Contracts Signed, Eastman to face Hopkins Feb. 19th
1/13 - Howard Eastman will challenge number one pound for pound operator and undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in Los Angeles on February 19th. On the line will be:
WBC middleweight title, WBA middleweight title, IBF middleweight title, WBO middleweight title AND status as the world’s best, pound for pound. This is British boxing history in the making. Never before has a home bred fighter travelled to America with as much hope of commencing a long term reign as the best fighter on the planet.
Despite various rumours circulating about this fight, the silence from Hennessy Sports had, for good reason, been deafening.
But now the fight is signed and sealed the war drums are truly sounding.
“Howard Eastman is going to become undisputed middleweight champion of the world,” said his promoter Mick Hennessy.
“This isn’t like so many fights before in America featuring a Brit, where all the Brit does is turn up.
“Howard is travelling over there to rip the titles away from the world’s best.
“He has no fear of Bernard Hopkins, he won’t be showing him any respect.
“Why should he? Howard has dominated Europe for the last four years; this is just the natural progression.
“He is actually relishing the challenge. This is the kind of fight he needs to motivate himself. I have never seen him so fired up.”
Hennessy continued: “Howard is already in great shape. He has been training since we got him installed as mandatory contender and obviously this fight has been on the horizon for some time.
“We didn’t want to make any announcements concerning it, however, until everything was completely signed and sealed. We are not ones to jump the gun and tempt fate.
“This fight is the culmination of over two and a half years hard work so it is hardly surprising that we want to do everything by the book.
“Firstly we had to get Howard into the number one position, then had to push to make him mandatory, despite co-challengers continually withdrawing.
“We then had extensive trouble at the WBC convention with people trying to push Felix Trinidad in front of him.
“We have had to go through brick walls to protect Howard’s position and ensure that the two best middleweights in the world face each other.”
It is no surprise then that now matters are finalised, no effort is to be spared in Eastman’s preparation.
“Hennessy Sports have set up a training camp for Howard in Florida,” Hennessy continued.
“He will arrive this Friday giving him an extra five weeks of intensive training.
“With him will be Hennessy Sports team trainer Robert McCracken, a conditioner and two sparring partners: his brother Gilbert and British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion and this country’s most promising talent Carl Froch, who may also be appearing on the bill.
“There will also be several top class American sparring partners brought in.
“Come February 19th Robert McCracken will have got Howard Eastman into the shape of his career.
“Bernard Hopkins is going to get one hell of a fright shortly after that first bell has sounded. He won’t be able to bully Howard Eastman around the ring.
Hennessy added: “This will not be the Howard Eastman who fought William Joppy back in 2001.
“Even though most people thought he won that fight, he came out of the blocks slowly and didn’t assert himself until late on.
“This time round he is going to tear out of the blocks. Robert is looking to get him into shape so he can stay at that pace for 12 rounds. He is going to put it straight on Bernard Hopkins.”
As he does so, Hennessy hopes the nation will be cheering him on.
“Britain has to get behind Howard for this one,” he added.
“In a day and age when so many domestic boxers opt to hide behind fringe titles, he is putting it all on the line against a fighter HBO describes as the best middleweight ever.
“He is travelling to America and flying the flag on prime time American TV at the highest level.
“No small feat. When he does win, who will be able to beat him to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2005?”
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