>> See coverage of the interview on 6abc/WPVI-TV Action News
October 2019 … They’d only been on the job for a month, but fifth grade William Cramp Fit Flyer reporters conducted an exclusive interview that would be the envy of a seasoned sports writer.
Their subject: Former world boxing champion Bernard Hopkins.
Facing the two dozen reporters, Mr. Hopkins answered questions for nearly an hour on topics such as what he eats (plenty of fruits and vegetables), how much he exercises (nearly every day), and why he uses an alarm clock to tell him when to go to bed (to ensure he is well-rested).
“Never let anyone take your dreams or talk you out of whatever you want to be in life,” said Mr. Hopkins, who grew up in North Philadelphia.
He told the reporters he was honored to visit them in their classroom at William Cramp School and to hear their questions. A banner in the classroom said: “Welcome to Cramp CHAMP!”
Mr. Hopkins reflected on his boxing career, during which he was the undisputed middleweight world champion and, later, the light heavyweight world champion. At 46, he was the oldest fighter to earn a world boxing title, and he broke his own record when he won the title again at 48. He retired from the ring in 2016 and now is a partner in Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes boxing.
He encouraged the reporters to emulate his dedication to a healthy lifestyle (he’s avoided soda for decades).
“You have to eat the foods that are good for your body,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve been so successful.“
The William Cramp reporters will publish an article based on their interview in the fall issue of the Fit Flyer. The Fit Flyer is in its sixth year at the school and is one of 15 Healthy NewsWorks elementary and middle schools that have started their program this school year. Three additional schools are expected to start their programs soon.
