Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2, 2 NC) will look to prove that age is just a number when he takes on German Karo Murat (25-1-1) with his IBF Light Heavyweight title on the line. Join us on The Roar for live round-by-round updates from midday AEDT.
At 48-years of age Hopkins is the oldest world champion, but talk of him getting old is “getting old” for the ‘Executioner’.
“I’m coming to show you all that not only am I different and I don’t get tired of doing what I do. I love winning opportunities and situations to win,” Hopkins said at Wednesday’s press conference.
“I’m an alien, I don’t get old if they’re waiting for that.
Murat will be fighting for the first time outside of Europe as the 30-year-old challenges for his first world title.
Win or lose it will be a dream come true for the Iraq-born boxer who gets to prove his worth against a legend of the sport in the loneliest place in the world, centre ring.
“It’s the first time for me to ever be in the United States. It was my dream of mine to come and actually fight one day here, particularly against someone like Bernard Hopkins,” Murat said.
“You are all going to be there and you are going to witness a young boy from Germany who’s going to come here to Bernard’s home turf, and he’s going to take the title from him and take it home.”
Hopkins holds the height and reach advantage over Murat and will be able to control proceedings on the outside.
He’s coming off a decision win over Tavoris Cloud in March, while Murat who hasn’t fought since June 2012, recorded a stoppage over Sandro Siproshvili in his last outing.
Prediction: Bernard Hopkins via Wide UD.
Hopkins said himself at the press conference that it’s almost been a 10 year drought without him recording a knockout, mostly due to his age.
Jason Cave
Guest
Maybe Anthony Mundine should go after Bernard Hopkins rather than Shane Mosley.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
In the main event, Bernard Hopkins was simply too good for Karo Murat defending his IBF Light Heavyweight title by the scores of 119-108, 119-108, 117-110. It was a scrappy affair with Murat surprisingly the 'dirtiest' boxer holding and throwing Hopkins to the canvas.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Peter Quillin defended his WBO Middleweight title with a 10th round doctors stoppage over Gabriel Rosado who was arguably hard done by. Many had the fight even at the time of the stoppage but all three judges had it close to a shutout for Quillin. The stoppage itself was controversial with Rosado wanting to continue to fight, and the cut didn't seem as bad as some that have been let go in the past.
VTDave Van Deusen
Guest
Prediction: Quilin by KO in 5th; Hopkins by KO in 9th.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
With a record of 30-0 (30 KO's) I'd love to see Wilder tested with some of the big names now. He can bang and it will be interesting to see how he matches up.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Wilder: “Firtha is a tough dude. I told everybody, you cannot sleep on this guy. He came to knock me out.”
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Next up Peter Quillin will defend his WBO Middleweight title against Gabriel Rosado.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Deontay Wilder def. Nicolai Firtha via KO, Round 4 at 1:26.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Firtha eats some hard shots and is knocked out in round four with a right hand.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Firtha has been knocked down twice in the opening round after coming out of the blocks fast and is 10-7 down on the scorecards.
Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining us on The Roar. First up today is a heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and Nicolai Firtha over 10 rounds. Wilder is expected to win this one quickly and easily.