Hopkins-Tarver Ready to Rumble

Bernard Hopkins (46-4-1) looks to get his career back on track when he takes on Antonio Tarver (24-3) live this Saturday from Atlantic City, NJ

Bernard Hopkins (46-4-1) looks to get his career back on track when he takes on Antonio Tarver (24-3) live this Saturday from Atlantic City, NJ.

Bernard Hopkins last fight could be his most important. After back to back loses to Jermain Taylor back in 2005, having gone undefeated for almost 12 years, Hopkins is set to fight the most important fight in his career. With a win he claims the IBO Light Heavyweight Title and walks away solidifying his stance as one of the best pound for pound boxers of all time. A lost to Tarver could possibly tarnish his career, and could leave him labeled another athlete who “hung around his sport too long.”

Tarver, on the other hand, has been riding the wave of success lately. After avenging a loss, and regaining his IBO Light Heavyweight Title, to Glenn Johnson in June of 2005, he defeated the former pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr. for the second time.

Tarver is so confident coming into the fight with Hopkins, that he stated on ESPNews that there is a $250,000 clause in his contract that he must pay if he does not knockout Hopkins. Fortunately, it goes toward a charity of Hopkins choice.

Make sure to tune in Saturday at 9pm E.T. live on HBO PPV.