Newz Forum: BOXING: De La Hoya, Hopkins tentative deal in works

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Associated Press - February 17, 2004

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A tentative deal is in place for Oscar De La Hoya to move up in weight and fight undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins later this year in what could be one of the richest non-heavyweight fights ever.

De La Hoya and Hopkins would fight different opponents on the same June 5 card, then meet in either September or November for the middleweight title, a spokesman for promoter Bob Arum confirmed Tuesday.

De La Hoya, who hasn't fought since losing his 154-pound (69.853-kilogram) title to Shane Mosley last September, would likely fight unbeaten Felix Sturm of Germany on the first card, while Hopkins would defend his title against mandatory challenger Robert Allen, whom he has already fought twice.