What are peoples views on this upcomong fight?


Wily Hopkins attacks Calzaghe Sr


Bernard Hopkins has accused Enzo Calzaghe of putting his own ego ahead of the safety of his son Joe before Saturday's super-fight in Las Vegas.

Hopkins said Enzo, also Joe's trainer, was "living his dream through his son".

He said: "His ego can't let him stop it because it's like him being in the ring. It's really Enzo, that's why he'd rather see Joe carried out than quit."

Calzaghe Snr hit back: "Hopkins is the biggest coward under the sun. He stands no chance and the effect is zilch."

It was widely expected that Hopkins, who tore up a Puerto Rican flag ahead of his 2001 clash with Felix Trinidad, would raise the stakes at the final news conference on Wednesday.

But the set-piece passed without any controversy, other than when Calzaghe Snr offered the 43-year-old Hopkins a walking stick, which the Philadelphian accepted with humour.

However, away from the television cameras, Hopkins spoke at length about what he perceives to be the vicarious relationship between father and son.

"Joe's father fell short of his goals and he's living through his son, who he forced to be a fighter," Hopkins, who reigned as world middleweight champion for more than 10 years, told BBC Sport.

"He (Enzo) wanted to be a fighter but fell short of that for whatever reason. So his son, if you believe Joe's book, was forced to box.

"His son liked soccer, Joe never wanted to become a fighter. His son fell in love with being a fighter, I was born a fighter.

"It's like he's losing (in the ring), like him quitting. He'll be hurt just as much as Joe will be because he's living through his son."

But Calzaghe Sr, whose son has never been defeated while he has been in his corner, told BBC Sport: "It's nothing new. Everyone needs some type of armoury to reassure themselves that they are what they think they are.

"He's talking along those lines purely and simply because of that fear factor. Let him talk. When the bell goes on Saturday night all the talk will be over."

Hopkins added he was relishing his role as underdog, a role he has played in his last two fights, against Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright, both of which he won.

"My mentality, you'll never understand it because you're not cut from the same cloth," said Hopkins, who has a record of 48 wins, four losses and a draw.

"They say 'how do you feel being the underdog?' But I was born an underdog. That's what I like, don't you know that helps me?

"It's not a negative to me, it's a positive to me. Anything I did, in and out of the ring, I had to fight for. You have to be able to survive danger, like I have all my life.

"It's going to be a real, real eye-opener, because every time I'm not supposed to win, I get up for it."

Calzaghe Jr, who was unaware of Hopkins's comments, said he felt healthy in the lead-up to a big fight for the first time ever.

"I'm relaxed and excited about this fight and I feel that the extra seven pounds (Calzaghe is making his debut as a light-heavyweight) makes me feel a lot healthier, a lot stronger, but just as fast," he said.

"Light-heavyweight is perfect for me. It's enough to make me work to make the weight, but I'm not weak, I feel strong. I've definitely got more power.

"I'm only a few pounds over the weight now, which is a luxury for me, and to feel healthy at this stage is something that's never happened.

"And the hands feel fine. Maybe it's the warm weather and not starving myself, but I'm punching hard with both hands.

"My dad always taught me to respect my elders, but the old man's going to get battered on Saturday night for 12 rounds."


BBC SPORT | Boxing | Wily Hopkins attacks Calzaghe Sr

Another brit will get exposed.

Hmm you think? Isn't Hopkins at 42+ ready for the taking?

42 is not his boxing age. He hasn't been in the ring long enough for his body to get battered. He was in jail for many years before he got into boxing. Calzhage is no spring chicken himself at 35/36. He hasn't been truly tested.

Hmmm here's the problem he will be slowing down surely......can he train as hard, last as long..only time will tell...

Calzhage is going up in weight so he could slow down himself. Hopkins will be at his normal size/weight.

Can’t really see how Hopkins is gonna beat Calzaghe, he’s just too old.
How do you deal with a fighter who keeps moving forward has two quick hands, a southpaw and is most dangerous when wounded.
I think Yanks have truly underestimated Calzaghe ability, I just hope it goes the distance, but unfortunately Calzaghe will win.

Here we go again


All I remember is 'Theres only one Ricky Hatton' chorus, next thing you know the hitman gets hit... HARD

Another European hype that will get outclassed.

One thing I can predict is that this fight will be boring.

Ill bed watching though. Can the old man do it. Never let a white boy beat him? He better back his talk and not let down the side.

I dont see one thing that Hopkins can do to Calzaghe to win this fight. Wont beat him to the punch, wont outwork him, wont knock him out with one shot, etc etc

But then Hopkins has never lost to a southpaw and he has fought 11. Sure Calzaghe will win but am having a bet on Hopkins to win

Given both men are the same age and level of fitness, then the size and reach advantage Hopkins has means Calzaghe would have to be far better than he is to win. I don't see a win for Calzaghe as possible myself.

With B-Hop all the way like Mayweather this man is always in condition in and out of competition not like this British fighters who waster their body when out of competition...Calzaghe never fought in the States who has he fought??hes lucky he to be meeting Bhop towards the end of his career...

hopkins got jacked by the judges, just like against jermaine taylor

he should know you cant really win in vegas off the back foot. had to be the agressor

Okay I was wrong