LAS VEGAS -- Middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins and undefeated challenger Jermain Taylor are one step closer to getting into the ring.
The two are scheduled to attend a press conference Tuesday in New York to formally announce the July 16 fight, which has been in negotiations for months.
The 40-year-old Hopkins, who has defended his title 20 times, last month gave Taylor 24 hours to accept a $1.5 million purse for the fight. He later relented and upped the offer to $1.8 million, but the fight was still hung up in negotiations over terms for a possible rematch.
Taylor, a member of the 2000 Olympic team, is undefeated in 23 fights and considered the best prospect among the middleweight challengers.
The fight is scheduled to be held at the MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2004-2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
ADD COMMENT VIEW COMMENTS (7)