Hopkins vs Ornelas on 12/2: Bernard's Tuneup Set

Oct 5, 2009 • 12:00 AM ET

By Mark Vester

According to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, Bernard Hopkins will face Enrique Ornelas (29-5, 19KOs). Schaefer told the Los Angeles Times that Hopkins-Ornelas will take place on December 2 in Philadelphia, Bernard's hometown. The fight is a tuneup to prepare for an early 2010 rematch with Roy Jones Jr. The two veterans reached an agreement two weeks ago for a rematch of their 1993 bout, which Jones won by decision. Jones fights on the same day in Australia against IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green. Both Jones and Hopkins would have to win for the rematch to move forward.

Ornelas is a tough middleweight/super middleweight. He will press the action but is undersized and never fought at light heavyweight. Most of Ornelas' defeats have been close decisions to guys like Marco Antonio Rubio, Bronco McKart and Sam Soliman.