Knockout Nation

(KNOCKOUT NATION – JULY 17, 2008)

According to recent reports and word from Bob Arum in an interview with espn.com, Kelly Pavlik will move up in weight to face former light heavyweight champion, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. Pavlik will be following in the footsteps of Winky Wright and will move up 10 pounds to face Bernard Hopkins at a catchweight of 170 pounds.

The fight will take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ and will air October 18th, live on HBO PPV. As many in boxing know, many names have been tossed around as possible opponents for Pavlik’s next defense. Of course Joe Calzaghe has opted out of this fight to face Roy Jones, Winky Wright was accused of “pricing himself out” by Bob Arum, and a financial deal simply could not be struck with welterweight titilist, Paul Williams. Running out of options for a worthy challenger, Top Rank turned their attention to Bernard Hopkins.

Hopkins was last seen losing his Ring Light Heavyweight Title to Joe Calzaghe and the loss had many questioning Hopkins’ future in the sport. Obviously the old vet isn’t quite prepared to clock out yet as he glady accepted the fight. The deal was made today and both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions apparently agreed on a 50/50 split of the purse for both fighters. Speaking to espn.com, Bob Arum stated, “This fight was not our first choice, but it was the only alternative we had to make a buck. We didn’t have any place to go except a pay-per-view card. At least it will do halfway decent numbers. We turned it down once. It came back around and we accepted it.”

Bernard Hopkins has yet to speak on this suprising announcement however, Pavlik’s trainer, Jack Loew, welcomes the fight. Speaking to espn.com, Loew stated “Bernard is really a middleweight, he’s not a light heavyweight. I think 170 pounds is fine for us. Bernard will be strong, but I know what we have to work on. I’m fine with Bernard Hopkins. I think it will be good fight. We’re fighting a legend. He’s experienced and he’s an old veteran. He knows all the tricks and Bernard is a survivor. I think he’s a great fighter and it will be an honor for us to fight him.

Although many in boxing have expressed their interest in Pavlik facing either Arthur Abraham or Winky Wright, Hopkins is a formidable opponent who will be no easy walk in the park for Pavlik. Although Pavlik met Jermaine Taylor at a catch weight in their rematch, it has yet to be seen how he will perform at a weight of 170 pounds. While many would prefer Pavlik take care of business at middleweight instead of moving up two divisions to face a semi-retired legend, at least this challenge will be a huge step up from his last opponent. Expect to hear more about this suprising news in the coming days.

BY BROWN:

Brownkn1@gmail.com