Bernard Hopkins: Master of Promotion, I'm Just Saying

Yes, we all know by now that boxer Bernard Hopkins has a problem with Donovan McNabb.  Hopkins basically thinks the NFL quarterback is not black enough, whatever that means.

Hopkins has been seen on television the last few days ranting and raving about how McNabb is not black and how he just has a sun tan.  The boxer goes on and on, but I’m not writing this piece to discuss Hopkins and his reasons for thinking McNabb is a “sellout.”

Even if Hopkins truly believes this about McNabb, it has nothing to do with his latest statements.

Hopkins is a boxer, we all know this, but he is also a promoter.  As a minority partner in Golden Boy Promotions, he is definitely earning his keep.

I doubt that it is a coincidence that his latest comments came just days before his rematch with Jean Pascal in Montreal on May 21.  See, he even lured me into plugging his fight.

Hopkins has never been one to hold his tongue when it comes to controversial comments.  Prior to his fight with Joe Calzaghe, he said he would “never let a white boy” beat him.  I bet that statement boosted the pay-per-view sales a bit.

Hopkins has also suggested that Manny Pacquiao can’t beat an African-American fighter, referring to a possible fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Credit needs to be given to Hopkins for two reasons: First of all, he stands up for what he believes in(right or wrong) with true conviction, and second, his timing is impeccable, knowing just the right time to say what he wants to say.

Long after his storied career comes to an end, I believe Hopkins will still be in the controversial spotlight that he so often finds himself in as a boxer, but then it will be for the sole purpose of saying what's on his mind.  Then again, maybe not—like I said, Bernard Hopkins is a promoter and he is darn good at it.

I’m just saying!