PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 5, 2016) Living legend and former two-division world champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (55-7 2, 32 KOs) was recognized today by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney with an honorary ceremonial Liberty Bell to commemorate his final career fight against Joe Smith, Jr. for the WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship set for Saturday, December 17 at The Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, joined Hopkins and Mayor Kenney to celebrate the former’s legendary career that spans four decades.

Following the presentation with Mayor Kenney, Hopkins hosted a media workout in Philadelphia at Joe Hand Boxing Gym ahead of his “Final 1” 12-round fight with Joe Smith, Jr. for the WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship set for Saturday, December 17 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Hopkins was joined by his head trainer John David Jackson and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya at Joe Hand Boxing Gym for the media workout. Below are select photos from today’s events in Philadelphia:

(Left to Right) Two-division former world champion and Future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (Right) is presented with an award by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney on December 5, 2016 in Philadelphia prior to Hopkins 12-round fight for the WBC International Light Heavyweight title against hard-hitting Light Heavyweight contender Joe Smith, Jr. from Los Angeles’ iconic Fabulous Forum on Saturday, December 17 to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

(Left to Right) Two-division former world champion and Future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (Right) and Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya (Left) pose on December 5, 2016 in Philadelphia prior to Hopkins 12-round fight for the WBC International Light Heavyweight title against hard-hitting Light Heavyweight contender Joe Smith, Jr. from Los Angeles’ iconic Fabulous Forum on Saturday, December 17 to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

(Left to Right) Two-division former world champion and Future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins hits the mitts during his media workout on December 5, 2016 in Philadelphia prior to Hopkins 12-round fight for the WBC International Light Heavyweight title against hard-hitting Light Heavyweight contender Joe Smith, Jr. from Los Angeles’ iconic Fabulous Forum on Saturday, December 17 to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Hopkins vs. Smith takes place Saturday, December 17 on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles.

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Usyk vs. Mchunuis a 12-round WBO Cruiserweight World Title battle presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood, California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

B-roll and images of Hopkins vs. Smith are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/HopkinsSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2016)-Ahead of the highly anticipated “Final 1” battle between Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Joe Smith Jr., the fighters, along with their promoters Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing, held a media conference call with a Q&A session for the media. Hopkins vs. Smith will be airing live on December 17th on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT from the “Fabulous” Forum.

Below is what the fighters and their promoters had to say on the conference call:

Click here for full audio recording of the conference call.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“On December 17, a boxing legend will enter the ring for the final time as Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, at 51 years young, steps into the ring at the Fabulous Forum against Joe Smith Jr., a rising contender in the light heavyweight division who was born three years after Bernard took his first fight. This fight can be seen live on HBO World Championship Boxing on Saturday, December 17.

“At 51 years young, Bernard is not fighting someone who is not a walk in the park. Joe Smith has every opportunity to take control of the fight and win. Hopkins is the type of man to challenge himself and fight the very best. This fight with Joe Smith is a very difficult fight. That is why Bernard Hopkins is a living legend, because he is willing to take on the best and challenge himself. On Dec 17th, Bernard will make history. We are calling it the “Final 1″ and from top to bottom it will be exciting, thrilling, and final fight. It is our plan to end the year of 2016 with a huge bang.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer, Two Division World Champion:

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions and HBO that helped put together this legendary fight. It is definitely fighting action from top to bottom. I am very ready to have a final one. I’m in a competition with myself. To stay fresh in the game and to stay fresh in my mind on my end.

“I am challenging myself, as Oscar had mentioned, with Joe Smith Jr. who is one of the best options out there. I am ready, and we are on the final stretch. I’m feeling great as most fighters would say as they are about to get in the ring. I am telling you all to bring your notepads, because come December 17, I am about to bring the textbook about boxing. That’s what I’m going to show you all, so you can see it on Primetime. I am looking forward to the final 1. There will be no more like me.

“Even though I defeated John David Jackson, he is the very best out there and we wanted him in my corner. JDJ is much overlooked, but he is one of the top 3 or 4 trainers. He has known me since I was a younger fighter trying to make it into boxing. If you look at the craftsman ship of JDJ, when you see that a guy not only has the tools, the way to use them in the ring, and you as a fighter have the confidence and trust in your teacher-you’re in great hands. He’s been representing that for many years. We felt that it was a perfect transition, the transition in us knowing each other and working together… When you give your teacher – your coach — all that he wants while you train, come fight night he can give you what you need when you most need it.

“I am done. This will be the “Final 1”. Whether it was JDJ or Naazim [Richardson] in my corner, I will not fight, even if I feel that I can do a lot more. On December 17th, I want to give a performance where you beg me to stay, and it’s a challenge that Joe Smith will have to take on. For fighters to show their greatness, they need someone to bring it out. Timing is everything, and I am doing it in my calculation. I proved a bunch of people wrong already. There is no stone that has not been unturned, meaning that when I look back, I would have done everything that I wanted to.

“I’m also from a union, the state corrections union – it’s a brotherly hood, and some of the best diamonds come from under the rock. These are some of the base of fans for me – especially the young aspiring boxers who I tell to watch me.

“I’m in a competition with myself. When you reach this level of professionalism, you have done things that most fighters, especially the young fighters haven’t done yet. I want to overdo myself. Joe Smith is a hard puncher, he won’t run, is a union guy, he won’t lay back, and he won’t try not to execute me. However, Joe smith has to be trained to pass 4, 5, 6 different styles that I will utilize in the ring, and he is going to have to be smart.

“I will be the matrix, I will be the executioner. I will be everything that I need to be to win. The sweet science is something that I’ve always been addicted too. My fight will be like watching the last game of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.

“After this fight, I will be taking a larger role at Golden Boy Promotions. I will also be doing color commentating, and segments on the fight game. You can call me Houdini – I can do many things.”

JOE DE GUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:

“It’s a pleasure, we want to thank Golden Boy for giving us and Joe the opportunity for this fight. We echo the thoughts and sentiments about this December 17 fight. Bernard Hopkins is a real legend, and it is a privilege to be on this fight with such a great network. Looking forward, Bernard is going to be taking on a real hungry lion like Joe Smith. He is going to be up for a real surprise. I am proud to be associated with this fight. I know Joe has won the WBC against Andrzej Fonfara earlier this year and will be defending it against Bernard.

“Joe Smith Jr. is symbolic of the American spirit – working with the sledge hammer, a part of the union-and will bring all that hard work to the forum. After Joe Smith Jr. wins this fight, many doors will open, but he has to get through Bernard Hopkins first. Once he does that, every door in the world is his.

“The unions all have Joe on the agenda, and many different unions are supporting. The support has been tremendous-it is one of their own who represents them in the ring.”

JOE SMITH JR., WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:

“I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy, and Star Boxing. We have been training hard and are ready for what is to come. I am mentally preparing for everything that Bernard Hopkins has for me. The date is almost here, and I am ready to put on a great show.”

“I am prepared to go 12 rounds, he is a tough guy. If I get the opportunity to take him out, I will do that. I go into every fight the same way; whether it is a legend or a nobody that is standing in front of me, they have the potential to hurt me. Each fight I push myself a little harder.

“We are always training and preparing the same like we do for all our fights-I don’t do anything different. When the call came for the title fight, I was working for the labor union, and trained for two months straight and that resulted in a win. The same thing happened when I got the call for this fight. I have been training in Long Island, so I have traveled to spar with different fighters throughout the area. I believe that I have some of the best jabs in boxing. Most of my fights end early, so I don’t get to show off my boxing capabilities. I think most people will be impressed by my boxing performance as I take on Bernard.

“To fight someone well known like Bernard is a privilege. I will be bringing my best, and will make sure that he doesn’t return. I will make sure he exits my way.”

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

B-roll and images of Hopkins vs. Smith are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/HopkinsSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2016) – Rounding out a stacked card featuring boxing legend Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, undefeated featherweight contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Oleksander Usyk, several red-hot prospects in the Golden Boy Promotions stable will look to move to the next level on December 17 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California.

Tickets for these action-packed fights are already on sale and available at Ticketmaster and the Forum Box Office.

“There is no promotional company with a deeper stable of prospects than Golden Boy Promotions, and fans are going to see a slew of them on the December 17 card,” said company CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “I am confident that multiple future world champions are on this card; fans should come to the Fabulous Forum to see these rising stars as they continue to climb the ladder of our sport.”

Following back-to-back knockouts that earned him the WBC Latino Middleweight Title, undefeated southpaw Yamaguchi Falcao (11-0, 4 KOs)will return to the states for the first time since April, 2015 to put his title on the line against German “Zurdo” Perez (10-2-3, 3 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa in a 10-round match-up.

Staying in the middleweight division, Donegal, Ireland’s own Jason “El Animal” Quigley (11-0, 9 KOs) will continue his record of taking on tough challenges and step into the ring against the knockout artist Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-7-1, 26 KOs) from Manati, Puerto Rico in a 10-round bout.

18-year-old lightweight Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) will make his highly anticipated Golden Boy Promotions debut on the card against Durango, Mexico’s Antonio “Chore” Martinez (6-7, 5 KOs). In a professional career that just launched in June, the 15-time national champion has already won six fights, including five by way of knockout.
With the NABA Super Featherweight Title up for grabs, newly crowned champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales (14-1-3, 6 KOs) will look to make it 15 wins in a row after starting his career winless in four fights when he faces challenger Charles Huerta (18-4, 10 KOs) of Paramount, CA in a 10-round affair for Morales’ belt and LA bragging rights.

Back in the lightweight division, undefeated LA Fight Club favorite Ivan “Striker” Delgado (10-0-1, 3 KOs), will head southwest across the city from his adopted home at the Belasco Theater to take on Tijuana, Mexico’s Roberto Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs) in a six or eight round bout.

Staying with the lightweights, fan favorite and hard-hitting Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (15-0, 13 KOs) from Buena Park, California puts his perfect record on the line against a soon to be announced opponent.

Opening up the evening, undefeated Featherweight Joet Gonzalez (14-0, 6 KOs) from Glendora, California continues to take on rugged competition, as he squares off against Torreon, Mexico’s Jairo Hernandez (15-10, 8 KOs) in a six or eight round battle.

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match up presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Usyk vs. Mchunuis a 12-round WBO Cruiserweight World Title battle presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood, California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.starboxing.com, www.k2promos.com, www.mainevents.com,
www.hbo.com/boxing and www,fabaulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr, @JosephDiazJr, @TomLoeffler1, @OleksandrUsyk, @Main_Events, @ThabisoMchunu and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www,facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www,facebook,com/StarBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith

Los Angeles, CA (November 9, 2016) – Newly crowned World Boxing Organization Cruiserweight Champion, Oleksandr Usyk, (10-0, 9 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine will make his highly anticipated United States debut in his first title defense against world ranked contender Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu, (17-2, 11 KOs) of South Africa on Saturday, December 17 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, CA and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The Usyk-Mchunu 12-round clash is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events and will open the HBO telecast headlined by the light heavyweight clash between Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins, (55-7-2, 32 KOs) and hard-hitting contender Joe Smith Jr., (21-1 18 KOs) and a 10-round co-main event between Joseph Diaz Jr. and Horacio Garcia who will clash for the NABF Featherweight Title.

“This is a great opportunity, I’m very excited to fight for the first time in the United States and on HBO,” said Usyk. “After winning the world title in September, fighting in America was the next goal and I promise the fans in Los Angeles and those watching on HBO a great performance,” said Usyk, known for his world class performances, heavy hands and his memorable victory dances.

“Against good opposition, I ‘The Rock’ always rise to the occasion, “said Mchunu. “I’m eagerly focused on the throne!”

“Oleksandr is very anxious to fight in the United States, he wants to be known as a true world champion, the same status the Gold Medal provided him as an amateur,” said Alexander Krassyuk of K2 Promotions Ukraine. “We’re very thankful to HBO for this opportunity and see this as just the first step towards Oleksandr becoming a superstar in the United States.”

Said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions, “We’re very happy to bring Oleksandr to the United States. He has drawn large crowds to his fights in Ukraine and there is much anticipation for him coming to America and to become the next boxing superstar. His entertaining, all-action style will be a thrill for fight fans at the Fabulous Forum and those watching on HBO. Having seen the Los Angeles fans’ reaction to both Gennady Golovkin and Roman Gonzalez’s fights at The Fabulous Forum with its rich boxing and entertainment history, this venue is a special place for star making performances.”

Stated Kathy Duva of Main Events, “Thabiso jumped at this opportunity the moment the offer was conveyed without hesitation. He is coming to win and it will be a great fight. I would also give all the credit in the world to Usyk for taking on such a tough challenge in his first defense of the title.”

The 29-year-old Usyk capped an extraordinary amateur career winning Olympic Gold at the London Games in 2012. Signing with K2 Promotions, Usyk scored knockouts in his first nine bouts in front of huge crowds in Ukraine and Germany. On September 17, 2016, Usyk won the WBO Cruiserweight World Title from champion Krzysztof Glowacki, brilliantly dominating the action over 12 rounds in Gdansk, Poland. The unanimous decision championship victory in Usyk’s tenth professional bout broke the previous record of twelve fights held by Future Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield. Usyk is currently world ranked in the cruiserweight division, #2 by ESPN and USA Today and #3 by Ring Magazine.

The 28-year-old Mchunu is world ranked #9 by the WBC, #13 by the WBO and #14 by the IBF. Although based in South Africa, he has fought and been victorious on three previous occasions in the United States. Making his U.S. debut on August 3, 2013, Mchunu won a 10-round decision over former world title challenger Eddie Chambers. In 2014, the southpaw also won 10-round decisions over Garrett Wilson and Olanrewaju Durodola. Most recently Mchunu knocked out Boniface Kabore in the second round on May 20, 2016 in South Africa.

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match up presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Usyk vs. Mchunu is a 12-round WBO Cruiserweight World Title battle presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.starboxing.com, www.K2promos.com, www.mainevents.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.fabulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr, @JosephDiazJr, @TomLoeffler1, @OleksandrUsyk, @Main_Events, @ThabisoMchunu and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.facebook.com/StarBoxing/, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith.

LOS ANGELES (November 7, 2016) –
Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (22-0, 13 KOs) will look to defend his NABF Featherweight Championship for the fourth time this year, as the former 2012 U.S. Olympian steps into the ring for a 10-round slugfest againstHoracio “Violento” Garcia (30-1-1, 22 KOs) in the co-main event of Bernard Hopkins’s final fight on December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for these action-packed fights are already on sale.

“A world title has always been my goal and December 17, will be an incredible experience as I continue to pursue my dream of a being featherweight champion,” Diaz said. “Garcia is an extremely tough guy, but I am hitting my peak right now, and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me.”

“Joseph Diaz may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me,” Garcia said. “I am looking forward to coming to Los Angeles December 17, defeating Diaz and continuing my rise up the Featherweight division.”

“I have had a front-row seat to watch Joseph develop from an Olympian to a world-class professional fighter, and he is getting better each and every day,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “While JoJo will face one of his toughest challenges his in Garcia, I am confident he comes out victorious and earns a world title shot in 2017.”

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match up presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.starboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.fabulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr, @JosephDiazJr, and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.facebook.com/StarBoxing/, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith.

Bernard Hopkins is scheduled to step into the ring one final time on December 17th. The 51-year-old boxing legend will face Joe Smith Jr. in a light heavyweight bout at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Hopkins is a shoo-in for the Boxing Hall of Fame five years after he retires. Here is a look back at the career of The Executioner.

Convict Turned Fighter
Hopkins began his boxing career in 1988 after he was released from prison. He served four and a half years for armed robbery, and it was in prison where he discovered his boxing ability. He immediately turned pro after his release, and he lost his first pro fight to Clinton Mitchell. The loss really discouraged him, and it would be 16 months before he would fight again.

First Win
Hopkins bounced back to win his second fight at middleweight, beating Greg Paige on February 22, 1990. This victory kicked off an incredible run for Hopkins. He won 22 straight fights to shoot up the middleweight rankings. This led to his first big fight, a matchup with Roy Jones, Jr. for the IBF Middleweight title on May 22, 1993. Hopkins lost in a unanimous decision.

Gaining the Middleweight Title
Later that year, Hopkins again fought for the IBF Middleweight title. This fight was against Segundo Mercado in Quito, Ecuador. Hopkins suffered from altitude sickness in the fight and was almost knocked out before he came back to earn a draw. The two met again on April 29, 1995, and Hopkins scored a TKO against Mercado to claim the title.

Middleweight Unification Fight
On September 29, 2001, Hopkins fought Felix Trinidad in a match to unify the various middleweight belts. Hopkins was an underdog in the fight for the first time in years, and he actually bet $100,000 on himself to win. Hopkins thoroughly outclassed Trinidad, knocking him out in the 12th round to shock the boxing world. This victory made Hopkins the first undisputed middleweight champion since Marvin Hagler held all the belts in 1987.

Hopkins vs. De La Hoya
The biggest fight of Hopkins’ career came on September 8, 2004 against Oscar De La Hoya. This was a huge payday for Hopkins, earning him $10 million. He knocked out De La Hoya with a vicious left hook to the body. The fight made them friends. Soon after, De La Hoya would invite to Hopkins to become his business partner in Golden Boy Productions.

Hopkins ended up successfully defending the middleweight title 20 times, which is a record. His eventually lost the title championship in a split decision against Jermain Taylor on July 16, 2005. He has fought sporadically over the last decade with most of his fights at light heavyweight.

No Easy Contest
Hopkins is a fighter who seeks out challenges. He is not going to ride off into the sunset against a patsy. His opponent Smith is a tough Irishman who has a 22-1 record with 18 knockouts. Hopkins wants to go out with a bang, saying his aim is to knock Smith out. With so much knockout power in this fight, it should be an exciting contest that ends with one fighter being counted out.

LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2016) – Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of FamerBernard “The Executioner” Hopkins(55-7-2, 32 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles press conference to discuss their 12-round battle set for December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Also, in attendance for this press conference was Los Angeles-based undefeated Vyacheslav “Lionheart Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) as he takes on Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) for a 10-round bout for Shabranskyy’s WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on HBO Latino® Boxing on Friday, December 16 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Also rounding out the HBO Latino® Boxing card, was Former WBC Silver featherweight titlist Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs) against Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Below is what the fighters, their trainers, managers and promoter had to say at today’s press conference:

BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of Famer:

“This is history, we have been here many times where history has been made. This is obviously different than everything I have ever done, because it is the Final 1. To be able to have the Final 1 in LA, where the city of stars are trying to be stars, however you cut it, it couldn’t have been better with the history placed in the DNA that the Forum has produced.

“It is fitting that the end of a twenty-nine year career, since 1988 is in a historic place at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. This is something that came as an opportunity to be here. I couldn’t tell you that it would be in this arena-it just happened, and here I am against an incredible opponent.

“I don’t want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything-give me an opportunity and give me a door and I’ll open it myself. I don’t’ have to convince anyone of anything. This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from “The Executioner” to “B-Hop” to “The Alien” they all exist in me.

“On December 17th you will see “The Executioner,” it will all come full circle. This press conference is just a warm up. Win, lose or draw, there is no excuse-Final 1.”

JOE SMITH JR., Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I’m so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I’m going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“As you know, we are calling this the “Final 1,” and Bernard has expressed this is the final one. We are really excited to be putting together this card. We want to thank HBO for putting this card together.

“December 17th will be historical. I want to say coming out party, but it will be the last hoorah, as a champion goes out in his terms, in his way. Only legends can do that and superstars who transcend the sport.

“What excited me about this fight is that Bernard is not fighting someone who is a walk in the park, he is fighting a difficult fight, and this gentleman has every opportunity in the book to win and win a world title. This is Hopkins, this is who Hopkins chose. Joe Smith Jr. has an amazing record and an outstanding knockout percentage that is unheard of in his division.

“Hopkins will be an athlete that will transcend the sport, not just for what he has accomplished in the ring, but for outside of it, and that is huge. I am very excited and happy that this fight will be taking place in an arena where I began my professional career. It is an honor for me and thank you for giving Los Angeles and Angelenos an opportunity to watch this fight.

“Leading up to the event, we have some great events coming up. The annual Oscar De La Hoya Foundation Toy Giveaway will be taking place the day of the fight. We want to get the community involved, not only because yours truly is from here and I began my career here-but because we are celebrating a legend, such as Bernard in a way he should be honored.

“Part of the festivities leading up to the December 17th fight will be a card on December 16th on HBO Latino at one of the best casinos in California, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,

“At Golden Boy, we are very proud to grow our young fighters. Rios vs. Tapia wasn’t an easy fight to make, because we have developed these fighters, but you have to make great fights for the fans and this will be an exciting fight to watch

“On December 16th, I think it is best to promote one of the best divisions in boxing today, the middleweight division. I acknowledge Jason Quigley, who is here today as an undefeated middleweight fighter.

“The main event fight on December 16th has a potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate, in a very hot division-light heavyweight division. Ever since I saw Shabranskyy, who I nicknamed ‘Chingonskyy’ I have seen something in him, with his finesse in the ring. He is a very special fighter and he is facing an experienced, durable fighter in Sullivan Barrera.

“Thank you to our sponsor, Tecate. I am proud to announce that Tecate will be sponsoring boxing in a whole new way in 2017, everyone will be blown away by how they will bring boxing to the next level.

“What makes Bernard Hopkins is that he doesn’t stop, he keeps going and surprises people. He would continue until he was 60 if he could, that’s what a legend is, he takes care of himself and keeps going.

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:

“It is certainly great to be here in LA at the Forum where so much history has been made. This fight was really easy to male, and that is a testament to Bernard Hopkins, because most fighters would shy away from a puncher like Joe Smith Jr. It is an honor and I thank Bernard and Oscar for taking this fight.”

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

“December 17th is our last broadcast of the year, and it is very special because it is the last time we will see Bernard Hopkins in the ring. This fight will be Bernard’s twenty-third fight on HBO, tying him with Lennox Lewis in appearances. Hopkins will join all of the boxing greats you can name. His traits of tenacity and endurance have been with him and we are going to celebrate Bernard with this Final 1 fight.”

JOSE “PEPE” SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC’s Los Angeles Office:

“With greatness comes great responsibility, Bernard Hopkins has taken this to very high levels. He is an ambassador for peace, and is an example in and outside the ring. He has a wonderful relationship with the WBC, and was a very great friend to my father.

“At the WBC, we are very proud to be a part of this fight. This is not another fight, this is not a farewell fight, this a real fight. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of this. Great champions fight great fights and great fighters. There will be two belts. One for the winner and one to celebrate a great champion.”

ANDY FOSTER, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission:

“One thing I can tell you, the California Commission does not care who wins, we want both fighters to go home safe. We look forward to a safe and successful event.”

NICK SPAMPANATO, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of the Forum and MSG:

“The people up here are the best in the business. At The Forum, we are extremely excited to host this fight and have the historic Forum be the host. December 17th will be a great night of fights and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

“Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to be hosting a great weekend in boxing, it will be broadcast live on HBO Latino. We are proud of our longtime relationship with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy boxing brings about ten to twelve shows a year to Fantasy Springs and Shabranskyy vs. Barrera will be an exciting fight on December 16th.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

“My next fight is December 16th on HBO Latino, and I am very excited to fight. This is a good opportunity for me and for the fans to witness a great fight. I will be ready”

RONNY RIOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

“First and foremost, thank you to HBO and Golden Boy for this great opportunity. December 16th and 17th will be a great night for boxing, as a legend says good bye to the sport. I never underestimate any opponent or fight, so Roy let’s put on a great show for everyone to see why Golden Boy is the best promoter in the sport.”

ROY TAPIA, Featherweight Prospect:

“What can I say, December 16th will be a great fight. I want to thank my manager and Golden Boy. It has been anything but a smooth path to get here, but on December 16th you will see who I am and what I can do. Like Bernard Hopkins just said up here, give me a door and I will knock it down.”

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person, go on sale Monday, October 24, 2016 at 10:00 am PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.comor www.ticketmaster.com.

Shabranskyy vs. Barrera is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight championship, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” and Casa Mexico Tequila Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:15 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino® Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT). Ticket information to be announced shortly.

LOS ANGELES (October 17, 2016) – A boxing legend will look to add an exclamation point to end his professional career with the same style, speed and slickness that has defined him in the ring for nearly three decades, as 51-year-old, two-division former world champion and Future Hall of Hamer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs) prepares to square off against hard-hitting Light Heavyweight contender Joe Smith, Jr. (21-1, 18 KOs) in a 12-round fight from Los Angeles’ iconic Fabulous Forum. The bout will take place Saturday, December 17 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®.

Tickets for the fight – named, “The Final One” — will go on sale Monday, October 24th at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Hopkins’ resume reads like a Hall-of-Fame induction ballot. Between holding the record for the record number of title defenses as middleweight champion of the world (20) and moving up to light heavyweight to capture multiple belts in that division, Hopkins fought and defeated a who’s who of boxing world champions throughout his remarkable 28-year career.

Roy Jones, Jr., John David “Action” Jackson, Glen “Road Warrior” Johnson, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, Jean Pascal, Chad “Bad” Dawson, and Golden Boy Promotions business partner Oscar De La Hoya all tasted defeat at the hands of the executioner.

“While ‘The Alien’ may be retired, the ‘Executioner’ has one fight left, and Joe Smith Jr., is going to find out the hard way how well prepared I am for my final fight,” Bernard Hopkins said. “A lot of people will focus on my age, the history of my run in the sport, the titles, etc…but I’m focused on one thing – knocking Joe Smith out.”

Joe Smith Jr., who was born in 1989, nearly three years after Hopkins had his first fight, is coming off the victory of his career, delivering a brutal first-round knockout of established contender Andrzej Fonfara in June and earning the WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship. The belt will not be at stake in this fight.

“I’m very excited about fighting on HBO,” said Joe Smith Jr. “I know now all my hard work and dedication has paid off. I am looking forward to retiring a boxing legend”

“To accomplish what Bernard has over the course of nearly 30 years inside the ring and still competing at the highest level of the sport at the age of 51; what else can you call him but a bona fide legend,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “All of us at Golden Boy Promotions are so proud to work with Bernard each and every day and can’t wait to give him the send-off he deserves with an incredibly, dynamic promotion over the next two months.”

“I’m thrilled that we have put together this exciting fight,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “What a great opportunity for Joe Smith Jr. to follow-up on his sensational victory on national TV with a fight against a legend like Bernard Hopkins on HBO. ”

“For any generation and in any sport, Bernard Hopkins is an athletic marvel who has defied time and the odds as deftly as he has his critics, and he returns to HBO for the 23rd time when he faces Joe Smith in the iconic setting of the Forum in Inglewood, CA,” said Peter Nelson, executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “Bernard’s mark on the sport is already an indelible one, and one day he’ll be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Dec. 17 will be a memorable night of boxing for everybody associated with Team Hopkins, and we are excited to telecast his farewell fight.”

“We are proud to welcome our friends at Golden Boy Promotions and HBO back to the ‘Fabulous’ Forum when we host this highly-anticipated Dec. 17th battle between light heavyweights Bernard Hopkins and Joe Smith Jr.,” said Nick Spampanato, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of The Forum and MSG.

Golden Boy Promotions is currently working on a new co-main event, as an injury to Orlando “Siri” Salido’s back has forced him off the card. Golden Boy will announced the co-main and full card in the coming weeks.

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $205, 105, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person, go on sale Monday October 24, 2016 at 10:00 am PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.starboxing.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.fabulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.facebook.com/StarBoxing/, , www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith.