his career, while still showing his youthful spirit with clever conversation. Top photo: Pascal (L) and Hopkins. 
The author with Jean Pascal. Photos by Rob Cruz. The event, coined ?Dynasty?, will prove to be a pivotal point in the light-heavyweight division. With a Hopkins win it will hinder Pascal?s hot streak and his climb to a pound-for-pound rating, as so hopefully desired and expressed by the younger fighter. It will also propel Hopkins into boxing history as the oldest title winner to date. An achievement not easily earned with the young strong fighter being 17 years his junior. A Pascal win would solidify the titleholder?s reputation and mark a large victory for the fast up and comer. The coveted pound-for-pound rating would be one step closer for the champion. It would not end the career of the great Hopkins, but it could be signs that the end of an era is within closing distance. In any event, this fight offers the possibility of being one of the year?s best fights. It will definitely stamp the division and bring one fighters career to a new high. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Socrates Celestial.  |
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