27 years ago

Bernard Hopkins vs Robert Allen

28th August 1998

Fight Details

Date: 28th August 1998
Venue: Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: IBF World Middleweight Title
Promoter: Don King
TV: Showtime

Fighters

Bernard Hopkins

Record: 34-2-1

Weight: 159 lbs

Robert Allen

Record: 22-2-0

Weight: 160 lbs

Fight Summary

On August 28, 1998, at the Las Vegas Hilton in Nevada, IBF Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins faced his mandatory challenger, Robert Allen, in what was supposed to be Hopkins' eighth title defence. The bout, however, ended in unusual circumstances.

Hopkins weighed in at 159 pounds, while Allen made the middleweight limit at 160 pounds. The fight was marked by frequent clinching, which led to multiple interventions by referee Mills Lane.

The scoring through the first three rounds could have been more consistent among the judges. Glen Hamada had Hopkins ahead 30-27, Bill Graham scored 29-28 for Hopkins, and Mike Glienna saw Allen leading 29-28.

The contest ended abruptly and controversially at 2:57 of the fourth round. During one of Lane's attempts to separate the fighters from a clinch, Hopkins was accidentally pushed out of the ring. The fall injured Hopkins and prevented him from continuing.

Given the incident's accidental nature and the fact that four rounds had not been completed, the fight was ruled a No-Contest. This decision meant that Hopkins retained his IBF Middleweight title.

The bout's financial stakes were significant for Hopkins, who, as the champion, earned $560,000 based on the percentage champions receive following a purse bid.

This inconclusive result left unresolved questions about Allen's challenge. As the #1 IBF Middleweight contender coming into the fight, the unfortunate accident cut Allen's opportunity for the title.