- Bernard Hopkins is the oldest boxing champion at 49 years old.
- Hopkins was 51 years old during his last professional fight.
- George Foreman was the oldest heavyweight boxer to win a world title.
Boxers who win their championships are usually at the peak of their careers. This happens typically during their 20s and early 30s when they are in prime form.
But some fighters defied the boxing odds and captured a world title at the tail-end of their careers. Find out the oldest boxer in history to win a world title below.
Who Is the Oldest Champion in Boxing?
Bernard Hopkins was the oldest boxer to win a world title at 49.
Hopkins defeated Beibut Shumenov in April 2014 via a split decision to unify the IBF and IBA world light heavyweight titles.
How Old Was Bernard Hopkins in His Last Fight?
Hopkins was 51 when he fought his last professional fight in December 2016 against Joe Smith Jr. for the WBC International Light Heavyweight title.
“The Executioner” lost via eighth-round knockout to Smith Jr. and finally hung up the gloves for good. Since he retired from the sport, he has become an analyst and a boxing broadcaster.
Following his record-setting win over Shumenov in 2014, Hopkins fought two more times in his professional career in November 2014 and December 2016.
Who Is the Oldest Boxer to Become a Heavyweight Champion?
George Foreman was the oldest heavyweight boxer to win a world title at 45.
Foreman accomplished this feat in November 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round of their championship showdown to capture the IBF World Heavyweight title in front of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
How Old Do Boxers Retire?
The average age at which professional boxers retire is 38 years old.
Modern professional boxers usually have a span of 10-15 years. This gives them the time to enjoy their retirement, enjoy their career earnings, and avoid further damage to their respective health.
