By Ricardo Lois

After being hit be a winter rainstorm in recent weeks the sun was out in full glory Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, California. Within Staples Center a press conference was held by Golden Boy Promotions announcing a bout between Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins and British challenger Howard Eastman.

In recent months both Golden Boy Promotions and Staples Center have increased their presence in the fight game. Golden Boy Promotions signed Bernard Hopkins to a promotional deal and Staples Center has presented an increased number of boxing events: including Vitali Klitschko verses Corrie Sanders and Glen Johnson verses Antonio Tarver.

Only time can tell the actual success of each organization’s ventures in an industry that can be as slippery as Los Angeles’ 110 freeway after the initial drops of rain hit its oil soaked pavement.

Saturday, February 19th, Bernard Hopkins will attempt to lure the fickle Los Angeles public into the Staples Center to watch him deal with the British challenge. Eastman may be the best contender in a middleweight division void of talent depth.

On the under card the best middleweight prospect in the world Jermain Taylor will battle tough challenger Daniel Edouard. Former Mexican Olympian and current super bantamweight prospect Abner Mares will be seen in action for the second time as a professional.

Kingsley Ikeke, Vicente Escobedo, and Aaron Garcia will round out the evenings under card.

The Middleweight Champion of the world, a solid middleweight prospect, and numerous supporting characters will all be on display February 19th.

One has to wonder if Bernard, who barley drew in enough people to constitute a public gathering in his hometown of Philadelphia to see him fight Morrade Hakkar, will be able to lure in fickle Los Angelinos against a no-name Brit?