at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square, New York
Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and his opponent “Bad” Chad Dawson visited Ripley’s Times Square today for a special photo opportunity in front of the New York Odditorium’s iconic marquee to promote their upcoming WBC and Ring Magazine Light HeavyWeight World Championship Fight. In addition, a press conference was held at BB King’s on 42nd Street. Ripley’s Times Square’s President and General Manager Michael Hirsch participated in the press conference on behalf of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! “This is such an exciting event to be a part of and Bernard Hopkins is a living, breathing BION (Believe it or Not),” says Hirsch. “All eyes in the sports world will be on the Staples Center on October 15th and we’re ecstatic to be a part of it.”
At the press conference, Albert Cadabra, host of Ripley’s Times Square’s Sideshow Wonders displayed his famed human blockhead routine for the fighters, letting them know that they weren’t the only people in the room “tough as nails”. Hopkins, showing his true Ripley’s spirit, even asked if he could push the nail in to which Cadabra obliged.
Hopkins will be defending the WBC and Ring Magazine HeavyWeight Championship he captured from Jean Paul on May 21. At 46 years-old, Hopkins has become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title. Chad Dawson, 29 years-old, who has wanted a shot at Hopkins for years, is vying for the title against this unusual champion, making for a match that truly deserves the Believe It Or Not title. In addition to being one of the sponsors for the title fight, Ripley’s will also immortalize Hopkins’ legendary career with a wax figure to be displayed in its Odditoriums across the globe’ with plans to unveil it during fight week in Los Angeles.
