Bernard Hopkins Reacts to Gervonta Davis’ Retirement Plan
Boxing Legend Bernard Hopkins Weighs in on Gervonta Davis‘ Retirement Plans
Gervonta Davis sent shockwaves through the boxing world when he announced his intention to retire in 2025. The 28-year-old WBA lightweight champion, who defends his title against Lamont Roach in March, plans to fight just twice more before hanging up his gloves.
This unexpected news comes as a surprise, considering Davis is still in his prime. His decision stands in stark contrast to boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, who holds the record for being the oldest world champion in history, winning the WBA light heavyweight title at age 49 in 2014.
Hopkins recently shared his thoughts on Davis’ retirement plans in an interview with Fighthype.
“He needs to be respected for doing what most of the greats did in their time,” Hopkins said. “He accomplished the highest goal that you can accomplish, and he’s also a frist-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Hopkins acknowledged that Davis’ decision not to fight WBC champion Shakur Stevenson wouldn’t diminish his legacy.
“His era was loaded with fighters that could have fought each other and they didn’t, but every era has that same situation,” Hopkins explained. “I don’t think that would ever go away or be dismissed from eras of conversation.”
Hopkins believes Davis understands his path and will make decisions based on his own feelings.
“He’s young still, he might change his mind, who knows,” Hopkins said. “Something might happen in the next one or two fights where it’s an automatic repeat or rewind of somewhere stunning on his way out.”
“I would say if he’s going to do one, two or three more fights, let’s respect that and hope it’s the fights we want to see. That’s the key.”
Davis has previously explained his reasons for not wanting to face stevenson anytime soon.
Boxing Legend Bernard Hopkins Weighs In On Gervonta Davis’ Retirement Plans
Gervonta Davis sent shockwaves thru the boxing world when he announced his intention to retire in 2025. The 28-year-old WBA lightweight champion, who defends his title against Lamont Roach in March, plans to fight just twice more before hanging up his gloves.
This unexpected news comes as a surprise, considering Davis is still in his prime. His decision stands in stark contrast to boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, who holds the record for being the oldest world champion in history, winning the WBA light heavyweight title at age 49 in 2014.
Hopkins recently shared his thoughts on Davis’ retirement plans in an interview with Fighthype.
“He needs to be respected for doing what most of the greats did in their time,” Hopkins said. “He accomplished the highest goal that you can accomplish, and he’s also a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Hopkins acknowledged that Davis’ decision not to fight WBC champion Shakur Stevenson wouldn’t diminish his legacy.
“His era was loaded with fighters that could have fought each other and they didn’t, but every era has that same situation,” Hopkins explained. “I don’t think that would ever go away or be dismissed from eras of conversation.”
Hopkins believes Davis understands his path and will make decisions based on his own feelings.
“He’s young still, he might change his mind, who knows,” Hopkins said.“Something might happen in the next one or two fights where it’s an automatic repeat or rewind of somewhere stunning on his way out.”
“I would say if he’s going to do one, two or three more fights, let’s respect that and hope it’s the fights we want to see. That’s the key.”