John Hopoate Vs Oliver McCall

[ryan711]

just seen this in 2days paper,John Hopoate Vs Oliver McCall for the IBA title in vegas,and there's a shot at Big Bob and says hes will to fight Solomon Haumono.

IT'S the contract that silences anyone who has doubted John Hopoate is serious about boxing.

Three years after swapping footy boots for boxing gloves, the one-time rugby league bad boy has secured a shot at a world title.

The former Manly winger will fight former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall for the IBA heavyweight title in Las Vegas on May 22.

Dubbed "The Atomic Bull'', McCall, 43, has lost just nine of his 62 fights and holds a victory over former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis. Hopoate, a self-confessed baby of the sport, has had 13 fights.

The 34-year-old's title shot is likely to pocket him a cheque nearing six figures. However, his final earnings will rely on potential pay-TV rights and the prospect of the bout being streamed live via the internet for the first time in Australia.

It will guarantee the father of eight kids his biggest pay day since his football days.

The fight will be held at the Orleans Casino in Nevada, a far cry from Hopoate's most recent bout at Manly Leagues Club.

With its 70-lane bowling alley, 18 movie theatres and 12 restaurants, Hopoate will strut the same stage as recent musical acts Andre Rieu, Kenny Rogers, Gladys Knight and Air Supply.

Shaking in disbelief as he held the faxed contract from the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday, Hopoate needed less than 24 hours before he and manager David Millward put pen to paper to take on the American.

Millward had been in negotiations with interested parties from both the US and UK for the past two months.

"I'm going to Vegas to fight for a world title. It's unbelievable,'' a shocked Hopoate said. "It's amazing. This has come so much quicker than what I thought it would. Even fighting for the Australian heavyweight title belt (last year) was beyond my expectations. But to be fighting for a world title is beyond my wildest dreams.

"I'm not going to waste this opportunity. Make no mistake, I'm ready and willing to do this for my family. I got into boxing because I've got mouths to feed and I won't approach this any differently.''

Fresh from his comfortable win over America's Cliff Couser last Friday night at Manly Leagues Club, Hopoate revealed his title shot came as he was preparing for a rematch with Bob Mirovic.

"But Big Bob is nothing compared to this opportunity in front of me,'' Hopoate said. "Bob is an after-thought now. I'll think about Bob if I need to. But right now I don't need to, I'm off to Vegas.''

Hopoate said he would also be willing to push the claims of best friend and fellow boxer Solomon Haumono.

[misd 669]

good luck to hoppa going in against mccall, but if this is going to be a pay per view event, which i'm pretty sure it will be, only one word.....DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!
what's this world coming to. much like most of the opponents that mundine has fought on ppv, who is going to buy it? mccall is a 43 year old nutcase as was proved in the rematch with lennox lewis, he broke down during the fight. iba title.....big deal.

[Hounddawg]

just seen this in 2days paper,John Hopoate Vs Oliver McCall for the IBA title in vegas,and there's a shot at Big Bob and says hes will to fight Solomon Haumono.

IT'S the contract that silences anyone who has doubted John Hopoate is serious about boxing.

Three years after swapping footy boots for boxing gloves, the one-time rugby league bad boy has secured a shot at a world title.

The former Manly winger will fight former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall for the IBA heavyweight title in Las Vegas on May 22.

Dubbed "The Atomic Bull'', McCall, 43, has lost just nine of his 62 fights and holds a victory over former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis. Hopoate, a self-confessed baby of the sport, has had 13 fights.

The 34-year-old's title shot is likely to pocket him a cheque nearing six figures. However, his final earnings will rely on potential pay-TV rights and the prospect of the bout being streamed live via the internet for the first time in Australia.

It will guarantee the father of eight kids his biggest pay day since his football days.

The fight will be held at the Orleans Casino in Nevada, a far cry from Hopoate's most recent bout at Manly Leagues Club.

With its 70-lane bowling alley, 18 movie theatres and 12 restaurants, Hopoate will strut the same stage as recent musical acts Andre Rieu, Kenny Rogers, Gladys Knight and Air Supply.

Shaking in disbelief as he held the faxed contract from the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday, Hopoate needed less than 24 hours before he and manager David Millward put pen to paper to take on the American.

Millward had been in negotiations with interested parties from both the US and UK for the past two months.

"I'm going to Vegas to fight for a world title. It's unbelievable,'' a shocked Hopoate said. "It's amazing. This has come so much quicker than what I thought it would. Even fighting for the Australian heavyweight title belt (last year) was beyond my expectations. But to be fighting for a world title is beyond my wildest dreams.

"I'm not going to waste this opportunity. Make no mistake, I'm ready and willing to do this for my family. I got into boxing because I've got mouths to feed and I won't approach this any differently.''

Fresh from his comfortable win over America's Cliff Couser last Friday night at Manly Leagues Club, Hopoate revealed his title shot came as he was preparing for a rematch with Bob Mirovic.

"But Big Bob is nothing compared to this opportunity in front of me,'' Hopoate said. "Bob is an after-thought now. I'll think about Bob if I need to. But right now I don't need to, I'm off to Vegas.''

Hopoate said he would also be willing to push the claims of best friend and fellow boxer Solomon Haumono.

Wow, from cliff Couser to Oliver McCall, that's a big jump, does Hoppa know that McCall hasn't ever seen the canvas?

Better work on going 12 rounds Hoppa.

It doesn't surprise me that he wants to fight Solo, he was in the crowd the night Solo v Wilson was on.

[buster007]

he will find it tough but it will be a good workout if it goes 10 or 12 rounds.

good on him for wanting to test himself.

[funso banjo baby]

cant see the fight happening

if it does wide boring points win for Mccall

[Brute]

Oliver is a few days short of 44 and has not fought since losing to Gomez in October 2007. He was as slow as a wet weekend that night.

This fight is not on the schedule and there should be no way a penny-ante outfit like the IBA should have a PPV fight unless it is a prelim fight for a real title.

James Toney is listed as the last winner of the IBA Heavyweight title. Has he dumped it?

[Trev]

Good luck to Hoppa, i know he's been out of line a few times playing footy but he has not been in much trouble off the field and by all reports is a great dad, so good luck big guy hope you KO Oliver

[Marlin]

I've stayed at the Orleans Casino in Vegas! It is a great place!!!

Where did this story come from? It would be great for Hoppa if he can get by McCall. It would be the biggest fight an Aussie Heavyweight has been in for a fair while.

Go Hoppa

[ThePunisher]

Its funny, we all complain that our boxers never step up. And when they do, people seem to just put them down again.

Was in yesterdays Sydney Daily Telegraph. Or the day befors. Also showed a picture of the contract signed.

Well done and goodluck Hoppa!

P.S Ive never been a fan of his, but i wish him well because hes having a go. Whether its the IBA or the OPBF title, hes fighting a top fighter even though hes past his prime.

[buster007]

yes you are right. you just can't please some people no matter what u do.

as u say at least he is showing some ticker and having a go. he gets a reasonable payday win or lose.

[Sweet P]

Good luck to him if the fight happens, I have always been sceptical of his ability but you cant question his heart.

[Hounddawg]

Yeah good luck to him, he'll need it.

On another hand Leapai looks set to avenge his SD loss to Wilson live on a fox sports card in June, looking forward to strong finish to the year for Leapai.

[madball1982]

It's a step up I guess, but can't help being sceptical against a 44yo boxer.

[adamheight]

hoppas got no chance at all.sorry. if he doesnt get stopped he'll lose a decision.

secondly, he doesnt wanna fight solo...he was WITH solo in his dressing room at the mirovic fight and even then said hed never fight him.

[oliverfennell]

good luck to hoppa going in against mccall, but if this is going to be a pay per view event, which i'm pretty sure it will be, only one word.....DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!
what's this world coming to. much like most of the opponents that mundine has fought on ppv, who is going to buy it? mccall is a 43 year old nutcase as was proved in the rematch with lennox lewis, he broke down during the fight. iba title.....big deal.

But it's for the world title!!!

[Brute]

IBA? Be serious.

[Sweet P]

IBA is even lower than the WBF Barely

[isabella]

IBA is even lower than the WBF Barely

it's lower than the WBF but it is for a world title & against Mccall who fought best of the best.

[Sweet P]

IBA is even lower than the WBF Barely

it's lower than the WBF but it is for a world title & against Mccall who fought best of the best.

The IBA isnt a World title. Its about on par with an IBF Pee Pee title or WBO Pan pacific title.

Anyone can make up some belts and call them World Titles but unless there actually earned there not a legit titles.

[ThePunisher]

I think we are missing the point here. Despite the fact that the IBA isnt as prestigious as the WBC, we should be looking past that and talking about the fact that he is stepping up and fighting a very tough opponent. Even if he is 44. Yeah he might not be at the level of the current top 10, but hes a damn good fighter (McCall).

Dont worry about the belt. They could be fighting for a Bondi Kebab for all i care!! Its a dramatic step up for him.

[Sweet P]

I agree, Great fight for Hoppa. Its a pity they cant just fight and forget about the dud belt.

[cace]

I think we are missing the point here. Despite the fact that the IBA isnt as prestigious as the WBC, we should be looking past that and talking about the fact that he is stepping up and fighting a very tough opponent. Even if he is 44. Yeah he might not be at the level of the current top 10, but hes a damn good fighter (McCall).

Dont worry about the belt. They could be fighting for a Bondi Kebab for all i care!! Its a dramatic step up for him.

i agree one of the best fights an aussie besides meehan has been in for a good long while, in the heavyweight division, i cant wait for thisfight to happen, and hoppa has impressed me by even looking for a fight like this, when he turned to boxing i was expecting a whole lot less

go hoppa, hopefully the mighty eagles spirit will live on in hes boxing career and he can come out a winner just like they will

[Marlin]

I think we are missing the point here. Despite the fact that the IBA isnt as prestigious as the WBC, we should be looking past that and talking about the fact that he is stepping up and fighting a very tough opponent. Even if he is 44. Yeah he might not be at the level of the current top 10, but hes a damn good fighter (McCall).

Dont worry about the belt. They could be fighting for a Bondi Kebab for all i care!! Its a dramatic step up for him.

Well said bloke.

[Beltane]

mighty eagles spirit will live on

Now this is a bit of a worry to use as this may be a bad omen at the moment. First Manly haven't won a game so far in the NRL, the players are still under the spotlight for dubious behaviour pre-season and the football club's board meets tonight (on an appropriate date) and a bloodbath is expected.

Hoppa needs to distance himself from this ailing football team!

[Brute]

mighty eagles spirit will live on

Now this is a bit of a worry to use as this may be a bad omen at the moment. First Manly haven't won a game so far in the NRL, the players are still under the spotlight for dubious behaviour pre-season and the football club's board meets tonight (on an appropriate date) and a bloodbath is expected.

Hoppa needs to distance himself from this ailing football team!

John Hopoate who used to stick his finger up footballers' bums needs to distance himself from somebody?

Jesus!