NEW YORK–I was talking with promoter with portfolio Bernard Hopkins about the big Golden Boy show in Las Vegas March 17 which is topped by Marco Antonio Barrera-Juan Manuel Marquez. We chatted about his nephew DHop (Demetrius Hopkins) is in a crossroads fight on the under card against well-rounded veteran Stevie Forbes. And then I mentioned WBO junior lightweight champion Joan Guzman.
BHop’s eyes lit up. This is one Golden Boy (co-promoter with Sycuan) client that really gets Hopkins’ promotional juices flowing.
“Guzman…you’re talking about some real raw talent right there. He’s got lots of potential to do some big things. I’m talking about possibly becoming a big star, and I mean a De La Hoya type star. Guzman excites people and he is so popular in his own country (Dominican Republic). He’s got star power and he is capturing the imagination of people.
“HBO loves the guy,” Hopkins said. “HBO loves his ring style. He is a guy to watch and he definitely one of the top three rising stars in boxing right now. Maybe he can go right in against the winner of Barrera-Marquez. Guzman is creating a buzz and maybe we (GBP) can make that happen.”
Hopkins said few people have his knack for “analyzing or dissecting” fights said that Barrera-Marquez will be a great showdown.
“Look at the history of these two guys,” Hopkins said. “Barrera has got to show that he can be as good he was in his last fight, that he has more good fights in him. It’s like the Antonio Tarver fight was for me. Barrerra is in that position where it is time to step up to the plate”
Is DHop up to the task against Forbes? BHop believes so but says his relative needs to prove his “bloodline” by winning and doing so impressively.
“Before Stevie Forbes went deep into The Contender, the TV show, he was a respected fighter. Now, at age 26, Demetrius has a chance to display his true talents against a most worthy opponent. He can put all his talents on display in this fight and he will need to. Is he part of the Hopkins dynasty? Now he’s got the platform to go beyond potential and show he can move up to superstar status,” Hopkins said.
“Demetrius has the USBA title. He is the #1 IBF contender and Stevie Forbes is a risky fight. Demetrius has to put up or shut up. This is Demtrius’ coming out party on HBO.”
DHop’s manager couldn’t have put it any better. Oh, you mean BHop IS DHop’s manager? It’s a fistic family affair.
