Light heavyweight champion Pascal set to defend title vs. Hopkins in Canada

Pascal set to defend title vs. Hopkins

NEW YORK — Light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal is set to defend his title against Bernard Hopkins in December in Quebec City.

The fight is scheduled for Dec. 18. Pascal last fought in August when he beat Chad Dawson on points after the fight was stopped in the 11th to retain his WBC light heavyweight title.

The 45-year-old Hopkins hasn’t fought since winning a unanimous decision in his long-delayed rematch with Roy Jones Jr. in April. Hopkins collapsed to his knees in his dressing room after the bout.

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer says Hopkins has been cleared to fight and is ready to prove again he can be the best in that weight class.

“He’s always been looking not just for fights, he’s been looking for historic events, and he’s been looking to make history,” Schaefer said on Wednesday. “He’s taking on a guy who could be his son. The guy could be his son. And he’s considered the best in that particular weight class.”

Hopkins wrote “I will beat Pascal” on his Facebook page.

Pascal holds the WBC light heavyweight title by virtue of his victory over Adrian Diaconu last summer.

Hopkins started boxing in a Pennsylvania state prison, where he served five years beginning at the age of 17. He turned pro in 1988 and won his first bout in 1990. He had a perfect 10-year reign as middleweight champion.

AP sports writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.