20 years ago

Date: 13th December 2003

Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Title: WBC, WBA & IBF World Middleweight Titles

Promoter: Don King

Tv: HBO PPV

Bernard Hopkins
( 42 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 160 lbs

William Joppy
( 34 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 159 lbs

On December 13, 2003, Bernard Hopkins and William Joppy clashed in a middleweight title unification bout at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The event, promoted by Don King, saw Hopkins defending his WBA Super, WBC, and IBF titles against Joppy, who held the WBA "regular" championship.

At the division limit of 160 pounds, Hopkins faced off against the 159-pound Joppy in a mandated WBA defence. The bout went the full 12 rounds, with Hopkins delivering a masterclass in boxing.

The judges' scorecards clearly reflected Hopkins' dominance: Melvina Lathan scored it 119-109, John Stewart 118-109, and Steve Weisfeld 119-108, all in favour of Hopkins. Referee Earl Morton oversaw the action.

Hopkins' performance was not just notable; it was record-breaking. His offensive output was unprecedented. He broke the CompuBox record for power punches landed by a middleweight, connecting with 375 such blows. In total, Hopkins landed an impressive 419 out of 819 punches thrown, a feat that will be remembered in boxing history.

The bout was further intrigued by a side bet between the fighters. Hopkins wagered $50,000 to knock out Joppy, who put up $25,000 in return. Despite his dominant performance, Hopkins couldn't secure the stoppage, leading him to acknowledge post-fight that Joppy had "earned that $50,000."

This victory marked Hopkins' 17th defence of his IBF title, 4th of his WBC belt, and 3rd of his WBA Super championship. He also retained The Ring Magazine's middleweight title. Following the loss, the WBA declared their "regular" middleweight title vacant, further consolidating Hopkins' position atop the division.

The fight showcased Hopkins' technical prowess and stamina, cementing his status as the premier middleweight of his era. For Joppy, while unable to upset the odds, his durability in lasting the distance against such a dominant champion was noteworthy.