Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright, billed as Coming to Fight, was a professional boxing match contested on July 21, 2007, for The Ring light heavyweight title.
Background Bernard Hopkins had announced his retirement after defeating Antonio Tarver in dominating fashion to capture The Ring light heavyweight title the previous year.'Executioner' ruthlessly efficient in final bout, ESPN article, 2006-06-10 Retrieved on 2024-08-24 Despite his impressive performance, Hopkins was adamant during the immediate aftermath that his boxing career was over as he had promised his now-deceased mother he would retire after moving up from middleweight to capture the light heavyweight title.'Hopkins adamant that his days in the ring are over, The Guardian article, 2006-06-13 Retrieved on 2024-08-24 However, Hopkins would announce his comeback only eight months later to face former 2-time light middleweight champion Ronald "Winky" Wright.Bernard Hopkins to fight Winky Wright in July, Pasadena Star News article, 2007-02-14 Retrieved on 2024-08-24 With Wright having never fought past the middleweight limit of 160 pounds and Hopkins now fighting two divisions above at the 175-pound light heavyweight limit, the two fighters agreed to a catchweight of 170 pounds.Bernard Hopkins-Winky Wright Agree To Terms For July 21 Pay-Per-View Clash At 170-Pounds, Boxing Scene article 2007-02-02 Retrieved on 2024-08-25 As both fighters were known more for their defensive skills rather than their knockout prowess, many boxing pundits, including Teddy Atlas and Angelo Dundee, predicted the fight would be a slow, tactical affair.Hopkins-Wright: Chess match? Yes. Exciting? Hmm ..., ESPN article 2007-02-16 Retrieved on 2024-08-25
At the pre-fight weigh-in, Hopkins and Wright were fact-to-face exchanging words when Hopkins suddenly shoved Wright, causing a melee between both of their entourages. The Nevada State Athletic Commission announced that they would withhold 10 percent of Hopkins' $3 million purse pending a hearing on the matter.Hopkins shoves Wright, starts scuffle at weigh in, ESPN article 2007-07-20 Retrieved on 2024-08-25 One month later a five-person panel reduced the fine to 6 percent or $200,000.Hopkins fined $200,000 for weigh-in scuffle with Wright, ESPN article 2007-08-17 Retrieved on 2024-08-25
The fight Hopkins, using his constant movement and superior defense, completely neutralized Wright's best punch, his right jab, holding Wright to just 87 of 290, while often countering with combinations to the body which weakened Wright as the fight went on. The turning point of the fight came in the second round when Hopkins headbutted Wright opening a large gash near his left eye which hindered him throughout the fight and which Hopkins targeted frequently. Hopkins was not penalized for the butt but was warned for rubbing his head again Wrights whenever the two were engaged in a clinch.Hopkins keeps title with entertaining win over Wright, ESPN article, 2007-07-22 Retrieved on 2024-08-25 After 12 rounds, Hopkins would earn a relatively lopsided unanimous decision victory with all three judges naming him the winner with two scores of 117–111 and one score of 116–112, giving Wright his first defeat in over 7 years.
HBO's Harold Lederman scored the bout a draw, 114–114, while the Associated Press scored the bout 115–113 for Hopkins.
Aftermath The card generated between 300,000 and 330,000 buys on HBO.
Fight card Confirmed bouts: Weight Class Weight vs. Method Round NotesCatchweight170 lbs.Bernard Hopkins (c)defRonald WrightUD12/12Featherweight126 lbs.Jorge Linares def.Óscar Larios TKO10/12 Lightweight135 lbs.Michael Katsidis (c)def.Czar AmonsotUD12/12 Super Lightweight140 lbs.Demetrius Hopkinsdef.Jailer BerrioTKO1/10Light Heavyweight175 lbs.Librado Andradedef.Ted MullerTKO2/8Middleweight160 lbs.Jose Angel Rodriguezdef.Keenan CollinsSD8/8Welterweight147 lbs.Rock Allendef.Ramiro RiveraUD6/6Featherweight126 lbs.Juan Domínguezdef.Manuel Gonzalez GarciaMD4/4
Broadcasting Country Broadcaster Main Event Viewers Choice Sky Sports HBO
References