Boxing In Canada: Jean Pascal Defends WBC Title In Montreal Hopkins Rematch

The much anticipated rematch between WBC/IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins is set to take place at Montreal’s Bell Centre on May 21st. Their first encounter ended in a majority draw in Quebec City back on December 18th.

Both fighters have a tremendous following in Montreal, and the Bell Centre is certainly in for an exciting treat. History could be in the making as well for Hopkins, who will attempt to become the oldest world champion, beating George Foreman’s record breaking victory over Michael Moorer in 1994 at the age of 45.

According to media reports, Golden Boy Promotions was unable to sell the Hopkins vs. Pascal fight to Las Vegas because Hopkins is a fighter that just doesn’t generate enough interest to make it profitable.

The 46 year old Philadelphia born Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KO’s), has beaten a literal “who’s who” of boxers in his storied career, including the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Kelly Pavlik, and Felix Trinidad. Even at his age, he is still an elite competitor and will look to out punch and out power the champion.

The 28 year old Pascal (26-1-1,16 KO’s) who’s only career loss came at the hands of Carl Froch back in December of 2008 by way of a unanimous decision, is still the favorite to win this bout and retain his WBC/IBO belt.

Chad Dawson is also expected to fight in the undercard against Adrian Diaconu. Should Dawson win his bout, he would have a guaranteed match against the winner of the main event. In all likelihood, that should be the long expected rematch between Pascal and Dawson.