BoxRec

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 17, 2005) -- Boarding a jet on his way to Las Vegas to catch Saturday's pay-per-view extravaganza between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales, undefeated super middleweight champion JEFF "LEFT HOOK" LACY stated the he would accept the same purse offered by undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins to Jermain Taylor -- $1.5 million -- if Taylor refused Hopkin's offer for a world title fight.

"I understand Bernard made the offer yesterday, with a 24-hour time limit to accept," said Lacy. "I just want Bernard and his promoters to know I am ready to move down to a catchweight and defend my title against him for the same purse if Taylor refuses. And I do not need a 24-hour time limit, I'll have a signed agreement back to him within 24 minutes, including fax time!"

Lacy, 19-0 (15 KOs), one of the busiest world champions, has successfully defended his twice since winning it last October.

"If Bernard really wants to fight a member of the U.S. Olympic Class of 2000, Jeff is ready to accomodate -- with a new title for Bernard too," added promoter Gary Shaw. "Jeff is ready to accept the same purse. We will not ask for a rematch clause or even options. Jeff is a turn-key package that is ready, willing and able to sign on the dotted line and make the fight."


I wonder if Bernard will move up to a catchweight? I think he has way too much for Lacy, but will the IBF still be on the line if the fight isn't at 168 pounds? If all goes through, Bernard KO late.

I like Lacy. Met him in Manchester after he started very lazily and then just slowly got on top and eventually battered Donnell Wiggins. He was a cool, laid back guy.

He's reputed (by those who look into these things, ahem) to have possibly the best physique in boxing so the catchweight scenario would be interesting. He looks very big at 168.

Would be very interesting and Lacy is the type of fighter boxing needs, or seems to be - will travel and fight the best wherever and whenever he can.

This won't happen - wouldn't Hopkins have to give up his middleweight belts to fight a super middleweight? I think Hopkins would give the huge Lacy a boxing lesson. Although Lacy weighs probably 180+ fight night and Hopkins around 169 (for Hoya). Maybe Lacy would be able to beat up on the smaller Hopkins.

Not sure on that.

No way on gods earth could Lacy get under 168, he's a fornicating truck. He looks like he does shit loads of weights.

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:This won't happen - wouldn't Hopkins have to give up his middleweight belts to fight a super middleweight?

When will people learn - rules and boxing boards are a completely moveable feast. There are no hard and fast rules. They invent and change them how they like based on money.

Yep, the WBC created the Super Middleweight title so Leonard could go for his fifth belt against Donny LaLonde, and force Lalonde down to a gruelling catchweight 7 lbs below his prime fighting weight....

anything is possible.

Lacy at 168 beats Hopkins (IMO) - Lacy is young and hungry - while Hopkins is nearing the end and at 168 he'd be giving up to much size -

At a catch weight of say 164-166....that would be a tough call....

I cant see this happening at all