Hopkins’ appeal denied
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Bernard Hopkins’ appeal of the split decision that cost him his undisputed middleweight championship to Jermain Taylor was denied, Taylor’s promoter said. Taylor defeated Hopkins in their bout in Las Vegas on July 16 with two judges awarding the fight to the challenger and one to Hopkins.
Hopkins appealed the decision to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but David Itskowitch of DiBella Entertainment said Friday at a rally for Taylor that the panel had denied Hopkins’ plea.
Taylor, a native of Little Rock, stood in the back of a red convertible, wearing a white blazer and flashing a big smile as he passed by adoring fans. A crowd of 5,500 packed an amphitheater in 101-degree heat on what Arkansas first lady Janet Huckabee declared to be “Jermain Taylor Day.”
A rematch between Taylor and Hopkins is expected in December. Taylor will need some time for a head cut to heal before he can return to the ring.