BERNARD HOPKINS was sent crashing through the ropes and down to the floor below as his career was ended in devastating fashion by Joe Smith.
The American veteran, 52 next month, couldn?t return to the ring within 20 seconds and lost his WBC light-heavyweight crown by technical knockout.
Smith?s brutal left hand caught Hopkins in the eighth and these incredible photos show the moment he was swept off his feet and sent crashing to the floor below.
Already ahead on points on two of the judges? scorecards, Smith ended the fight when he delivered a series of devastating blows to Hopkins? head.
It was the crushing left hook, however, that sent Hopkins flying through the ropes and onto the Forum floor in Los Angeles.
Hopkins, who was adamant he was in with a chance in the fight, said: ?I?m really still in shock they going to give him the fight.
?He shoved me out of the ring. I believe I hit my head. My ankle twisted when I hit the ground.
