By Chris LaBate
It seems that everything is set for Jean Pascal (26-1-1, 16 KOs) to defend his WBC/IBO light heavyweight titles in a rematch with Bernard Hopkins (51-5-2, 32 KOs) on May 21. They fought to controversial majority draw on December 18 in Quebec City. HBO has picked up the fight, where Showtime had televised the initial bout. The rematch may once again take place in Quebec.
"It's confirmed and it should take place on May 21," announced Pascal's promoter Yvon Michel, President of GYM. "The Showtime network also wanted the fight, but HBO was faster on the trigger. I know that Golden Boy Promotions have arranged everything with Hopkins and we on our side, we will do the same with Jean. Regarding the site, we are in discussions, but we are confident that this will take place in Quebec."
Regarding ex-beltholder Chad Dawson (29-1, 17 KOs), who has a contractual clause to get the first shot at Pascal [after the Hopkins fight], Michel says he is going to appear in the co-feature against Librado Andrade, or former champion Adrian Diaconu.
"HBO wanted to broadcast a fight between Jean and Dawson, but they preferred to see our boxer against Hopkins. Instead, Dawson will fight most likely on the undercard of Hopkins-Pascal. I can also confirm that it will against an opponent like Librado Andrade or Adrian Diaconu, two boxers who are well known here," Michel said.
