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Hopkins-Murat fight cancelled, Karo with visa problems

BROOKLYN, (June 14, 2013) – Due to number two rated IBF Light Heavyweight Contender Karo Muratbeing declared ineligible to receive a visa by the United States Department of State, and his subsequent inability to enter the United States, his scheduled July 13 fight against IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York slated to air on SHOWTIMECHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been cancelled along with the entire event.

“This is an extremely disappointing development as we were anticipating Bernard making history once again on July 13 at Barclays Center,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “Since the administrative process that would have to be undertaken in order for Murat’s visa petition to be reconsidered takes longer than six months, we’re exploring several options with respect to Bernard’s next fight.”

“I’m extremely disappointed about the fight being cancelled,” said Hopkins. “I was already in the gym, sparring and preparing for the fight, but things happen. I know Richard Schaefer and the staff at Golden Boy Promotions are already working on something bigger and better. I stay in shape so being ready is never a problem and I look forward to whatever fight is made for me in the near future.”

Karo Murat, speaking from his training camp in Mallorca, Spain stated, “Obviously I’m very disappointed as I have been in training for almost three months now, but I understand that my promoter’s representative, Chris Meyer, is in talks with Richard Schaefer to discuss possible alternatives.”

“We are obviously disappointed, as we expected an exciting fight and a big crowd,” said CEO of Barclays Center Brett Yormark. “However, we look forward to working with Golden Boy Promotions to bring future championship bouts to Barclays Center as we continue to become the center of boxing on the East Coast.”

Tickets refunds will be available at the original point of purchase.

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Garcia secures 4th round KO victory over JM Lopez

By Andy Clark

Mikey Garcia secured a 4th round KO victory over Juan Manual Lopez at the American Airlines Centre, Dallas, Texas.

However the victory was tarnished by the former WBO Champion, losing his title on the scales. Garcia had the height, reach and weight advantage over a game Lopez and it didn’t take long for the former champion to extend his unbeaten run to 32-0 (27 KO).

The first round was a relatively quiet round. Both fighters tried to establish their jabs early. Garcia landed numerous solid jabs throughout the round while Lopez struggled to settle into a rhythm. Garcia used his reach well and kept Lopez at bay for most of the round.

Garcia enjoyed a decisive second round, frequently landing his crisp jab, while evading the majority of Lopez’s shots. The fight took a dramatic turn with 50 seconds remaining, when Garcia landed a jab, followed by a solid straight right, which sent Lopez to the canvas. Lopez managed to survive the rest of the round, but seemed unable to turn the fight in his favour.

The third round was less dramatic, with Garcia going back to fighting on the back foot as Lopez tried in vain to take the fight to Garcia.

The fight sparked back into life in the fourth round as Garcia landed another great jab, straight right, which shook Lopez to his core. As Lopez threw caution to the wind, Garcia landed another huge right hand followed by a left hook, which put Lopez on his back. Lopez made it back to his feet but referee Rafael Ramos waived the fight off with one minute twenty six seconds remaining of the 4th round. Lopez record falls to 33-3 (30 KO). While Garcia, in securing his 7th stoppage in a row, looks to a potential move up in weight to Super-Feather.

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