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Bernard Hopkins promises to knock out ‘The Irish Bomber’

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Bernard Hopkins [55(32)-7(0)-2] has had the final fight of his career confirmed for December 17th at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.

As previously rumoured, the 51 year old American legend will face off against rising light heavyweight contender Joe ‘The Irish Bomber’ Smith Jr [22(18)-1(1)] live on HBO, where Hopkins currently works as an analyst.

Ahead of the swansong fight, where two-weight champ Hopkins will bring the curtain down on a storied career, both fighters have promised victory.

Hopkins, who last fought in November 2014 and is nearly a quarter of a century Smith’s senior, outlined how “while ‘The Alien’ may be retired, the ‘Executioner’ has one fight left, and Joe Smith Jr., is going to find out the hard way how well prepared I am for my final fight.”

“A lot of people will focus on my age, the history of my run in the sport, the titles, etc, but I’m focused on one thing – knocking Joe Smith out.”

Similarly, 27 year old New Yorker Smith described how “I know now all my hard work and dedication has paid off. I am looking forward to retiring a boxing legend”

“I’m very excited about fighting on HBO.”

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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