No Sleep Til’ Brooklyn As Bernard Hopkins challenges Tavoris Cloud For The IBF Light Heavyweight Title.
The last 22-months have not been favorable for The Executioner with losing both The Ring & WBC Light Heavyweight titles to Chad Dawson last April, but now the 48-year old Bernard Hopkins is ready to step back into the ring for his first shot ever at the IBF Light Heavyweight. Current champion, Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud has held the belt for nearly 5 years as he’s remained undefeated in 9-year professional career at 24-0 with 19 knockouts.
Hopkins who’s only lost 6 fights in his 25-year career went without a victory in a 12-month calendar last year for the first time ever. Many believe this could possibly be Hopkins last fight ever if he loses via K.O. (as some are expecting) but a win tonight could be historic for his career getting the IBF Light Heavyweight title.
Also on the card will be the undefeated Keith Thurman who will go up against Dejan Zavec for a future shot at the WBO Welterweight Title. Timothy Bradley who currently holds the belt will make a title defense one week from now at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California against Russian boxer, Ruslan Provodnikov. Thurman, who’s talked about fighting the top fighters including Floyd Mayweather Jr. & Manny Pacquiao will start his quest tonight with a win tonight; but only with a win if he wants to move up in the ranks and elite talks.
Be sure to tune in tonight as this fight emanates live from Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York. Watch Live On HBO at 9:30pm ET/PT.
Check the jump for a special video preview along with the complete match card listings.
Main Card
Tavoris Cloud vs. Bernard Hopkins | IBF Light Heavyweight Title
Keith Thurman vs. Jan Zaveck | Welterweights
Frank Galarza vs. Guillermo Ibarra | Junior Middleweights
Preliminary Card
Mike Perez vs. Lonnie Smith | Lightweights
Eddie Gomez vs. Javier Gomez | Junior Middleweights
Marcus Browne vs. Josh Thorpe | Light Heavyweights
Juan Dominguez vs. Jonathan Alcantara | Bantamweights
Steve Bujaj vs. Zeferino Albino | Cruiserweights
Claude Statten vs. Mike Hill | Bantamweights