Bernard Hopkins will bow out as the oldest world champion in the sport’s history after he claimed the light-heavyweight title at 48.
‘The Executioner’, however, isn’t alone when it comes to long and successful careers in the boxing world, so here are five more of the oldest champions in the world…
GEORGE FOREMAN
At 45 and in the second phase of his career, Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to claim the WBA heavyweight strap in 1994.
George Foreman lands a straight right on Michael Moorer.
THULANI MALINGA
‘Sugar Boy’ Malinga was just eight days short of his 42nd birthday when he beat Robin Reid for the WBC super-middle-weight crown in December 1997.
BOB FITZSIMMONS
In 1903, he made history by becoming the first three-weight world champ when he outpointed George Gardner at the age of 40.
ROBERTO DURAN
‘Hands of Stone’ was closing in on his 38th birthday when he earned a split decision victory against Iran Barkley for the WBC middleweight title in 1989.
JOE WALCOTT
Jersey Joe’ beat Ezzard Charles in March 1951 to claim the world heavyweight title at an official age of 37. However, many believe he was much older than that.
Joe Walcott (right)