Lacy Tells Bernard Hopkins He'll Step-In For Taylor

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 17, 2005) — Boarding a jet on  his way to Las Vegas to catch Saturday's pay-per-view extravaganza between  Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales, undefeated  super middleweight champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy stated the he would accept the same purse offered by  undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins to Jermain Taylor — $1.5 million — if Taylor refused Hopkin's offer for a world title fight.

“I understand Bernard made the offer yesterday, with a 24-hour time  limit to accept,” said Lacy.  “I just want Bernard and his  promoters to know I am ready to move down to a catchweight and defend  my title against him for the same purse if Taylor refuses.  And I do  not need a 24-hour time limit, I'll have a signed agreement back to him  within 24 minutes, including fax time!”

Lacy, 19-0 (15 KOs), one of the busiest world champions, has successfully  defended his twice since winning it last October.
 
“If Bernard really wants to fight a member of the U.S. Olympic Class of  2000, Jeff is ready to accomodate  — with a new title for  Bernard too,” added promoter Gary Shaw.  “Jeff  is ready to accept the same purse.   We will not ask for a  rematch clause or even options.  Jeff is a  turn-key package  that is ready, willing and able to sign on the  dotted line and make the fight.”