Bernard Hopkins vs Gilbert Baptist & Segundo Mercado 1 - Underrated fights

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Flo_Raiden, Apr 21, 2026.


  1. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Bernard Hopkins has always been called a dull boring fighter for the longest time, mainly judging him during his career after the Trinidad bout when he was already 36 years old. By the time he fought a more defensive style he was already older and had to rely on his skills alone to stay competitive with the bigger, younger fighters. Most people don't even seem to know that during his younger years he was a much more aggressive, high output offensive fighter who wasn't afraid to slug it out. Hopkins' fights with Gilbert Baptist and first fight against Segundo Mercado are examples of Hopkins being involved in terrific 2-way battles.

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    Flo_Raiden, Apr 21, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, Apr 21, 2026
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  2. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    @Flo_Raiden wasn’t the first Mercado fight in Ecuador at altitude? I remember Hopkins getting dropped twice.

    Funny to think that it took him three title fights to win a strap after the Jones loss and the Mercado draw. Did the business in the rematch against Meecado though.
     
    Jel, Apr 21, 2026
    Jel, Apr 21, 2026
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  3. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes it took place in Quito, Ecuador where it was 10,000 ft altitude. Hopkins did get dropped twice and the fight resulted in a draw. How they were able to fight like that in that environment is crazy. Michael Nunn also fought on the same venue when he lost to Frankie Liles by decision.
     
    Flo_Raiden, Apr 21, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, Apr 21, 2026
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  4. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    That was a heavy shot that dropped BHOP. Mercado sure could crack. That dude had a weirdly inconsistent career for a guy with his talent and power. Bernard always said he was the heaviest puncher he ever faced which is really saying something.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Apr 21, 2026
    AwardedSteak863, Apr 21, 2026
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  5. wutang

    wutang Active Member Full Member

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    I really appreciate what older hopkins was able to accomplish with strategy and experience, but I much prefer watching younger Hopkins if im being honest. He was still very wiley and knowledgeable in his early career, and watching a more aggresive spry version of the version I grew up watching, is really cool to witness.
     
    wutang, Apr 21, 2026
    wutang, Apr 21, 2026
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  6. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Hopkins was more exciting in his younger days because he was more of a boxer/puncher and fought more aggressively.

    Hopkins had some highlight reel early stoppages in his younger days aswell as some exciting fights as you've listed.

    I have no issue with Hopkins's fights up until the Tito fight. But then Hopkins become alot more boring after that IMO and i wasn't a fan of his play acting in the ring at times aswell. But he was also getting alot older aswell so it's understandable that he had to adjust his style.

    But still Hopkins had a few good fights in his older age like Pascal 1, Pavlik.
     
    Dynamicpuncher, Apr 21, 2026
    Dynamicpuncher, Apr 21, 2026
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  7. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Bernard's KO over undefeated Joe Lipsey was devastating.

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    Seamus, Apr 21, 2026
    Seamus, Apr 21, 2026
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