Former world title challenger Demetrius “THE GLADIATOR” Hopkins returns to the ring against former world champion Freddie “LIL HAGLER” Norwood in the ten round main event at FIGHT NIGHT 2 AT THE COMMERCE CASINO on Thursday, March 25th in Los Angeles.
Training in the hardened gyms in his hometown of Philadelphia , the 29 year old Hopkins is preparing to the return to the ring for the first time as a welterweight, a move which he has contemplated for the last couple of years.
“I’m almost six feet tall and it’s been a struggle to make 140 for a long time. Today, I’m more than two weeks out for the fight against Norwood and I’m at 151. All those problems I had making weight are long in the past and I feel so much stronger in training these last few weeks” said Hopkins .
Sporting a record of 28-1-1 (11KO’s), Hopkins has long been known for his outstanding boxing skills with highlight reel knockout power. In his last bout fifteen months ago, he faced WBO junior welterweight title holder Kendall Holt on six days notice, battling evenly over twelve rounds, losing a close split decision.
Norwood, 43-3-1 (23KO’s), was among the best fighters of late 90’s, the southpaw owning a WBA Featherweight title defense against boxing superstar Juan Manual Marquez.
“I’m very familiar with Norwood , I’ve been watching his fights for years. My job will be to use my height and reach advantage against him. He’s going to want to stay inside against me so I’ll have to be smart about my attack as the fight progresses” continued Hopkins .
About his future plans at welterweight, Hopkins said “I’d like to fight Andre Berto, but first I need take care of business on March 25th. Norwood is going to be a tough fight but I’m ready to go. I’ve got a great team with TKO Boxing Promotions and Cameron Dunkin, 2010 is going to be a terrific year for me.”
The outstanding undercard for FIGHT NIGHT 2 AT THE COMMERCE CASINO features sensational Canadian newcomer Mikael Zewski , California based pro debuters Flavio Rodriguez and Randy Caballero, THE BROTHERS CHUDINOV, Dmitry and Fedor, undefeated Russian lightweight prospect Arman Sargysan and Ukrainian prospect Ivan Redkach.
In a special attraction four round heavyweight bout, Mike Finney of San Jacinto , California will square off against Carson City , Nevada ’s Steve Fierro.
More information on this evening of professional boxing will be announced shortly
Presented by TKO BOXING Promotions, tickets for FIGHT NIGHT 2 AT THE COMMERCE CASINO, starting at $25, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or by phone 800-745-3000). The Commerce Casino is located at 6131 Telegraph Road . Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.