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Waiting For One Word | Hopkins vs. Taylor
TUE July 19, BUSTER PARIS - “…for the winner and…”
It’s the longest second ever. That time between those two words “winner” and “champion” – we anxiously wait to hear either one word that will solidify a legacy or change the entire scope of the since 1993 untouched Middleweight division – we wait for one word - “still” or “new”.
Saturday July 16, 2005 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas time froze in between those two important words and both Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor were used to hearing one word in particular.
For Bernard – it’s “still” – still undisputed and still Champion. For Jermain – it’s also “still” – still undefeated.
On this night Bernard Hopkins was certain that the word “still” was coming and as the decision was read aloud he said it along with Michael Buffer, however his lip-synching didn’t match up.
“…and NEW…”
The look of utter shock was immediately flashed on Hopkins mug, the gleeful smile gone and replaced by a painful inquisitive _expression as if Buffer slapped him across the face and yelled out “Rosebud was the sled!”
“…Middleweight Champion of the World – Jermain ‘Bad Intentions’ Taylor”
Jermain joyfully raised his arms and tears welled up in his eyes.
This is Bernard’s first loss since 1993 – that’s 12 years, that’s over a decade of hearing two simple words after each fight - “and still” – no wonder it didn’t compute.
Throughout the bout Hopkins dictated the pace and tempo and was his usual professional self, but seemed to go about his job waiting for Taylor to make a mistake so that he could capitalize on it. It wasn’t until much later in the fight that he actively tried to lure Taylor into slipping-up. The exchanges were swift and grueling. Jermain would engage Bernard with quick and powerful combinations and Bernard would counter with sharp and solid shots of his own. The encounters would end with either Hopkins masterfully spinning out of the way or there’d be a clinch.
It seemed to me that Taylor was dishing out more punishment during these interactions and that he wore the heavier hands.
Permeating the entire fight was the gripping sense that something special was happening and this awareness was accompanied by an anxious feeling that the stakes were incredibly high – after all we’re talking about Hopkins’ legacy not to mention all of his titles and belts. For Taylor we’re talking about his undefeated record and possibly a larger issue for his future - his own peace of mind in answering a question that would have haunted him if this match never happened – could he have beaten Bernard Hopkins.
The fight was much better than I thought it would be, much more action packed and full of drama and suspense. The later rounds in particular were what boxing’s all about. Here are some things of note:
2nd round: Hopkins is knocked backwards and if not for the ropes would have fallen down. Only his quick wits and experience bounces him into safety – it’s this point that we know Taylor’s really here to fight and capable of doing some damage.
5th round: They’re mixing it up on the inside, quick hits and short range – then the accidental clash of heads and Taylor has a huge gash on the top of his head. It’s not in a dangerous spot, but it’s deep and head wounds always bleed excessively.
Jermain has never been cut, how will he react to his own blood?
He kept his cool, no sign of panic or fear, if anything he seemed more determined – not desperate, but single-minded and unwavering in his mission and craft.
For the remainder of the round both fighters powerfully tussled.
7th round: I’m not sure exactly when it became evident, but something’s been lurking and began to cast it’s shadow in this round – Bernard had a plan, not sure exactly what it is – on my scorecard he’s losing every round, but he’s definitely got a plan.
8th round: Taylor is throwing one punch at a time and Bernard seems to be sharper – is Jermain running low in the tank?
9th round: Taylor continuing to be the aggressor and returned to throwing and landing combinations. Hopkins would continue to counter beautifully and began to pick up the pace as well as throwing the right hand more – could his plan be solely dependant on that right hand?
10th round: Bernard lands a colossal right hand and it causes Taylor to hang on. Jermain looks hurt and tired. That right hand should be on a highlight reel for Best of 2005. It was enormous in its effect and in its relevance.
11th round: Hopkins is throwing his fists more and somewhat clowning, he’s landing good shots and looks better than he did in the earlier rounds. Taylor is finally letting his hands go more and the exchanges are big.
12th round: Bernard seemed like he could go another 3 rounds – hell – maybe even another 5. I’m not sure about Taylor, I’m not sure if he could go another 3 rounds.
I think Taylor was the more aggressive fighter, he was the initiator and busier of the two. He was the one to get off first and according to CompuBox he threw 453 punches to Hopkins’ 326 – that’s 127 more times the Everlast gloves were tossed about.
Bernard for his part was the fighter who controlled the pace and tempo of the bout and as it turned out landed more shots than Jermain did. Not by much, but in boxing a great deal of the outcome is based on what lands – so the glorious Cleto Reyes gloves pounded flesh more than the Everlast did.
For some this brings up a tricky point – Hopkins landed more than Taylor, yet Jermain won the fight. It’s more than just what lands – as the great Harold Ledderman tells us – there’s ring generalship to consider as well.
Ledderman’s scorecard, which is always somewhat biblical to me, had the bout at 115 to 113 for Taylor. That sounded right to me – or I’m thinking a draw at the very least. No way Hopkins won though.
Michael Buffer puts an end to the wondering – Words like split decision bring me to the end of my seat and I’m nervous for both fighters – there’s a lot on the line here. “…has it scored 115 to 113 for the winner and…”
Like I said - the longest second ever. The frantic time we wait for that one magical word that comes after “winner and”
“…and NEW…”
Congratulations Jermain – well earned – and good luck in the rematch – believe me – Bernard thinks he won and will not be letting the judges hold his destiny next time. Think back to Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Vito Antuofermo.
As usual HBO’s Jim Lampley summed things up well by reminding us that Hopkins could have taken the easy way to end his career, no one was demanding this fight. He could have fought tomato cans, but Bernard gave Jermain (a much younger and threatening fighter) a shot at the title.
Hopkins showed boxing fans that he is a great champion with balls, heart and conviction in himself. He gave us a gift.
The rematch is going to be even better.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com
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