I have to be honest with everyone. I wish Bernard Hopkins would have finished his career having Bouie Fischer working his corner. While I’m not privy to the facts and inside information as to the reasoning for the split between both men, it is nonetheless a bit sad to have seen it happen. With all the controversy surrounding Bernard Hopkins back in 2001 and the several years thereafter, it seemed as though the bond between him and Bouie was unbreakable based on a mere handshake.
It was something that was a true rarity in today’s world of prenuptial agreements, lawyers, back-stabbing, constant negotiations and renegotiations. Respect was the word used to describe the relationship that both men had with one another. For one reason or another Mr. Fischer and Hopkins have seemingly parted ways and the highly knowledgeable Freddie Roach has now taken the lead role in training Bernard. Freddie is working in synergy with highly regarded tactician John David Jackson as well as former Hopkins cornerman Naseem Richardson (Naseem suffered a stroke in recent times and therefore had to relinquish his head trainer duties).
While the fanatics of the sport usually put a lot of weight on a fighter’s trainer and certain strategists they might have in camp, I believe that we will see the same Bernard as we’ve always seen. While Freddie is always a voice of reason and calm amidst the storm of violence, I expect him to just help guide the old veteran. There’s no need to push the old horse, all he needs is a nudge and Freddie is an expert nudger knowing not to fix an old clock when it still tells time quite well…
