LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bernard Hopkins was stopped for the first time in his career in bizarre fashion Saturday night, unable to continue after Chad Dawson lifted him and tossed him to the canvas late in the second round.
Dawson (31-1, 18 KOs) claimed the WBC light heavyweight title from the 46-year-old Hopkins (52-6-3), but both fighters were left furious when referee Pat Russell ruled Dawson hadn’t fouled Hopkins.
When Hopkins leaned over the crouching Dawson after throwing an overhand right, Dawson lifted Hopkins off his feet before shrugging him onto the canvas. Hopkins landed roughly on his left shoulder, his head poking underneath the bottom rope, and might have glanced off the ringside table.
Hopkins immediately clutched his left shoulder and grimaced in pain, unable to continue. Dawson angrily taunted Hopkins and climbed on the ropes.
