Following the outcry over the controversial December 18 draw between Jean Pascal and Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins on in Quebec City, Canada, the WBC Board of Governors has voted in favor of ordering an immediate rematch between the two for the WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Jose Sulaiman and the WBC Board of Governors for ordering an immediate rematch between Pascal and I,” said Hopkins. “This is a great thing for boxing and hopefully fans will get to see another great fight with Pascal and I. I’m looking forward to starting off the New Year by making history as the oldest athlete to win a major championship in ANY sport.”
Hopkins impressively battled Pascal, the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion, over 12 rounds before a highly disputed draw verdict was rendered. The decision caused an uproar throughout the boxing community, with most believing Hopkins won the fight.
“I’m very happy the WBC did the right thing,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Hopkins’ promoter. “I think Bernard clearly deserves the immediate rematch. I feel very strongly that Bernard Hopkins won the fight. Now we just need to get it on again. I am sure that Bernard will leave no doubt that he is the Light Heavyweight World Champion. I’m going to be talking to [Pascal’s promoter] Yvon Michel and, based on the conversations I’ve had with him in the last few days, he and Jean Pascal are interested in the fight.”
