Boxing News: Bernard Hopkins To Face Jermain Taylor After All

ESPN has reported that middleweight boxing's reigning king, Bernard Hopkins will indeed face Jermain Taylor in July. However, ESPN was careful to note that no contracts have been signed yet.

Although nothing is yet official, ESPN suggested the fight is scheduled for July 16 in either Las Vegas or Memphis.

According to reports, Taylor will earn $1.8 million while Hopkins will collect at least $3 million.

Talks between the two parties have been ongoing for some time according to reports, but negotiations had initially stalled over Taylor's purse. According to reports, an increased offer to Taylor made a deal possible.

Speaking to ESPN, Hopkins said, “In the next day or two the agreement will be signed.”

“Everything is a go. Everything is agreed upon. We are going to go ahead and sign it,” continued Hopkins.

With Taylor the obvious heir apparent to Bernard Hopkins, another fight that should be made looks set to be made, and boxing fans get another great bout to look forward to in 2005.