By Sean McDaniel: IBF light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO’s) says he’ll be defending his title against mandatory challenger Sergey Kovalev (21-0-1, 19 KO’s) next in the 48-year-old Hopkins’ first defense of his title.
Earlier this week, the International Boxing Federation ordered Hopkins to face the 30-year-old Kovalev next rather than taking an optional title defense.
Hopkins was supposed to be facing mandatory challenger Karo Murat, but he had visa problems and couldn’t travel to the U.S to take the fight.
By Allan Fox: IBF light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO’s) got some bad news today from the International Boxing Federation who have ordered the 48-year-old Hopkins to defend his IBF 175 lb. strap against unbeaten #1 IBF Sergey Kovalev (21-0, 19 KO’s) without the possibility of Hopkins slipping in a title defense against another opponent.