Press Release: Boarding a jet on his way to Las Vegas to catch Saturday's pay-per-view extravaganza between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales, undefeated super middleweight champion JEFF "LEFT HOOK" LACY stated  the he would accept the same purse offered by undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins to Jermain Taylor -- $1.5 million -- if Taylor refused Hopkin's offer for a world title fight. "I understand Bernard made the offer yesterday, with a 24-hour time limit to accept," said Lacy.  "I just want Bernard and his promoters to know I am ready to move down to a catchweight and defend my title against him for the same purse if Taylor refuses.  And I do not need a 24-hour time limit, I'll have a signed agreement back to him within 24 minutes, including fax time!" Lacy, 19-0 (15 KOs), one of the busiest world champions, has successfully defended his twice since winning it last October.
 
"If Bernard really wants to fight a member of the U.S. Olympic Class of 2000, Jeff is ready to accomodate  -- with a new title for Bernard too," added promoter Gary Shaw.  "Jeff is ready to accept the same purse.   We will not ask for a rematch clause or even options.  Jeff is a turn-key package  that is ready, willing and able to sign on the dotted line and make the fight."