Bernard Hopkins (now 54-6-2, 1, 1, 32 KO's) retained the IBF Light Heavyweight Title in an ugly, yet very entertaining, 12 rounds against Karo Murat. The fight started with a clinch and ended with some headbutts, with many headlocks in between, but the fight brought out more activity from Hopkins who was willing to trade with Murat.

In round 5, during a clinch where Murat had his back turned, Hopkins kissed him on the back, then again on the back of the neck. Hopkins would get pushed to the canvas in the 8th where Murat would throw two intentional punches on Hopkins who was sitting on the canvas which received strict warnings from referee Steve Smoger.

In round 7, Hopkins hurt Murat with a right hand that staggered him to the ropes. Murat would hit Hopkins after a break and Smoger would take a point after repeated warnings. In round 8, Hopkins headed to Murat's corner during an exchange to speak to them while dodging punches. Hopkins ended the final round looking for a KO and almost got it when Murat turned his back after a flurry and was staggered a few times. Murat would try to land two intentional headbutts as the bell sounded to end the fight at which point Smoger grabbed Murat's head and threw him towards his corner.

Final scores were 117-110 and 119-108 twice. Murat drops to 25-2-1 with 15 KO's. After the fight, Hopkins stated he was more interested in making a "Super Fight" instead of fighting other Light Heavyweight Title holders, making it clear he could make 160lbs for a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.