Continuing to break his own records, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins will become the oldest fighter in history to make his initial title defense when he faces number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Karo Murat on Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout will mark Hopkins’ second time fighting in Brooklyn’s new arena following his stellar win over Tavoris Cloud at Barclays Center in March.
“Murat has nothing to lose and everything to gain by fighting me,” said Hopkins. “He knows he is fighting a 48-year-old, but he has to understand that there aren’t any other 48-year-olds like me. I keep saying ‘I’m different’ because it is true and I’m going to prove it once again on July 13. I don’t know a lot about Murat, which makes him a dangerous competitor, but after over two decades in this sport, there isn’t anything I haven’t seen, so I plan on showing the world that I can face anyone at any time and be victorious.”
“It’s like a dream come true,” said Murat. “I’m so happy to have this opportunity. Bernard Hopkins has nothing else to prove and this will be the first fight in my career where I have nothing to lose. I can only win against Hopkins and I plan on retiring him. His biggest strength is his experience, but I will reveal his weaknesses at Barclays Center in front of his own fans. I will be in the best shape of my life and will snatch his belt from under his nose.”
“Every Bernard Hopkins fight is a historic event and an opportunity for fans to see one of the all-time greats in action,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “On July 13, he’ll look to keep his remarkable streak going, but Karo Murat is a hungry challenger and he’s coming to Brooklyn to win, so I expect a great fight.”
“We are delighted that at long last Karo Murat is getting the mandatory shot he earned a long time ago,” said Kalle Sauerland, Murat’s promoter from Sauerland Event. “The fact that Bernard Hopkins plays by the rules and is giving this young mandatory his opportunity speaks volumes of him. Of course Murat is the underdog, but as the saying goes every dog has its day.”
“Bernard Hopkins made history at Barclays Center in March and created an unforgettable atmosphere,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “We are honored to host Hopkins’ next title fight at Barclays Center where he can potentially break his own record. Boxing is flourishing in Brooklyn and we are proud to work with Golden Boy Promotions to continue driving the renaissance of the sport in the borough.”
Nothing can be said about the life and career of Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO’s) that hasn’t already been written or aired on television, radio or the internet already, but suffice to say that the 48-year-old from Philadelphia has rightfully earned the title of “legend” as a result his accomplishments throughout his storied career. The longest reigning middleweight champion in boxing history, Hopkins went on to reinvent himself as a light heavyweight after turning 40, winning a world title three times. With his last two title wins, he set a new record as the oldest fighter to win a major world championship in boxing history, and as his dominant 12-round unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Tavoris Cloud in March showed, he’s far from finished, a fact he plans on letting Murat know on July 13.
The number one contender for the IBF light heavyweight title, 29-year-old Karo Murat (25-1-1, 15 KO’s) is on the verge of making history with the chance of a lifetime. A pro since 2006, the resident of Kitzingen, Germany has won several regional titles en route to his place among the top 175-pound fighters in the world. Unbeaten for nearly three years since the lone loss of his career to WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly in 2010, Murat’s last two wins have been knockouts, putting him at the front of the line for his dream fight against a future Hall of Famer.
Hopkins vs. Murat, a 12-round bout for Hopkins’ IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship taking place Saturday, July 13 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.
Tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, go on sale tomorrow, Monday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Beginning Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m., tickets will be available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.
