New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - Kelly Pavlik will face veteran Bernard Hopkins in a light heavyweight bout set for Atlantic City's famous Boardwalk Hall in October.

Pavlik (34-0, 30 KOs), the current undefeated middleweight champion, will move up in weight to face Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KOs), a Philadelphia native, at 170 pounds on October 18.

"I am preparing to fight a legend and take him down in his own backyard," said Pavlik. "Even though I am younger, I know Hopkins is a slick veteran with a bunch of boxing tricks in his bag. I refuse to underestimate him and I know on October 18, he will be ready to fight. I am treating this as if it were a championship match with my plan being to remain undefeated and show the world that I am able to take on any fighter regardless of age, weight or record."

The undefeated Pavlik, the reigning WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion, is coming off a third round knockout over the then undefeated Gary Lockett, also in Atlantic City.

Known as one of the greatest middleweights of all time, Hopkins has held a world title as a middleweight or light heavyweight every year since 1995. In 2006, Hopkins moved up to light heavyweight for the first time in his career to defeat Antonio Tarver winning The Ring Magazine World Championship. Most recently, Hopkins fought undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe, knocking him down in the first round before losing his light heavyweight title by a narrow split decision.

"Kelly Pavlik has a heart of a lion but he has no idea what he is in for on October 18," said Hopkins. "Pavlik might be the latest thing on a fast track to fame, but I am a sure thing and will take this kid to school that night and teach him a lesson he will never forget."