KENDALL HOLT TO NOW FACE DEMTRIUS HOPKINS THIS SATURDAY IN ATLANTIC CITY ON SHO BOX

Sources very close to the situation have informed 15rounds.com that Kendall Holt will now defend his WBO Jr. Welterweight title against the undefeated Demetrius Hopkins this Saturday night in Atlantic City on SHOWTIME.

Hopkins got the call after Ricardo Torres fell ill and could not make the weight for the third fight with Holt. Holt & Torres have staged two fights with each winning one in controversial fashion.

Hopkins was already on Saturday’s undercard as he was slated to face Germaine Sanders and was ready when reached for comment about the title oppurtunity.

“This is a dream come true” said Hopkins, 29-0-1, who will be making his first world title opportunity and will be trying to carry on the championship legacy that his uncle Bernard Hopkins has established.

Bob Arum, celebrating his 77th birthday today, made the announcement. Caesars Atlantic City is hosting the big fight card.

Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler said that Torres was ill during training camp, missed workouts and reported he was not in the proper condition to take on Holt for the third time.

Hopkins, who was scheduled to be on the undercard, was moved to the main event today. Hopkins, 28, has a record of 28-0-1. Hopkins and his manager, Cameron Dunkin, finalized the deal today.

“Demetrius is prepared and ready to fight for the title,” Dunkin said.

Yuri Foreman will open the Showtime telecast, taking on James Moore in a battle of New York City fighters. The fight card will include the powerful Russian Olympian Matt Korobov.