Bernard Hopkins: 'I Am A Car Fanatic'

by Gautham Nagesh

Speed and violence are inextricably linked in the American mind. This is, after all, the country of NASCAR, not Formula 1.

So it’s no surprise that like yours truly, former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Bernard Hopkins is a big fan of classic cars. Hopkins was in the crowd at Friday’s Mecum Classic Car auction in St. Charles, Ill. and took a moment to speak with the folks at Velocity about his other passion.

“I’ve been a car guy since a teenager,” said Hopkins, who was thrilled to be at his first live car auction.

Hopkins, who said he’s a Chevy guy, picked up at least one vehicle and was on the hunt from more. Having won the light heavyweight title just short of 50 years old, Hopkins is definitely entitled to enjoy the fruits of his Spartan lifestyle. He also had a ‘60s Lincoln Continental with suicide doors restored three years ago.

“Most men can relate to the good disease that we have,” Hopkins. “It’s great being here. it’s jam-packed like a boxing match.”

Hopkins closed by noting the Chicagoland auction was his first, “but it definitely won’t be my last.”