Iraqi-born Murat (R), is unbeaten in his last 4 fights Germany-based Armenian boxer Karo Murat is poised to challenge Bernard Hopkins for the IBF light-heavyweight title. The 29-year old has been mandatory challenger since 2011, and was hoping to lure then-champion Tavoris Cloud into the ring. However, after Cloud lost the belt to 48-year old Hopkins, Murat has turned his attention to the history-making American to realise his world title ambitions.
The IBF has already ordered both parties involved to hold immediate negotiations.
"This fight will be huge", said an excited Murat. "I was rooting for Hopkins throughout the whole night, so I could fight him instead of Cloud. He better not shy away from a clash against me."
At the age of 48, Hopkins broke his own record as being the oldest ever boxer to win a world championship - an achievement which hasn't gone by Murat. "He is a living legend of the sport. But that will not affect my performance."