**Bernard Hopkins Defies Odds with Historic Victory Over Pound-for-Pound Great After Betting on Himself and Stirring Controversy**

Hopkins’ Historic Upset: When Boxing’s ‘Executioner’ Conquered Trinidad

september 29, 2025

Twenty-four years ago today, on September 29, 2001, Bernard Hopkins delivered a defining performance of his illustrious boxing career, defeating Felix Trinidad in a captivating clash at Madison Square Garden. This victory was not merely a win; it marked a turning point in the middleweight division and heralded Hopkins’ ascent to undisputed champion.

The triumph came amidst a period of significant change in the boxing landscape. Recently, Terence Crawford’s win over Canelo Alvarez showcased a similar achievement – becoming an undisputed champion – but such feats were less common in the earlier years of the 21st century, particularly in the middleweight class.

A Tournament of Titans

In 2001, a unique tournament had been established, pitting three of the division’s premier fighters against each other, alongside the rising force of Felix Trinidad. Hopkins navigated the initial stages of this competition, setting the stage for a showdown with the previously undefeated Trinidad.

Pre-Fight Controversy and a Bold Bet

The build-up to the ‘And Then there Was One’ bout was laden with drama. Hopkins,known for his tactical brilliance and mental fortitude,not only placed a significant $100,000 wager on himself – despite being the underdog – but also intentionally provoked his opponent and his fanbase. He notably discarded a puerto Rican flag at press conferences, leading to disruptive riots and escalating tensions.

Trinidad entered the fight ranked number two in The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings, but that status would soon be challenged. Hopkins masterfully shifted the dynamics of the fight, eschewing a brawl in favor of a calculated boxing approach, ultimately dismantling Trinidad’s previously unblemished record.

Bernard Hopkins celebrates his victory over Felix Trinidad on september 29, 2001, in New York City.(Photo by Al Bello/ALLSPORT)

A Delayed Fight and Lingering Doubts

The original date for the Hopkins-Trinidad clash, September 15, was postponed due to the tragic events of 9/11. Years later, Trinidad attributed his performance on the rescheduled date, September 29, to the emotional toll of the attacks and a personal crisis that surfaced shortly before the fight. He suggested a different outcome might have occurred had the bout proceeded as initially planned.

Following the defeat, Trinidad continued his career with four additional bouts before retiring in 2008, concluding his career with a loss to Roy Jones Jr.

Fighter	Record (as of 2001)	Key Achievements
Bernard Hopkins	33-2-1	Former Middleweight Champion, Future Undisputed Champion
Felix Trinidad	40-0	Former IBF Welterweight and Middleweight Champion

Did You Know? Hopkins’ victory over Trinidad was part of a remarkable run that solidified his status as one of the most durable and strategic fighters in boxing history.

Pro Tip: Analyzing pre-fight mind games and psychological tactics can often provide insight into a fighter’s game plan and potential outcome.

The Legacy of Hopkins and Trinidad

The Hopkins-Trinidad fight remains a pivotal moment in boxing history, demonstrating the importance of mental toughness and strategic adaptability. Hopkins continued to compete at a high level for over a decade, demonstrating extraordinary longevity and becoming a symbol of resilience in the sport. His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring boxers and a testament to the power of dedication and discipline.

The fight also highlighted the impact of external factors, such as national tragedies and personal issues, on an athlete’s performance. Trinidad’s later reflections on the delayed fight and the emotional turmoil he faced underscore the human element often overlooked in the competitive world of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hopkins vs. Trinidad

• What was the importance of the Hopkins vs. Trinidad fight?

  It unified the middleweight division, crowning Bernard Hopkins as the undisputed champion.

• Why did the Hopkins vs. Trinidad fight get delayed?

  The fight was postponed due to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

• What did Bernard Hopkins do to provoke Felix Trinidad before the fight?

  Hopkins famously discarded a Puerto Rican flag,inciting unrest among Trinidad’s supporters.

• How did Bernard Hopkins win against felix Trinidad?

  Hopkins won by knockout in the 12th round after outboxing Trinidad.

• What did Felix Trinidad say after the fight?

  Trinidad later claimed the delay and personal issues affected his performance.

What are your thoughts on this classic boxing matchup? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How did Bernard Hopkins’ $100,000 bet on himself influence the perception of his victory over Jean Pascal?

The Unlikely Underdog: Hopkins vs. Jean Pascal (2011)

in December 2011, the boxing world witnessed a stunning upset. Bernard Hopkins, at the age of 46, defeated Jean Pascal to become the WBC and The Ring light heavyweight champion. This wasn’t just a win; it was a defiance of age, expectation, and a testament to Hopkins’ unwavering belief in himself – a belief he literally put his money on. The fight, held at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada, remains a landmark moment in boxing history, often discussed in conversations about boxing upsets and veteran comebacks.

Hopkins’ Bold bet: A Gamble on Longevity

What set this victory apart wasn’t just the age disparity between Hopkins and the then-29-year-old Pascal. It was the reported $100,000 wager Hopkins placed on himself.This wasn’t a publicity stunt; it was a deeply personal statement. Hopkins, throughout his career, had been underestimated, written off as too old, too slow. The bet was a declaration: he knew his body, his skills, and his ability to adapt better than anyone. This act fueled the Bernard Hopkins betting story and added another layer of intrigue to the already compelling narrative.

* The Stakes: $100,000 on a career-defining fight.

* the Message: Hopkins’ unwavering self-belief.

* The Impact: Increased media attention and public interest.

The Controversy: A Disputed Decision

The fight itself wasn’t without controversy. The judges’ scorecards were widely debated, with many believing Pascal had done enough to win. The official scores were 116-113, 116-113, and 114-114. The close decision sparked immediate outrage and accusations of biased judging, notably given the fight was held in Pascal’s hometown. This ignited a firestorm of debate within the boxing community and led to calls for greater clarity in judging.The aftermath saw Pascal demanding a rematch, further fueling the Hopkins-Pascal rivalry.

Hopkins’ Strategy: Outsmarting a Younger Opponent

Hopkins didn’t win by overpowering Pascal. He won by outsmarting him. His strategy centered around:

1. Defensive Mastery: Hopkins,renowned for his defensive skills,frustrated Pascal with his elusive movements and ability to avoid clean punches. He utilized his experience to anticipate pascal’s attacks.
2. Counter-Punching: Hopkins patiently waited for Pascal to overextend, then capitalized with sharp, accurate counter punches.
3. Pace Control: Hopkins dictated the tempo of the fight,slowing it down and preventing Pascal from establishing his rhythm. This was a key element in neutralizing Pascal’s power and stamina.
4. Mental Warfare: Hopkins’ pre-fight trash talk and unwavering confidence clearly rattled Pascal, contributing to his performance.

This tactical approach showcased Hopkins’ boxing IQ and ability to adapt,even at an advanced age.It’s a prime example of boxing strategy and ring generalship.

The Aftermath: Legacy and Lasting Impact

The victory over Pascal solidified Hopkins’ legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. It proved that age is just a number and that dedication, discipline, and mental fortitude can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

* Record-Breaking achievement: Hopkins became the oldest boxer to win a major world title.

* Inspiration to Athletes: His story inspired athletes across all sports to pursue their goals regardless of age or perceived limitations.

* Increased Respect: The win earned Hopkins renewed respect from fans, media, and fellow fighters.

Hopkins’ Financial Acumen: Beyond the Ring

Hopkins’ business ventures and financial savvy are often overlooked. he wasn’t just a skilled boxer; he was a shrewd investor. His $100,000 bet was a small part of a larger pattern of calculated risks and financial independence. He understood the importance of controlling his own narrative and maximizing his earning potential. This aspect of his career highlights the importance of financial literacy for athletes and boxing entrepreneurship.

Examining the Judging: A Look at Scoring Criteria

The controversy surrounding the scoring in the Pascal fight underscores the subjective nature of boxing judging. Judges evaluate fights based on several criteria:

* Effective Aggressiveness: Who is dictating the pace and landing the more impactful punches?

* Ring Generalship: Who controls the centre of the ring and dictates the flow of the fight?

* Clean Punching: The number and accuracy of landed punches.

* Defence: The ability to avoid punches and minimize damage.

Different judges may prioritize these criteria differently, leading to varying scorecards