Rapper Bun B, a
Port Arthur, Texas Hip-Hop staple, has been elected as the opening performer for Bernard
Hopkins, a middleweight boxing great who is preparing to face reigning light
heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver.
"It’s an honor
to be able to be part of a legends career in this way," Bun B said in a
statement. "I’m honored to be able to walk with him."
Bun B has already
started recording a special song and prepping a show to open the event, which
takes place June 10 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The fight will conclude
months of spirited banter between the two boxers.
Hopkins (46-4-1
32KOs) recently told USA Today that he would like to end his career with a victory
over Tarver. "I will win this fight over Antonio Tarver, cement my legacy
and finish my career in a fashion where no one will ever forget what I brought
to the boxing ring," he said.
Hopkins, known
as "The Executioner," has been a dominant force in the middleweight
division for the past decade, but makes a dramatic step up in weight when he
faces Tarver (24-3-0 24KOs) in the 12-round light heavyweight championship bout.
With his natural
size advantage, Tarver expects to keep Hopkins from his championship goal. Hopkins
lost his last two fights to Jermain Taylor.
"I hope he
comes and fights like he talks. I’m gonna be right there on him. If Bernard
comes and fights like he talks, the people and fans get ready for an electrifying
night…This fight isn’t gonna last past 6 rounds," Tarver said in a
pre-fight interview with HBO. "I’m out to destroy Bernard Hopkins."
The fight, deemed
the "Fight to the Finish," will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View,
beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.