Get ready for the ultimate knockdown! Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that Bernard Hopkins, the Middleweight Champion of the World, will serve as the official spokesman and cover athlete for EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2. The sequel to this year's hit boxing video game will be released in March 2005 under the EA SPORTS brand for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft and the Nintendo GameCube.
Nicknamed "the Executioner," Hopkins is hailed as one of the world's best fighters after defeating Oscar De La Hoya in September 2004 to claim the belt for the Middleweight Champion of the World. The Philadelphia native's career record includes 45 wins, two losses, one draw, and one no contest with 32 knockouts.
"It's great to be immortalized in an EA SPORTS video game and even a greater honor to be an EA SPORTS cover athlete for the most realistic boxing game ever created," said Bernard Hopkins. "Being a fan of the series, Fight Night Round 2 really captures the intensity and excitement of the sport, but without the pain."
EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2 continues to deliver innovative gameplay via the analog Total Punch Control mechanic, allowing gamers to throw multiple punches, block, bob and weave with complete precision and control. Packing in more fearsome punches, players can now dominate the ring with the all-new EA SPORTS Haymaker allowing gamers to knock down their opponents with one devastating blow by adding extra power to each punch. Every hit counts in the game with powerful punches inflicting dynamic injuries on opponents, and thus reducing a fighter's ability to defend himself. Players will also manage the boxers inside and out of the ring. Utilizing the new EA SPORTS Cutman, gamers can minimize damage on their fighters by helping them heal critical wounds between rounds.
Developed in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2 is scheduled to ship in March 2005 and includes a new and unique create-a-player option, deep training and career mode, as well as online play* for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles.