Jean Pascal vs Bernard Hopkins II

On May 21, 2011, the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, hosted a highly anticipated rematch between Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins, billed as "Dynasty II." This bout was for the WBC, IBO, and The Ring light heavyweight championships, with Pascal defending his titles against the 46-year-old Hopkins.

The fight came just five months after their controversial majority draw in December 2010. Hopkins, entering as a slight 1.35/1 betting underdog, was attempting to surpass George Foreman as the oldest world champion in boxing history.

The early rounds were cautious, with both fighters feeling each other out. However, the action intensified in the third round when Hopkins found success with his right hand, visibly shaking Pascal. The fourth round saw frantic exchanges of power shots, with Hopkins appearing slightly wobbled as the round concluded.

A notable moment occurred before the seventh round when Hopkins performed push-ups in the ring, demonstrating his exceptional conditioning. The fight continued to be closely contested, with both fighters having their moments.

Pascal showed signs of fatigue in the later rounds, while Hopkins maintained his composure and tactical approach. In the 12th round, Pascal made a strong comeback, hurting Hopkins but unable to secure a finish.

After 12 rounds, all three judges scored the bout in favour of Hopkins: 116-112, 115-114, and 115-113. This decision made Hopkins, at 46, the oldest boxer in history to win a world title, surpassing George Foreman's previous record.

The fight was praised for its intensity and skill level. HBO commentators lauded Hopkins' performance, with Emanuel Steward describing it as "spectacular." In his post-fight interview, Pascal acknowledged Hopkins' greatness and defence, recognizing the learning experience these two fights provided him.

George Foreman, whose record Hopkins broke, admired Hopkins' conditioning and accomplishment, especially winning in Pascal's hometown.

This historic victory cemented Hopkins' legacy and opened discussions about the potential longevity of boxers' careers. Hopkins mentioned the possibility of fighting until 50, eyeing future bouts with Chad Dawson and Lucian Bute.

The fight, which drew significant attention with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $500 Canadian, showcased Hopkins' exceptional skill, strategy, and physical condition, proving that age can be just a number in the boxing world.