STATEMENT FROM BERNARD HOPKINS NEWLY CROWNED IBF LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

There are numerous champions that have been calling me out after my historic victory on Saturday Night.

I am aware that I have a mandatory obligation under the IBF guidelines to fight Karo Murat, the mandatory challenger. Out of respect to the IBF, it is my intention to honor my commitment to the mandatory challenger at this stage of the game just as I have done throughout my twenty-five year career, namely, through twenty straight defenses of the middleweight title.

However, the fans, including, my supporters, have made it very clear that at this point of my career, they want the Executioner in big fights. In fact, 12,300 fans in Brooklyn have sent that message very loud and clear across the boxing world.

I look forward to getting back in the ring and continuing my legacy.

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