Boxing: Hopkins oldest to win a world title

Published on 11/03/2013 01:47

Bernard Hopkins broke his own record and again became the oldest man to win a world title by beating Tavoris Cloud on points to claim the IBF light-heavyweight crown.

The 48-year-old benefited when Cloud was cut over his left eye in the sixth round.

Hopkins, who has been linked with a bout against Wales’ Nathan Cleverly, was victorious by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 at the Barclays Center, New York.

The former undisputed middleweight champion became the oldest boxer to hold a world title when he defeated Canada’s Jean Pascal for the WBC light-heavyweight championship in May 2011.

He was comfortably beaten by Chad Dawson in April last year – leading many to speculate on his retirement – but his latest victory has once more galvanised his career.