Roy Jones, Bernard Hopkins to Fight in 2010

Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins first met in the ring 16 years ago. It was for a vacant middleweight title on May 22, 1993. Roy won by a unanimous decision, but at the time, neither fighter was that big of a deal. Now, sixteen years later, both are considered ring royalty—they’ve each gone their separate ways and each has made history on their own merit, without having met in the ring since. Until now—a reunion has been planned and boxing fans can’t wait.

Roy Jones Jr. / Image: Zuma Press

It’s so hard to believe this rematch didn’t occur earlier. Both fighters are now in their 40s—Roy is 54-5 with 40 KOs; Bernard is 49-5-1 with 32 KOs. And if Roy beats Australian cruiserweight Danny Green on December 2, Jones vs. Hopkins on HBO PPV in the first quarter of 2010 is on. Revenue will be split 50/50 unless there’s a knockout‚ in which case the winning fighter will claim 60%.

Said Roy about the pending fight:

“I love it. I absolutely love it. Love it. That is all I can say. I’m definitely looking forward to this fight. The fans have wanted to see it for a long time. For the longest time, he wouldn’t take it. Now he’s taking it. I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait.”

Source: ESPN.com