TKO Boxing: Hopkins Calls Out WBC Champ Berto

This past Friday night, welterweight contender Demetrius “The Gladiator” Hopkins looked dominant defending his WBC USNBC title, winning a unanimous decision over former world title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis.

With the win, the Philadelphia native improved to 30-1-1, his second unanimous decision this year after moving up to the welterweight limit. Scores for Hopkins were 100-90 and 99-91 twice.

Having challenged for a junior welterweight world title against Kendall Holt in December 2008, a split decision loss in which Hopkins took the bout on one week’s notice, the 29 year old now looks to bigger bouts in his new weight class.

“I’m ready for a world title bout at 147. I know that Andre Berto is looking for a fight for the fall and I’m here to tell him that his search is over. He’s a very good boxer, but I’m quite confident that I have the skills to beat him.”

“I’m ready to fight him anytime, anyplace, I think I’m the best welterweight in the world and want to prove it by fighting the best welterweight in the world. Moving up to 147 has been terrific for me, now I don’t have to worry about making weight. I was fighting at 140 since I was 16, I feel much stronger now.”

On Friday night, in the main event of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights broadcast from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, Hopkins controlled the action from the outset, using an excellent jab to control the pace of the action and devastating overhand right hands that continuously drilled Arnaoutis.

Said Hopkins , “I’m at the peak of my career right now and now is my time to prove that I’m the best welterweight in the world. I want to continue to carry on the legacy of the Hopkins name. I’m ready to go at a moments notice.”

The Hopkins/Arnaoutis main event was part of a sensational, action packed nine bout card presented by TKO Boxing Promotions.