By Mark Vester
Contrary to the many reports out there, Bernard Hopkins is not chasing a rematch with Felix "Tito" Trinidad. Last week promoter Don King met with Trinidad in Puerto Rico and told the local media that he flew in to discuss a rematch with Hopkins. King told the local media that it was Hopkins and his team who made contact with them for the fight. Hopkins disputes that and says it is Trinidad and King who are chasing after the fight.
Hopkins doesn't know if they are using his name to secure another fight, but he wouldn't rule a rematch out. He handed Trinidad his first loss in 2001, knocking the Puerto Rican icon out in the twelfth round. According to Hopkins, King has not contacted him and he didn't hear anything about a Trinidad rematch from Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.
"Trinidad is a legend, a hall of famer, and created a legacy in this sport. The possibility of a second fight with him would interest me. If Mr. King and Trinidad are utilizing my name to get another fight, it's something that I don't know about," Hopkins told Primera Hora. "I heard that Trinidad wants to fight me. It's something that should have happened many years ago. Although was are no longer the same [fighters] that we were eight years ago, it would still be an attractive fight."
Hopkins told the paper that negotiations will not be dicated by Trinidad and King.
"Right now I'm the lead singer. I've earned that right and the credibility in my career. They have to be reasonable with what they bring to the table, but I will not permit others to dictate what I do," Hopkins said.
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