Maurice Hooker Signs Extension With Promoters, Targets Next Title Defense For Summer
WBO junior middleweight champion Maurice Hooker has signed an extension to remain with promoters Roc Nation Sports and Matchroom Boxing USA.
The undefeated world champion has fought twice since signing a deal to be co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing with his most recent fight taking place on DAZN. Hooker fought on the March 9 Matchroom Boxing card from Verona, New York and won a wide unanimous decision against Mikkel LesPierre.
The plan for Hooker now is to potentially have him defend his title in his hometown of Dallas this summer. Hooker previously spoke to Fightful during fight week and said he hoped to fight in Dallas in June, but whether or not the fight still takes place in June remains to be seen. Hooker initially came in overweight the day before the fight against LesPierre, but eventually managed to make weight.
It is no secret that Hooker wants to have a unification fight, especially against WBC champion Jose Ramirez. Hooker called Ramirez out for a fight last year after Hooker defeated Alex Saucedo on ESPN and did so again after the fight against LesPierre. Hooker also called out Jack Catterall, who currently sits at No. 1 in the WBO rankings at 140 pounds.
“I want the WBC title. Everyone come to DAZN! Anybody – come to DAZN. Jack Catterall came all the way over here to America to watch me fight. Just wait young grasshopper, you will get your turn,” Hooker said.
Hooker won the WBO title last year when he traveled to the United Kingdom and defeated Terry Flanagan by split decision. Hooker’s last four wins came against opponents who were undefeated at the time of their respective bouts.
