Karo Murat ready to face Bernard HopkinsMarch 12, 2013 - 11:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Karo Murat (25-1-1, 15 KOs) has been waiting a long time for his shot at a world title. But it seems like his wait could finally be over. The 29-year-old light heavyweight has been named the mandatory challenger for the IBF Champion back in 2011. Ever since then, Murat was hoping to square off with then-champion Tavoris Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs). But things have changed quite a bit over the weekend as Cloud lost a unanimous decision against Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KOs). Therefore it is the 48-year-old Hopkins who has to defend his newest championship against the mandatory challenger and prodigy of Coach Ulli Wegner. The IBF has already ordered both parties involved to hold immediate negotiations, fightnews.com reported. “This fight will be huge”, said an excited Murat. “I was rooting for Hopkins throughout the whole night, so I could fight him instead of Cloud. He better not shy away from a clash against me.” By winning the IBF Title, the American has also rewritten the history books. At the age of 48, Hopkins broke his own record as being the oldest ever boxer to win a world championship – an achievement which hasn’t gone by Murat. “He is a living legend of the sport. But that will not affect my performance.” Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | idcoin: New tool in IDBank’s loyalty system IDBank has announced the launch of idcoin, a new tool in the customer loyalty system. U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. |