Due to number two rated IBF Light Heavyweight Contender Karo Murat being declared ineligible to receive a visa by the United States Department of State, and his subsequent inability to enter the United States, his scheduled July 13 fight against IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York slated to air on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been cancelled along with the entire event.
"This is an extremely disappointing development as we were anticipating Bernard making history once again on July 13 at Barclays Center," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "Since the administrative process that would have to be undertaken in order for Murat's visa petition to be reconsidered takes longer than six months, we're exploring several options with respect to Bernard's next fight."
"I'm extremely disappointed about the fight being cancelled," said Hopkins. "I was already in the gym, sparring and preparing for the fight, but things happen. I know Richard Schaefer and the staff at Golden Boy Promotions are already working on something bigger and better. I stay in shape so being ready is never a problem and I look forward to whatever fight is made for me in the near future."
Karo Murat, speaking from his training camp in Mallorca, Spain stated, "Obviously I'm very disappointed as I have been in training for almost three months now, but I understand that my promoter's representative, Chris Meyer, is in talks with Richard Schaefer to discuss possible alternatives."
"We are obviously disappointed, as we expected an exciting fight and a big crowd," said CEO of Barclays Center Brett Yormark. "However, we look forward to working with Golden Boy Promotions to bring future championship bouts to Barclays Center as we continue to become the center of boxing on the East Coast."
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