HOPKINS vs EASTMAN

THE RESULT

Bernard Hopkins vs Howard Eastman
Saturday, February 19, 2005

Bernard Hopkins successfully completed his goal of defending the middleweight title 20 consecutive times by decisioning Howard Eastman over twelve rounds.

Hopkins' win over "Battersea" Bomber was more tactical than terrific, and perhaps only those fans who enjoy a methodical, skillful performance would truly be entertained. While Eastman was the busier of the two, Hopkins was the more methodical with far greater accuracy in his punches.

The crowd reacted with boredom in the first round where not much happened - the ultimate "feel them out" round. Eastman seemingly took control of the second and third more by virtue of Hopkins seemingly lack of interest. The action livened up in the fourth with both men landing some solid shots, but Hopkins used steady movement to end the round.

Hopkins picked up the pace, landing solid shots and outboxing Eastman. In the eighth, both went toe to toe and both had their moments, the most exciting round since the first bell. From that moment on, it was all Hopkins, who simply outboxed and outlanded Eastman down the stretch.

All three judges got it right, having Hopkins a comfortable winner. Hopkins goes to 46-2-1, 32 KO's and Eastman drops to 40-2, 34 KO's.