Date: 13th December 2008
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Title: WBO World Super-lightweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank
Tv: Showtime
Kendall Holt
(
24
-
2
-
0
)
Weight: 140 lbs
Demetrius Hopkins
(
28
-
0
-
1
)
Weight: 140 lbs
After two attempts to lift the WBO World Super-lightweight title from Ricardo Torres (Lost Tko-11 and Won Ko-1), Kendall Holt faced unbeaten title challenger Demetrius Hopkins in his first defence.
Hopkins, the nephew of Bernard Hopkins had only an 8-round technical decision draw earlier in his career on his otherwise unblemished record although, Holt had the better names on his at this stage.
Hopkins boxed behind the jab throughout the entire fight, tying his opponent up as soon as he got inside, turning him and using lateral movement to keep Holt off balance. Holt though kept the pressure on with a sold body assault and it was this that swayed the judges who came up with a split decision in the champion's favour.
Scores: Julie Lederman 113-115 | Luis Rivera 117-111 | Alan Rubenstein 116-112
Holt would lose his title to Timothy Bradley in his next defence (L ud)