Important names are bulking the list of people that will attend the 2017 Convention of the World Boxing Association. These names will bring a lot to the activities taking place during this event. Bernard Hopkins, one of the most prominent mediumweight of history, also confirmed his participation in this WBA event, which promises to revolutionize Medellin City.

The “Alien” proved throughout his career that his skills were out of this world. Mediumweights from the 90’s to the beginning of the new century have Hopkins as a reference. This boxer from Philadelphia had to survive a difficult environment in which he faced prison, but his talent and willingness led him to overcome every challenge finding hope on the ring.

Hopkins debuted in 1988 and had his first opportunity for the title in 1993. In that fight, he was defeated by another legend, Roy Jones Jr. Although he couldn’t win at that moment, he went on fighting and in 1995 he faced and defeated Segundo Mercado winning the first title of his career.

Since then, Hopkins would go on to compile 20 victories in a row between 1995 and 2005. He swept the division and held every important boxing association title, including the WBA title.

Glen Johnson, Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya were three of the most important names that were beaten by the Hopkins train during that winning streak, becoming the king of this sport. In 2010, he fought against Roy Jones Jr. in a non-title rematch.

Exceptional conditions and hard work allowed Hopkins, not only to excel in his best years, but also to extend his career beyond any average fighter. When he moved up to light heavyweight, he won the WBA Super Title defeating Beibut Shumenov. This bout was in 2014 when he was 49 years old.

Hopkins had his last fight in 2016, when he decided to retire at 51. Now he is dedicated to promotion and works with Oscar De La Hoya in today important fights.