This Time, Bernard Hopkins Will "Execute" Roy Jones, Jr.

Sixteen years after their first fight, Roy Jones, Jr. and Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins tentatively agreed last week to a rematch that is expected to occur sometime in early-2010.

“Sixteen years ago they fought each other and went on and made history in their own way,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Hopkins promoter. “Each one is considered today as ring royalty. That’s why I think when those two guys are going to fight it will determine who will be the king of the ring.”

In May 1993, Hopkins (50-5-1, 32 knockouts) lost to Jones (54-5, 40 knockouts) by a unanimous decision for the vacant IBF middleweight belt.

Since their last encounter in the ring, Jones, 40, and Hopkins, 44, have become two of the most accomplished fighters in boxing history.

The public has long clamoured for a rematch between the legendary pugilists.

Unfortunately until last week, Hopkins and Jones were unable to agree to terms for a contract.

“We went back and forth for so long, but we finally pulled it off,” said Schaefer. “They both signed and they will fight. It will be a truly historic showdown. A lot of people didn’t believe it would ever happen. But, it’s going to happen.”

Of course, because boxing is boxing, the matchup is “going to happen” about ten years too late.

A location for the fight has not been determined to this point.

However, if the fight ultimately transpires at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, promoters should contemplate billing the showdown, “The Geezers Brawl at Caesars.”

In actuality, the long-overdue rematch is not yet a certainty.

In order for Hopkins to again meet Jones, “Junior” is required to defeat Danny Green (27-3) in his native land of Australia in early-December.

“It’s time to take care of business and then come back here and beat Bernard Hopkins,” said Jones, who was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1990’s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

“I beat him with one hand the first time,” Jones said of his first match with Hopkins, in which he fought with a damaged right hand. “What am I worried about?”

When Jones initially battled Hopkins, “B-Hop” was a green pugilist who had only recently discovered “The Sweet Science” while he served his time in Graterford Prison in Pennsylvania for nine felony convictions.

Over the course of the next 15 years, Hopkins became arguably the greatest middleweight champion in the annals of boxing.

Hopkins was able to successfully defend his middleweight world championship a record 20 times over a span of ten years.

Additionally, “B-Hop” is the oldest man to ever hold the middleweight championship.

Hopkins has aged gracefully.

Sadly, Jones has grayed like one of The Golden Girls.

“I can’t wait,” Jones proclaimed after his fight with Hopkins was announced.

Jones should be hesitant for what he wishes for.

1993 was a long while past.

In 2010, expect “The Executioner” to show “Junior” the ropes, and the canvas.