Bernard bows out with a bang

Hopkins sent crashing from ring, but 51-year-old proud to retire 'a soldier'

Joe Smith Jr. stopped Bernard Hopkins 53 seconds into the eighth round of their showdown for the WBC International light heavyweight title in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Smith used a six-punch combination to send Hopkins through the ropes and on to the floor, effectively ending the 51-year-old's 28-year career.