22 years ago

Date: 2nd February 2002

Title: WBC & IBF World Middleweight Titles

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Bernard Hopkins
( 40 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 158¾ lbs

Carl Daniels
( 47 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 160 lbs

On February 2, 2002, at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania, Bernard Hopkins defended his undisputed middleweight championship against Carl Daniels. Don King Productions promoted this bout, which was televised on HBO World Championship Boxing, with Jimmy Lennon Jr. serving as the ring announcer.

The fight held immense historical significance as Hopkins, a legend in the making, was on the brink of breaking Carlos Monzon's record of 14 middleweight title defences. A victory would give Hopkins his 15th successful defence and etch his name in the annals of boxing history, setting a new benchmark in the division.

Hopkins entered the ring as the WBC, WBA, and IBF middleweight champion and the newly crowned Ring Magazine titleholder. Daniels, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, a former WBA Super-welterweight champion, came in as the IBF's top-ranked contender, weighing in at the division limit of 160 pounds, while Hopkins was slightly under at 159 pounds.

From the first bell, Hopkins showcased his unparalleled skills and experience. He dictated the pace and distance of the fight, consistently outmanoeuvring and outlanding Daniels. As the rounds unfolded, Hopkins' dominance became increasingly palpable, with all three judges scoring the bout overwhelmingly in his favour.

After ten rounds of one-sided action, the scorecards reflected Hopkins' complete control: Steve Weisfeld had it 100-89, while Adalaide Byrd and Gary Ritter scored it 100-90. Recognizing the futility of continuing, Daniels' corner decided to retire their fighter at the end of the tenth round, giving Hopkins a TKO victory.

This win secured Hopkins' place in boxing history by breaking Monzon's record and showcased his continued dominance in the middleweight division. The victory marked Hopkins' 15th successful title defence, a record he would eventually extend to 20 before losing the titles.

The bout exemplified Hopkins' technical prowess and ring generalship, further cementing his status as one of the greatest middleweights in boxing history. It was a tough lesson for Daniels against a champion at the peak of his powers.