When it comes to cable networks, one thing is certain: they don't like wasting valuable airtime. So when Showtime decided to cut to an interview with IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green after the 5th round of Timothy Bradley's WBO title defense against Lamont Peterson, one has to wonder if there's a reason why they're giving the relatively unknown Australian some valuable face time on American TV. "We're looking at taking on Bernard Hopkins," Green would inform Showtime reporter Jim Gray.
"I took down one legend, the legendary Roy Jones Jr. If I can get Bernard Hopkins to come to Australia or I'll come here and fight him, I don't care. I'll come here, no worries. I've been here; I've fought all over the world, so to get two legends in the ring and try to defeat them both would be a dream come true," he continued as he spoke more aboout his future plans just 10 days removed from the biggest win of his career, a first round knockout of future hall-of-famer Roy Jones Jr. The fact that Green, who resides in Perth, Australia, was even in attendance for the Showtime card at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California is enough to let you know that something is in the works.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Gray would ask Green exactly when a possible bout with Hopkins would take place, to which he replied, "I'd say the first quarter of 2010." Hopkins, who was in Chicago to attend the Golden Boy card featuring the rematch between Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz, recently stated in an interview that he'd be more than willing to face Green in Australia. In fact, he made it a point to clarify that although he's a "partner" with Golden Boy Promotions, due to his "free agent" status as a fighter, he's more than willing to move forward in negotiations without his company. In other words, Hopkins isn't tied to any promotional company or network, so he's free to work with whoever he chooses in his next bout.
It should be noted that last week, promoter Gary Shaw faxed an offer letter to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer to secure the services of Hopkins. "HBO is holding an April date for Chad. I would be willing to pay Bernard and Roy $200,000.00 each, the same purse Bernard fought for in his fight against Ornleas, though I cannot guarantee the fight will be televised since HBO would be making that decision," the letter stated. Shaw, who already promotes light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson, also recently revealed that he will now be advising Danny Green in future bouts. The move now puts him in the position to offer two potential opponents for the legendary Hopkins.
Obviously, Hopkins will demand a hefty fee no matter who he decides to step into the ring with next. The question now becomes which major network is going to offer the best price for his appearance? Thus far, at least in 2008, HBO has either been unwilling or unable to agree with Hopkins on his asking price, opting to invest more in the younger Chad Dawson and forcing Hopkins to take a "tune-up" on Versus for a purse far below what he's grown accustomed to. Given Green's coincidental interview with Jim Gray on Saturday, don't be surprised if you see Hopkins on Showtime in the very near future.
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