Hopkins Vs Trinidad Round 12

September 29, 2001
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
As small spontaneous parties began to erupt in the early morning hours on the mean streets of North Philly, the collective hearts of an island nation sank in despair, when IBF/WBC middleweight champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins (40-2-1-1NC, 29 KO's) pulled off a major upset and stopped the pride of Puerto Rico, previously undefeated WBA middleweight champ Felix "Tito" Trinidad (40-1, 33 KO's) to unify the crown for the first time in 14 years.

The 3 to 1 underdog Hopkins (157) fought a brilliant tactical fight, moving to the left away from powerful Trinidad's (158 1/2) potent left hook, stinging him with a succession of jabs and clean rights and chipping away at the Puerto Rican legend's resolve, before cracking his foundation and jawline with a thunderous right cross for a dramatic 12th round stoppage.

"I'm the best middleweight in the world. I just needed an opportunity to prove it," said the elated Hopkins afterwards.

"He's a great fighter," said the soft-spoken Trinidad. "I thought the fight was even until the end."