BoxRec

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.

ryan711 wrote: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 wrote: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.

ben k wrote:IBA is even lower than the WBF Barely

isabella wrote:

ben k wrote: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.

ThePunisher wrote: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.

ThePunisher wrote: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.

mighty eagles spirit will live on

Beltane wrote:

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!