Bernard Hopkins knocked out of ring by Joe Smith Jr in final fight

Bernard Hopkins suffered a brutal defeat in his final fight after being knocked out of the ring in the eighth round by Joe Smith Jr in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The 51-year-old was beaten by technical knockout as he was unable to return to the ring when being sent through the ropes by a flurry of punches.

Former two-weight world champion Hopkins had already confirmed in the build-up to the bout that it would be his final outing following a 28-year career, which ended with 55 wins, two draws and now eight defeats.

Smith was already ahead on two of the judges' scorecards when the fight came to a rather abrupt end, as he sent his opponent through the ropes and to the floor with a left hook.

Hopkins claimed after the fight that he twisted his ankle in the WBC light heavyweight title bout and could not get back to his feet, meaning a disappointing end to his career.