Bernard Hopkins Quotes (11 Quotes)

As a promoter representing a fighter, who in this case is myself, I knew I was doing the right thing by filing this appeal. And for the oldest sanctioning body in boxing to support my case, after reviewing the tape themselves, speaks for itself. I am very happy with the decision.

It's going to be a challenge, I understand that. But I don't fear it.

Understand that I'm at my best when it comes to proving a point, not only to show that I'm a better fighter and a better athlete at 40 years old, but I'm at my best when I know I've got to beat the system again.

The thing that most people don't understand is that I don't believe I lost the last two fights, which is why I am coming in a confident fighter. Tarver says I am fighting him for one more payday, but what Tarver don't realize is that I could have picked anyone to fight and still gone out making millions of dollars. But I chose to fight Antonio Tarver because, like I have said many times, I want to do what my boxing idol, Sugar Ray Robinson, couldn't do, and that's win the light heavyweight championship.

Come Sunday morning, somebody's going to be asked questions (like) 'What happened' ... And guess what I don't want to be that person. So I'm going to do my best, by any means legally and clean, to let Howard Eastman know (what went wrong).

I'm lining up my troops to go to battle with. Tarver is the man at light heavyweight. He has the credibility of the fans and media, and that's what counts. That's why I am taking this risk, but I am taking it by preparing myself with good people.

I didn't expect right after July 16th to be more in demand and more respected everywhere I went, from the West coast to the East coast, from hard-core gang members to corporate people with suits and ties on, black and white. It just secured everything for me. I've been on a nonstop crusade since July 16th. I haven't had much time for family time, based on the outpouring of love and respect they have for Bernard Hopkins.

John said he was there for me and that he could tell me a lot about Tarver. I said, 'Are you serious' He said he would even get in the ring with me and spar some if I wanted. He said he could still go 15 rounds. He was one of my defenses and he could have had an attitude about it, but he respects my longevity in the game. He understands because we trained so hard in the gym together all those years.

I was knocking guys out in the streets before I knew how to throw a jab and keep your chin down, ... In most neighborhoods, the guy that could fight gets respect. You got in the parties free. I never had to pay the dollar because people were scared of me. But back then I was ignorant.

Everything rides on Dec. 3. This fight is important because that's where Bernard Hopkins will show that anyone who went through the minefield again with him is in trouble. I've beaten everyone who got into the ring with me a second time, and some of them I sent into retirement. I have to deal with the clouds and the storm. You think you got me down and I rise up.

There is no better way to introduce our company to the area than to have a Philadelphia fighter like Demetrius represent us.