Hopkins – Jones II LA Press Conference report

February 10, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

By Ricky McK

It has been 17 years in the making, but the feeling and the fire still burns deep…at least in the heart of The Executioner, Bernard Hopkins. When Hopkins met Roy Jones Jr back in 1993, and 15 pounds lighter, for the middleweight title, this was the match that would catapult the winners career into the prominent position that is seeked by all fighters. This was true to form, Roy Jones Jr, went on to dominate over the next 10 plus years, being named the Ring Magazine fighter of the decade of the ’90’s. Meanwhile, Bernard took a roundabout way to gain the recognition that he’s always wanted. Bernard went on to win a record 20 straight battles at middleweight and with his win over then champion Kelly Pavlik, seems to have found the fountain of youth while making top 5 on most pound for pound lists today. It is still very evident that Bernard wants this win to put another bow around what is a sure fire hall of fame career. “Roy has been avoiding me for 17 years now, he is afraid that I now know his game and I know what he can do. he never wanted to give me a rematch because he knew he would lose.” Hopkins went on to say, “This will not be a close match. I expect the best Jones Jr. to face me, but with his diminished skills and speed, I will end his career. This fight will end in a knockout.” Either Jones is a great bluffer or he genuienly believes he will win this fight just like he did the first time around. “He has been jealous of me and my career over the past 17 years and it shows. His anger is what will get him beat in the ring…besides me being the faster, stronger, and more skilled fighter,” Jones stated.

This is a true prize fight in the sense that the winner, (which has to win by either KO or TKO) will win 60 percent of the purse leaving the loser with 40. On April 3rd, in Las Vegas, NV, the rematch that has been nearly 20 years in the making has come to fluition. With the natural disdain and mutual dislike these two have for each other, there is no way this fight can be a snoozer. Is Hopkins too old? Have Jones’ skills left him? The world ill find out in a few months and one will emerge as perhaps the greatest fighter of the past two decades.

QUOTES FROM LOS ANGELES DEBATE FROM

THE RIVALS: HOPKINS VS. JONES II

Bernard Hopkins

“This is 2010. That was 1993. That’s 17 years I’ve been waiting for this fight. It’s personal to me and it’s important to me that I get this man in the ring and that I send him on his way to the Hall of Fame. I want to make sure that the last person he remembers is ‘The Executioner.’”

“You listen to Roy Jones and he says something I agree with. You hate to say it, but we are rivals, and you hate to say it, but it took us 17 years to get here. A lot of other things have happened in our lives in the time it took to get here, but now that it’s here, his worst nightmare has come to pass. Me.”

“This means a lot to me. This means that Roy Jones Jr. is going to have to fight me off him. When you have that mindset, you are going to have to take risks too. Roy Jones Jr. is going to have to fight to not get knocked out or fight to knock me out. That has been the motivation for 17 years.”

“I’d be a fool to think that Roy Jones Jr. is going to train to fight Bernard Hopkins, me, by laying on the beach getting a suntan. I know that that Roy Jones Jr. has something to prove to the world and I know that Roy Jones Jr. is going to come to salvage his career and change the opinion people have of him right now. I never underestimate my opponents, it’s not in my character.”

“This is going to be devastating because that’s the way I want him to remember Bernard Hopkins for the rest of his life. Any time he looks at boxing, he’s going to see that I took him to the point that he doesn’t even like boxing anymore. He won’t even let his kids go to fight anymore. The entire Jones family will leave boxing for good after April 3.”

Roy Jones Jr.

“The fight is a rivalry because as the man just said, we are two legendary future Hall of Famers. We’ve always had a debate about whose career has been the most impressive and April 3 will be the deciding factor.”

“The fight is important because, I hate to say it, but first he is my rival, and I must defeat my rival. Secondly, this is the perfect opportunity and perfect timing. The fans wanted it, and since they?? couldn’t give them the other fight they wanted??, we’re going to give them something else.”

“What I have planned is simple. I will fight to get you off me, or I will fight to knock you out, whichever one comes first. Whichever comes first, that’s what I’ll be doing. I’ll knock you out to get you off me, or go after you and knock you out. It doesn’t matter.”

“The day ‘The Executioner’ will leave the boxing ring is going to be April 3rd.”

“The man’s so jealous of me that he doesn’t even want to see my kids watch the fight. He doesn’t want to see any resemblance of me near a boxing ring because it reminds him of that 17-year nightmare he’s had to face.”

“This is probably going to be win and go home for me, because after I win, they’re going to say I’m beating up old men and I shouldn’t fight anymore.”

Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“These are two legends that we all must respect. It’s not one of the best relationships, but now after 17 years we’ve been able to make the fight. The fact that this rivalry is still there shows how much they wanted this fight.”

“Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. are two of the most recognized names in the sport. You’ve got the Tyson’s and Holyfield’s, and then you have the Hopkins’ and Jones’.”

“This fight is so big, that these guys made the front page of the Wall Street Journal. In all my years of fighting, I’ve never even been on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, that shows you how big this fight is.”

John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions

“There’s so much passion and emotion in this fight. These guys really just plain don’t like each other and you know that’s what a fight is all about. A lot of it’s sport but a lot of it’s just that these two guys don’t like each other.”

Naazim Richardson, Hopkins’ Trainer

“Bernard Hopkins is one of the most well prepared athletes I’ve seen in my entire life, but I know that Roy Jones Jr. is going to show up and be the best Roy Jones you’ve seen in a while.”

Alton Merkerson, Jones’ Trainer

“Both of these gentlemen are very well rounded athletes and this is going to be a very interesting fight. Don’t have any doubt in your mind about whether these men are going to be ready. They are both going to be ready and train hard. On April 3rd it’s going to be a fight.”

# # #

The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II is set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The event will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale now at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Hopkins vs. Jones II pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and has a suggested retail price of $49.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. The main event will begin live immediately following the college basketball semi-finals. For Hopkins vs. Jones II fight week updates, log on to www.goldenboypromotions.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding the April 3 event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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BERNARD HOPKINS & ROY JONES JR NEW YORK CITY “DEBATE” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

February 9, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

New York City (February 9) -Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Roy “The Terminator” Jones stayed true to their reputations as two of the most outspoken boxers in the history of the sport as they announced The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II, which will take place April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view. The debate style format of the press conference was the perfect setting for these two living legends to prove why their nearly two-decade long rivalry is stronger than ever. Below please find a sampling of their bold statements, setting the stage for what will surely be a great night for boxing and a hotly contested fight.

BERNARD HOPKINS

“To not watch this fight would be a disservice because we will be making history.

“Roy Jones Jr. had nothing to do with my legacy and career up until now, but I will be the final chapter [of his]. We probably would have been here earlier if he would have taken the fight when we were debating through the media.

“My statement is simple. This fight is very important to me because it is personal. We have 17 plus years of on and off history. I want to show the world that when our legacy is put together and analyzed, this fight will be the reason. So to me, not only am I a better fighter today, I will prove my legacy on April 3. I have a lot of incentive to win. I have waited 10 plus years to come to this debate.

“Everyone has it in their spirit to get somebody back. Whether it is justified or unjustified. This fight is redemption in a lot of ways – to finish him once and for all.

“I can’t speak for Roy, but my name is ‘The Executioner.’ I execute. I am going for his head.

“He (Jones) won that fight. I have watched that tape a million times. What Roy has to understand is that I got better. I have a resume to show that I have gotten better. That is the difference between then and now. Come April 3, Roy Jones Jr is going to realize that his worst nightmare has come true.

“It is important to get the knockout. There is a financial incentive. I want to finally close a chapter personally. This is a 17 year rivalry.

“I am going to kick his ass.”

ROY JONES

“Now, ‘Big Head’ (Hopkins) has got to get it in his mind. We both went on to do good things in this sport. Mine was great early. His was great late. The facts wont change I am still going to beat him.

“I only hit with one hand last time. I’ve got two hands now. With two hands, I’m going to beat the hell out of this old man.

“I never have dodged ‘Big Head’, and I never will. That is why this fight is so important to me.

“We are long time rivals. We waited a long time to fight again. We went our separate ways. I haven’t had a rival as long as I have had ‘Big Head’ sitting around.

“This is like putting on an old pair of pants that still fit after a bunch of years. They probably look better on me now too.

“Have you ever seen somebody run from somebody who he has already whooped? Does that even make sense? Duh!

“I have been trying to fight the bastard for five years. I know Bernard Hopkins. I know him very well. I have never taken anything lightly [and given him reason] to say he hopes I am ready.

“I don’t duck and dodge anyone. I was the test he had to pass to get out of high school. He didn’t pass that test. Now he wants to retake the test!

“Like I said I am still me. I can care less about how much better he has gotten. My job is to knock him out on April 3 and that is what I am going to do.”

# # #

The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones IIis set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The event will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale now at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino).  Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Hopkins vs. Jones II pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and has a suggested retail price of $49.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. The main event will begin live immediately following the college basketball semi-finals. For Hopkins vs. Jones II fight week updates, log on to www.goldenboypromotions.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding the April 3 event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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Why Roy Jones Jr. will defeat Bernard Hopkins

February 9, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

By: Dominick Panfile

I ran out of excuses for Roy Jones Jr.  The weight loss, the cut-man, his father, the taping of the hands in Australia. I think we heard every excuse we need at this point.  Some nights he shows up and rips apart a B fighter like Lacy, and the next fight he’s dropped by a B- Aussie.  What has escaped Roy as he has aged is motivation and a sincere & consistent dedication to a fight plan inside the ring.  When he commits himself he still shows us flashes of the speed and power that made him the best fighter of the 1990s. And when he doesn’t commit to a plan, he ends up on his back staring at the bright lights or pointing his finger at everyone in his corner.

Roy Jones is FINISHED!! And with that said, I’m going to tell you exactly why he beats Bernard Hopkins SOUNDLY on April 3rd in Las Vegas, which just happens to be where his original fall from glory took place on May 15, 2004 at the hands of the Magic Man, Antonio Tarver, who has since done a disappearing act of his own.

I’ve spent a lot of time studying Roy Jones Jr. over the past 20 years or so and have spent a lot of time with Roy and his camp as well.  I know enough about Roy Jones to write a novel, certainly enough to know that there’s no way he loses this fight.  Call it a gut feeling, call it a hunch, but if you want actual reasons, I’ll give it to you.  Let’s start with looking at the type of fighters who have successfully defeated Roy Jones Jr.

Antonio Tarver: He happened to catch Roy at the right time and place. Despite what any critics might say, losing 25 lbs of muscle certainly takes its toll on the body.  Tarver pressured Roy in their first bout. Roy’s body was not ready to handle what Tarver through at him, and his reflexes were slow. But he fought valiantly in the championship rounds and eeked out a well-deserved decision over Tarver. Then May 15th came.  Tarver caught Roy with a beautiful and flawless left hook that Roy never saw coming. Southpaws with power have always been dangerous fighters, especially to Roy Jones, so quite simply, he just tagged him. Right place, right time, left hook. End of story.

Glenn Johnson:  While Johnson is not a notoriously powerful puncher, he stalked Roy Jones Jr. like no fighter I’ve ever seen.  Top that off with a solid chin and he was just too much of a challenge for a fighter whose confidence was already shaken after the Tarver knock-out. Stalking fighters with high punch out-puts and a great chin can hurt Roy Jones Jr. See the next fighter……..

Joe Calzaghe: Do I need an excuse for this? He’s a southpaw with a great chin, a ridiculously high punch output who stalks his opponents, oh, and he NEVER LOST to ANYONE, including Bernard Hopkins.  I don’t think Roy needed to look at his cut man for this one, he only needed to check the Compubox numbers.

Danny Green: I don’t know what happened that night in Australia. Roy got caught by a hard-punching cruiserweight as he tried to once again re-write boxing history.  Looking ahead to B-hop? Time zone difference? Padded hand wraps? No one can be sure. But then again, he wasn’t counted out either, and according to Bernard Hopkins himself, the fight was stopped prematurely, hence why April 3rd is still on.

Describing the type of fighter that can beat Roy Jones doesn’t necessarily tell you why Bernard Hopkins can’t win. So let’s break it down. Speed. Roy has it, Hopkins doesn’t.  Look at recent fights.  Roy still shows blazing hand speed and superior footwork when compared to Bernard Hopkins.  Power.  The power of Roy Jones Jr. cannot be questioned. He packed a huge punch at Middleweight and carried it all the way to the Heavyweight Division.  Chin.  Ok, one checkmark for Hopkins.  Experience.  I think we can throw ring experience out the window when you’re talking about two future first ballot halls of famers.

Roy Jones Jr. will potshot Bernard Hopkins all night long.  Hopkins will not be able to get off more than one punch at a time, and his ring generalship, which includes hooking his opponent’s arm and muscling him at angles where the referee cannot see it, will be a non-factor. Roy will hit him and get out. And when you’re talking Roy Jones Jr., any one of those shots can drop you at any time.

Bernard Hopkins is an old, slow, orthodox fighter with low punch output numbers who lacks one-punch power.  He does not have the tools to defeat a 60 year-old Roy Jones Jr.  When trying to predict the outcome of a sporting event, it is sometimes best to look at common opponents. I see that on May 22nd, 1993, they fought a common opponent.  Roy defeated that guy via easy decision.  You can expect the same on April 3, 2010.

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BERNARD HOPKINS AND ROY JONES TO SETTLE FIERCE RIVALRY AS LEGENDS COLLIDE IN LONG-AWAITED REMATCH SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 3 AT THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

February 9, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

THE RIVALS: HOPKINS VS JONES II

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 9) . . . After 17 years the wait is over as sure-fire future Hall of Famers Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Roy “The Terminator” Jones Jr. collide in a long awaited rematch that will finally add the final chapter to their 17-year rivalry. The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II is set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) and Jones (54-6, 40 KOs), two of boxing’s most decorated and recognizable fighters, will put it all on the line and leave no doubts as to who gets the bragging rights.  Both men have given fans more than two decades worth of brilliant ring memories.

“A rematch with Roy has been in the back of my mind for a long time and it’s finally going to happen,” said Hopkins. “I have accomplished a lot in my career since that night in Washington, DC in 1993, and I am going to end this thing between me and Roy once and for all.”

“We’re giving the fans what they want to see. They deserve this fight and why not supply the fans with their demands?” said Jones. “Now I can finally terminate the Executioner once and for all. My new nickname for this fight will be – The Terminator.”

“As a fan, I am excited that the fight is finally happening and that we don’t have to wait any longer to see this great rivalry continue,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “This fight is so exciting and intriguing because of how much is at stake for both Hopkins and Jones. They would not let anything get in the way of this fight finally getting made. They both deserve this after everything they have achieved in their respective careers.”

“We’re ecstatic that the fight was made and we’re looking forward to a great event,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring. “There’s been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who the better fighter is. This is the fight Roy always wanted.”

“The Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight at Mandalay Bay in April will be a tremendous event,” said Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. “These two great legends of the sport remain fan favorites and are sure to bring another exciting battle to the ring.”

On May 22, 1993, Hopkins and Jones fought for the vacant IBF middleweight belt, the first shot at a world title for both fighters, in the HBO-televised co-feature to the Riddick Bowe vs. Jesse Ferguson heavyweight title fight at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. At the time of the bout, Jones was undefeated (21-0, 20 KOs) and a highly-touted Olympian (teammate of Bowe on the 1988 U.S. team), who received the Val Barker Trophy (for most stylistic boxer) at the Seoul games despite being robbed of a deserved Gold Medal.

On the other side of the ring stood the menacing Hopkins (22-1, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia fighter known more for his criminal history and a stay at a maximum security prison than his steadily rising ring reputation. Unveiling his “Executioner” ring name and full face mask to the fans in attendance and national television audience did nothing to help Hopkins’ popularity against the effervescent Jones.

The fight, which Jones won by unanimous decision, was a hard fought contest that set the stage for both fighters’ respective paths to boxing stardom. Jones went on to win titles in four weight classes, including middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and his historic heavyweight championship. Hopkins, who claimed Jones’ vacated IBF middleweight title in 1995, didn’t lose another fight for 12 years following his battle with Jones. While Jones ruled as pound-for-pound best for the better part of a decade, Hopkins took advantage of his middleweight crown by setting a record of 20 defenses and solidifying his place as one of the greatest middleweight fighters in the history of the sport.

At 45 years young, Bernard Hopkins is still rated among the top pound for pound best in boxing. After his victory over Segundo Mercado in 1995 for the IBF middleweight title, Hopkins’ momentum began to build as he scored victories over quality contenders such as John David Jackson, Glencoffe Johnson, Simon Brown, Robert Allen and Antwun Echols to name a few. The 2000s defined Hopkins’ career starting with his win over Keith Holmes in April of 2001 in the opening round of the Middleweight Unification Tournament followed by a stunning 12th round stoppage of Felix “Tito” Trinidad on September 29, 2001 at Madison Square Garden. Following four more defenses of his middleweight crown, Hopkins was brought into the mainstream spotlight when faced Oscar de la Hoya in 2004. His ninth round knockout of “The Golden Boy” allowed Hopkins to attain his 19th title defense – setting a record and making him the first fighter to hold the belt of all four major sanctioning organizations at the same time (not to mention also owning the Ring Magazine title).

In 2006, Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight for the first time in his career to defeat Antonio Tarver for The Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship. He next dominated Winky Wright at 170 pounds in continuing to prove his ring supremacy. His signature destruction of the younger and then undefeated Kelly Pavlik in October of 2008 defined the true meaning of Hopkins’ career, as he took Pavlik to task as a cagey veteran who knows how to dismantle many a young fighters’ championship dreams. With his most recent win, a dominant performance over Enrique Ornelas in front of a hometown Philly crowd of nearly 7,000 people, Hopkins showed the world that age is nothing but a number. Now his career will come full circle with the Jones fight with Hopkins hoping for a sweet victory and long awaited revenge.

Roy Jones Jr.’s storied career has had countless defining moments which have catapulted him to being a household name. Jones was unstoppable in the 90’s as he stunned his opponents with incredible speed and relentless power. He made history on March 1, 2003 when he thwarted then-heavyweight champion John Ruiz to become the first former middleweight champion to win the heavyweight title in more than 100 years.

Jones has always taken pride in defying the critics, which is in large part why he set his sights on John Ruiz’ heavyweight crown. Following the Ruiz conquest, Jones dropped down to light heavyweight in order to take on Florida rival Antonio Tarver on November 8, 2003. It was Jones’ hardest fight until that point in his career. He captured a split decision victory, but it foreshadowed things to come for the proud, but suddenly vulnerable Jones, who suffered consecutive defeats to Tarver and a surprising loss to Glen Johnson.

Down, but not out, Jones came back to score wins in his next two fights, setting up a highly-anticipated dual with Felix “Tito” Trinidad at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2008. A renewed Jones looked sharp and focused, flooring an overmatched Trinidad twice, in breezing to a unanimous decision win. Jones returned to Madison Square Garden in November of that same year and after 12 hard fought rounds came up short against future Hall of Famer Joe Calzaghe. Jones defeated his next two opponents in Omar Sheika and Jeff Lacy respectively. Most recently, Jones suffered a devastating first-round knock out loss on December 2 against Australia’s Danny Green. As Jones is disputing the loss, he remains confident he can overcome this recent defeat, and take on Hopkins with that same unbelievable boxing prowess that he has been known for throughout his record-setting career.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale now at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino).  Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Hopkins vs. Jones II pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and has a suggested retail price of $49.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. The main event will begin live immediately following the college basketball semi-finals. For Hopkins vs. Jones II fight week updates, log on to www.goldenboypromotions.com.

An exciting undercard will be announced shortly. For more information regarding the April 3 event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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TICKETS FOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN BETWEEN BERNARD HOPKINS & ROY JONES JR. ON SALE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AT 10 AM PT

February 4, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

LEGENDS FACE-OFF TO SETTLE THE SCORE

IN LONG-AWAITED REMATCH ON SATURDAY, APRIL 3

AT THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

THE RIVALS: HOPKINS VS. JONES II

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 4) . . . Tickets for the long awaited rematch of future Hall of Famers Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Roy “The Terminator” Jones Jr. go on sale tomorrow, Friday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT. The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II is set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $750, $500, $300, $200 and $100 go on sale TOMORROW, Friday, February 5 at 10:00 am PT and will be available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino).  Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) and Jones (54-6, 40 KOs), heated rivals and two of boxing’s most decorated and recognizable fighters, will put it all on the line and leave no doubt as to who gets to take bragging rights as the best.  Both men have given fans more than two decades worth of brilliant ring memories and will each look to add another victory under their belts on April 3.

For more information regarding the April 3 event, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com.

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BERNARD HOPKINS AND ROY JONES SET TO MEET IN LONG AWAITED REMATCH SATURDAY, APRIL 3 AT THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

February 1, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES MEDIA TOUR

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AND 10

NEW YORK (February 1) . . . After 17 years the wait is over as sure-fire future Hall of Famers Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Roy “The Terminator” Jones Jr. collide in a long awaited rematch that will add the final chapter to their 17-year rivalry. The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II is set for Saturday, April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev.  The bout will be broadcast live on pay-per-view beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The fighters will participate in a press tour with stops in New York and Los Angeles next Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9 and 10, respectively.

Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 KOs) and Jones (54-6, 40 KOs), two of boxing’s most decorated and recognizable fighters who have given fans more than two decades worth of brilliant ring memories, will put it all on the line and leave no doubts as to who gets the bragging rights.

“A rematch with Roy has been in the back of my mind for a long time and it’s finally going to happen,” said Hopkins. “I have accomplished a lot in my career since that night in Washington, DC in 1993, and I am going to end this thing between me and Roy once and for all.”

“We’re giving the fans what they want to see. They deserve this fight and why not supply the fans with what they demand?” said Jones. “Now I can finally terminate the Executioner once and for all. My new nickname for this fight will be – The Terminator.”

More information on the media tour and this spectacular night of showmanship and boxing will be forthcoming.

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Hopkins – Jones II to happen this Spring

January 14, 2010 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

Although Roy Jones Jr. did not last a round when he was stopped by Danny Green in Australia, Jones will get his (at one time) much anticipated rematch with fellow legend Bernard Hopkins according to espn.com

The fight likely will be April 17 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins’ promoter, said.

“We worked very hard to keep this fight alive and we got it signed on Wednesday,” said John Wirt, the CEO of Square Ring, Jones’ promotional company. “We’re ecstatic that the fight was made and we’re looking forward to a great event. There’s been a long-standing rivalry between two of the preeminent boxers of our generation. This fight will establish once and for all who is the better fighter between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. This is the fight Roy always wanted.”

“The interesting thing is the conversations never died down,” Schaefer said. “Even after Bernard won and Roy lost, the talks continued and different options were evaluated. But I just felt from talking to Bernard and from the conversations I had with John that they really wanted to fight each other.

“I think there is so much at stake for these guys. This is an event they have been waiting for for 17 years. They would not let anything get in the way of getting this fight finally done. I believe very strongly that at this point in their careers, after everything they have accomplished, I think this is a well-deserved fight for these two guys to finally get it on April 17. Love ‘em or hate em, they are two of the most recognized names in the sport of boxing.”

“The only thing I can say about the structure of the deal is that there is still a substantial financial benefit to the guy who wins by knockout,” Schaefer said.

“Those who write Roy Jones off are making a mistake because he will come in motivated more than ever because this is a personal showdown between these guys,” Schaefer said. “They were waiting a long time for this fight and here it is. Bernard, at this point in his career, keeps on defying mother time. For Bernard, after all the accomplishments, for him to get up for a fight, he also needs that personal motivation, and he will have it against Roy Jones.

“Those two guys, after all the talking and the build up, and the ups and downs and the cheers and disappointments, finally, they are going to meet again. Bernard won’t be judging Roy on his last performance. He knows that would be a big mistake. I think they will both come at their best because of how important this is to both of them.”

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Hopkins – Green breaks down over money

December 30, 2009 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

By Marc Abrams

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com a proposed bout between light heavyweights Bernard Hopkins and Danny Green has broken down over the sides being unable to reach a financial agreement.

The crux of the dispute, according to Gary Shaw, who  is advising Green in the negotiations, is Hopkins’ demand for a 60-40 split of the money in his favor instead of the 50-50 deal Shaw said they had previously agreed upon.

“Green will not move off 50-50,” Shaw said. “B-Hop will wait forever for 60-40.”

“We thought we had a deal at 50-50 when we left Richard (Schaefer’s) office. We had gone over all the numbers Danny did in the Roy Jones fight,” Shaw said.

“After I met with HBO, Danny spoke with Bernard once or twice and Bernard suddenly changed the deal,” Shaw said. “He told Danny he wanted all of the HBO money because he was bringing HBO, which wasn’t accurate because I was the one who went to HBO and negotiated the money.”

“Once Bernard changed the deal, Danny said it was a non-starter,” Shaw said. “So let them go their separate ways.”

According to Schaefer, they never agreed to a deal.

“There was a deal presented to Bernard and me where Danny Green offered 50-50,” Schaefer told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “We countered that deal and said we would agree to 50-50 if we can keep the U.S. [television] money or put into the joint account in effect the same amount of money which was available to them from the U.S. TV rights for the Jones-Green fight. That in return was declined by Green.”

Green will look for alternative opponents, Shaw said

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GARY SHAW MAKES OFFER FOR HOPKINS-JONES II ON UNDERCARD OF CHAD DAWSON’S NEXT HBO SHOW!

December 3, 2009 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

TOTOWA, NJ (December 3, 2009) – Promoter GARY SHAW formally offered to promote the rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr. – on the undercard of undefeated two-time light heavyweight champion CHAD DAWSON’S next fight.  Shaw faxed the offer letter (see attached pdf of original letter) to Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Boy Promotions, Hopkins’ promoter, earlier today.  HBO is holding an April 2010 date for Dawson’s next world championship fight.

After congratulating Schaefer on Hopkins’ 12-round light heavyweight decision victory over fringe middleweight contender Enrique Ornleas, Shaw wrote the following:

“Inasmuch as Bernard stated during his post-fight press conference that he wanted to pursue the rematch against Roy Jones, Jr. rather than fight Chad Dawson, I wanted to offer a slot on Chad’s next undercard for that fight.  HBO is holding an April date for Chad.  I would be willing to pay Bernard and Roy $200,000.00 each, the same purse Bernard fought for in his fight against Ornleas, though I cannot guarantee the fight will be televised since HBO would be making that decision, presumably based on its evaluation of Bernard’s and Roy’s last performance.

“If Bernard decides to take on Danny Green instead, please wish him luck for me and know that I’m hopeful he will not break Roy’s record of 122 seconds.”

Shaw has not heard back from Schaefer.

Dawson (29-0, 17 KOs), from New Haven, Conn., serving his second term as light heavyweight champion, captured the WBC interim world title while successfully defending his IBO title, winning a dominating unanimous decision in a rematch against two-time world champion Glen Johnson on November 7.  On May 9, Dawson successfully defended the IBF and IBO titles in a rematch against former world champion Antonio Tarver, whom he dethroned in October 2008. Dawson won his first world title in 2007, battering undefeated defending WBC champion Tomasz Adamek.  He successfully defended the WBC title three times, including a victory over Johnson, before vacating that title to challenge Tarver for his belts.

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Hopkins decisions Ornelas in Philly

December 2, 2009 by GFL · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Boxing News 

By Marc Abrams (ringside)

Bernard Hopkins scored a twelve round unanimous decision over a game Enrique Ornelas in Light Heavyweight Tune up bout at The Licacorous Center in Philadelphia.

Most of the bout resembled a sparring match as the fight was in tight with lots of clinching. Hopkins was constantly beating Ornelas to the punch as his punch of choice was a quick inside right hand. Ornelas was very tough throughout as advertised he stood in front of action and tried to press the action but Hopkins, even at age 44 (He turns 45 on January 15th) he showed amazing reflexes and uncanny hand speed for a man ten years younger than what his birth certificate actually says.

There were a handful of good but short exchanges with Hopkins being the one who would finish up those flurries with solid combination’s. the twelfth round started out as a fire fight until a clinch caused some serious bruising on the right side of Ornelas head. Hopkins hurt Ornelas in the twelfth with a blistering combination along the ropes and Hopkins tried to finish the show strong as he landed five hard shots just as the bell sounded to the delight of the adoring hometown fans, who for the first time since 2003 were able to witness the legend ply his trade his hometown.

When the tallies were handed in they read, 120-109, 119-110 (same as 15rounds.com ringside account) and 118-110 for Hopkins, 175 lbs of Philadelphia who won his 50th bout against 5 losses and one draw. Ornelas, 173.5 lbs of La Habra, CA is now 29-6

“Young Swift” Danny Garcia made just that, swift work of Enrique Colin by scoring a devastating second round stoppage in their scheduled ten round Jr. Welterweight fight.

Colin had some success in round one until he ate a perfect combination that slumped him to the canvas at the end of the frame. Garcia came out and landed a perfect right that foreshadowed what was to come and that was a booming counter right hand that plummeted Colin to the cnavas. Colin tried to reached his feet but he rolled over and referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout at fifty-five seconds if that second round.

Garcia, 140 lbs of Philadelphia is now 15-0 with ten knockouts. Colin, 139 lbs of Guasauve, Mexico is now 29-6-3.

In an entertaining four round Featherweight bout, Guadalupe De Leon scored a mild upset by winning a split decision over previously unbeaten Derric Wilson.

Wilson came out firing on all cylinders as he used lightning quick hands to land hard shots in round one. De leon began to pepper Wilson with shots consistently as he started to get the better of the crowd pleasing exchanges. The two started out round four firing hard shots until Wilson momentarily stopped De Leon in his tracks with a hard counter right. De Leon then landed a perfect one-two that buckled Wilson and that combination may have sewn up the victory.

De Leon,126 lbs of Mission, Texas won by scores of 39-37 on two cards while Wilson took the third card 39-37.

Deleon is now 8-9. Wilson, 125 1/2 lbs of Fort Myers, FL is now 5-1-1.

Teenage prospect Michael Perez took out an overmatched and unwilling Ron Boyd in round two of a scheduled six round Lightweight bout.

Perez scored two dubious knockdowns on body blows as Boyd took a step back before kneeling to the canvas. Perez then jumped all over Boyd and landed a huge barrage of punches finally sending him down to the canvas for a third and final time at 2:09 of the second round.

With the win, Perz, 136 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 6-0-1. Boyd, 135.7 lbs of Washington, DC is now 6-10

prospect Karal “Dynamite” Dragan scored a six round unanimous decision over tough Samuel Samtana in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Dargan scored a knockdown in round two from a hard right hand and he cruised down the stretch as he lnded some good shots with the fatser hands and was able to duck out of the way of most of the harcharging Santana’s punches.

Dragan, 137 1/2 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-53, 59-54 and 57-54 to stay undefeated at 6-0. Santana, 138 lbs of Carolina, Puero Rico is now 2-4-2

Lamont Barnes used the strength of a first round knockdown to score a four round majority decision over Taneal Goyco in a cruiserweight bout.

During a furious exchange, Barnes landed a big left hook that sent Goyco to the canvas. Goyco rebounded nicely as he almost had Barnes out with a big barrage in round two. The two traded the final two rounds of this spirited affair.

Barnes, 182 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 39-36; 38-37 and 37-37 to even up his ledger at 3-3. Goyco, 183 lbs of Philadelphia suffers his first pro defeat and is now 3-1

Jesse Vargas scored a second round stoppage over Travis Hartman in scheduled four round Welterweight bout.

Vargas dropped Hartman twice in round one from left hands to the body. There was a good exchange to kick off round until another thudding body blow put Hartman down for a third time and moments later the fight was stopped after another thudding shot to the live sent Hartman down for a fourth and final time at 2:31 of round two.

Vargas, 144 1/ lbs of Las Vegas is now 7-0 with three knockous. Hartman, 142 1/2 lbs of St. Joseph, MO is now 10-16-1

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