Boxing: Hopkins oldest to win a world title
The 48-year-old benefited when Cloud was cut over his left eye in the sixth round.
Hopkins, who has been linked with a bout against Wales’ Nathan Cleverly, was victorious by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 at the Barclays Center, New York.
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Hide AdThe former undisputed middleweight champion became the oldest boxer to hold a world title when he defeated Canada’s Jean Pascal for the WBC light-heavyweight championship in May 2011.
He was comfortably beaten by Chad Dawson in April last year – leading many to speculate on his retirement – but his latest victory has once more galvanised his career.