Bernard Hopkins became the first fighter to stop Oscar De La Hoya in a stunning display, which left his rival in agony.
Hopkins sent records shattering throughout his stellar career, with the gifted operator able to bring rarely emulated success across multiple decades.
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Hopkins retired with an incredible record and is one of the most decorated boxers everCredit: getty
The American’s career spanned 28 years, but what was so impressive across his 67-fight career was how he was able to remain at such a high level even during his twilight years.
But one of his most iconic outings came when he shared the ring with De La Hoya in 2004.
Their fight was marketed as a clash of both style and personality.
As they laced up their gloves, with the WBO belt on the line, Hopkins was out to make history.
He did just that, in ways that he had probably not even envisioned as he entered the ring that night.
After ending their fight with a perfectly placed shot, that left his opponent folded over, Hopkins went on to continue etching his name in boxing’s history books.
What happened in the ring that night?
De La Hoya edged the early rounds on the judge’s scorecards, as Hopkins started out more cautiously.
The Mexican-American had thrown more punches in the second round, which contributed to his early success.
But he failed to inflict any real damage on Hopkins, who was focusing on making mental notes as his opponent scored the early points.
In the third round, Hopkins managed to edge a lead on the scorecards as he began to increase the pressure on De La Hoya.
As the fight progressed past the fifth, ‘The Alien’ was beginning to wear his rival down with calculated body shots.
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Hopkins grew more aggressive in the later rounds as De La Hoya’s flurries droppedCredit: Getty
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The moment Hopkins made history and left De La Hoya grimacing as the referee counted him outCredit: Getty
De La Hoya’s speed began to decline, while Hopkins remained composed.
In the eighth round, De La Hoya was visibly effected by a few body shots, which ultimately foreshadowed his fate.
As Hopkins sent ‘Golden Boy’ down in the ninth round, he became the first man to knock De La Hoya out.
He also became the first boxer in history to be in possession of the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO 160lbs titles simultaneously.
And so began the four-belt era.
What happened to Bernard Hopkins after beating Oscar De La Hoya?
With his legacy cemented as one of the greatest, he continued his middleweight reign that spanned over 10 years.
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De La Hoya and Hopkins actually work together now as promoters under the former’s Golden Boy PromotionsCredit: Getty
When he lost via split decision to Jermain Taylor in 2005, it marked the end of his impressive run at the top.
But, instead of retiring he made the moved up to light heavyweight, despite being almost 41.
How else did Hopkins make history in his career?
Hopkins broke his own sensational record of being the oldest champion in the sport’s history on multiple occasions.
He first claimed the record, aged 46, when he defeated Jean Pascal for the WBC and lineal light heavyweight titles.
The record was previously held by George Foreman, who was the previous oldest champion at 45.
Two years after first dethroning Foreman, Hopkins broke his own record when he beat Tavoris Cloud in 2013.
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Foreman had first set the record when he beat Michael Moorer in 1994
Breaking his own record, at 48, as he claimed the IBF light heavyweight title, but that wasn’t enough for Hopkins.
The 49-year-old gave it one more try, when he faced Beibut Shumenov for the WBA light heavyweight title.
In winning that bout and extending his once more, he also unified the divisions titles.
Unfortunately his career ended in defeat, as he suffered a brutal defeat to Sergey Kovalev, followed by a failed return against Joe Smith Jr.
That spelled an end to his sensational career of longevity, although to this day the, now retired, legend still holds the record.