Bernard Hopkins

Date: 2023-10-05 | Duration: 3h 2m

Episode Overview

Bernard Hopkins shares an in-depth reflection on his storied boxing career, touching on the challenges of navigating the business side of the sport alongside his passion for "the sweet science." He discusses the complexities of boxing promotion, including the importance of hiring knowledgeable people and managing fighter relationships, while emphasizing his survival instincts and relentless mindset that fueled his longevity. Hopkins also recounts formative experiences from his youth, including time spent in juvenile detention, which shaped his discipline and approach both inside and outside the ring. Hopkins offers candid insights into the politics and corruption that permeate boxing, highlighting the sport’s unique lack of external regulation compared to others. He recalls pivotal moments, such as his partnership with Golden Boy Promotions and controversial fights that tested his resilience. The conversation delves into his training philosophy, mental preparation, and ability to adapt with age, underscoring his reputation as a master tactician. Additionally, Hopkins reflects on the current boxing landscape, discussing fighters like Canelo Álvarez and the challenges of matchmaking in the heavyweight division, while sharing personal anecdotes about key opponents and memorable bouts that defined his legacy.

About Bernard Hopkins

Bernard Hopkins is a retired professional boxer whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the sport. Known as “The Alien,” he held multiple world championships, including the prestigious lineal light heavyweight title and the undisputed middleweight crown, making him one of the most successful fighters in boxing history. Hopkins is celebrated not only for his remarkable achievements—becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history at age 49—but also for his tactical prowess and resilience in the ring. Beyond his accolades, he is an engaging storyteller whose journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a boxing legend captivates audiences, making his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience a fascinating exploration of the sport and life beyond the ropes.

Key Moments

– Boxing Promotion
– Boxing Business Structure
– Boxing Training
– Boxing Strategy
– Boxing History
– Boxing Politics
– Boxing Corruption
– Boxing Discipline
– Boxing Career Longevity
– Boxing Injuries
– Boxing Mentality
– Boxing Legacy
– Boxing Contracts
– Boxing Management
– Boxing Regulations
– Boxing Rivalries
– Boxing Training Techniques
– Boxing Champions
– Boxing Media Coverage
0:00:28 – Bernard Hopkins discusses boxing promotion on West and East Coast
0:01:41 – Challenges of working within boxing business structure
0:06:37 – Becoming partners in boxing promotion
0:07:55 – Bernard's love for the sweet science of boxing
0:11:38 – Early gym experiences with family influence
0:16:05 – Bernard's nine-month injury layoff
0:19:53 – First time flying experience discussed
0:22:54 – Encouragement to study boxing teaching books
0:26:09 – Fighting in the projects and early street experiences
0:28:46 – Trust issues with people claiming to be legitimate
0:33:35 – Learning to avoid negative thinking in boxing
0:35:35 – Survival lessons from difficult experiences
0:37:37 – Masterful boxing performance recalled
0:41:46 – Discussion about boxing decisions and judging
0:46:06 – Boxing as a self-regulated sport in America
0:48:21 – 60-40 manager contract in boxing
0:51:23 – Canelo Alvarez's multi-million dollar fight earnings
0:56:39 – Money as a driving force in boxing decisions
0:59:22 – Bernard Hopkins' boxing clinic and 'The Alien' nickname
1:02:35 – Winning championships while in penitentiary
1:04:44 – Turning up the gas and disarming opponents
1:06:40 – Strategy for beating opponents inside and outside the ring
1:09:27 – Observations on lifestyle and discipline
1:13:25 – Discussion on trauma and career longevity
1:18:37 – Experience of being in an institution and its impact
1:22:22 – Commitment to staying in the gym and training
1:26:56 – No regrets about career decisions
1:31:49 – Maintaining championship status
1:36:47 – Intimidation tactics during fights
1:41:58 – Crowd dynamics and fight atmosphere
1:44:14 – Fighting opponents motivated by anger
1:47:25 – Bernard Hopkins embraces 'The Alien' identity
1:53:28 – Reflecting on 40+ years in boxing culture
1:56:53 – Corruption in boxing discussed
2:00:22 – Importance of rest and recovery in training
2:04:24 – Boxing as a fight, not a show
2:07:03 – Technical breakdown of landing right hand with chin tucked
2:11:37 – Ignoring negative opinions and staying focused
2:14:13 – Hospital stay after a severe fight injury
2:20:01 – Three decades of boxing experience reflected upon
2:24:57 – Roy Jones Jr.'s role as house fighter
2:26:35 – Being sold out by a promoter for financial reasons
2:31:26 – Attempts to oust Bernard Hopkins from boxing
2:34:59 – Legal battles involving Harvard-educated promoter Al Heyman
2:39:04 – Accepting risks and baggage in boxing career
2:46:44 – Tank Davis's power and fighting style
2:54:10 – Controversy over fight matchmaking and rankings
2:57:15 – Mentoring young fighters and understanding time

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:28 I go out to L.A. a lot to do boxing, promoting in West Coast, East Coast with the Golden Boy Promotion. Starting point is 00:01:11 I hired people that can give me the right information. Starting point is 00:01:41 It's difficult not doing a job per se, but it's difficult in a business, in a structure of the business of boxing. Starting point is 00:02:35 But I understood one thing, my instincts of survival, Starting point is 00:03:31 But that was the start of it. Starting point is 00:04:11 the word parity. And I get 80,000 when it's all said and done. Now, remind you, I'm fresh out of Starting point is 00:05:07 I mean, you got a sport, Joe. Starting point is 00:05:25 where can you... Starting point is 00:05:37 I just got my... Starting point is 00:05:48 You know, you got to understand that it's possible. Starting point is 00:06:37 the day we signed, the day we became partners, Starting point is 00:07:09 Now, that doesn't mean that every fighter is going to agree to the business side that you have to represent as a promoter. Starting point is 00:07:35 I mean, Starting point is 00:07:55 But trying to understand my job and my role before my lights go out is that I love the sweet science, Starting point is 00:08:30 that I don't give up. Starting point is 00:08:48 let them argue Starting point is 00:09:05 And keeping the course of being that, as time move on, Starting point is 00:09:25 if you duck Starting point is 00:09:36 to your family Starting point is 00:09:46 You know, Bernard, right? Starting point is 00:10:03 not save or not preach as I've been accused of a couple of times, Starting point is 00:10:27 that I had to do, I had to be that because that was that mindset. But once again, not changing Starting point is 00:11:12 That was part of baseball, flag football, handball on the wall. Starting point is 00:11:38 My uncle took me to the gym, my mother's brother, Starting point is 00:11:59 I...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10148?

Bernard Hopkins was the guest on JRE #10148. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10148?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10148 with Bernard Hopkins, topics include Boxing Promotion, Boxing Business Structure, Boxing Training, and Boxing Strategy.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10148?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10148 with Bernard Hopkins is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.