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[easywork]

Hopkins-Calzaghe in Vegas on April 12th?

"I believe the date the 11th or the 12th of April. I know I'm just looking to make it happen. I don't believe anything is signed yet. I got a letter from Arnold Joseph and Richard Schaeffer saying that we have an oral agreement. I could say oral agreements have stood up for the last five years of my career. They expressed to me that we have a deal and I'm expecting an official confirmation on that no later than Monday. I was hoping to hear something yesterday or today, but I'm expecting things to be wrapped up the middle of next week the latest," stated light heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins in a recent interview.

Hopkins revealed that the fight would likely take place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay or the MGM Grand and he hopes that HBO will be willing to do another 24/7 series for the fight. "I think maybe with a 24/7 if everybody is willing to pitch in, that's HBO, Golden Boy and Frank Warren, if they're willing to pitch in because that ain't free, but I think it would do everybody justice, not only in our bank accounts, but I think the fans will get to see the behind the scenes back and forth that goes on with the game. Again, this ain't a salespitch to convince anybody, I'm just saying that this is one of them kind of fights where I think 24/7 is needed to uplift what's already there. Coming off the heels of the big blockbuster that happened on December 8 one month later, I think it would be great."

Hopkins also revealed that he's been training lightly for the past two or three months, but he's planning on beginning serious training for the fight in about two or three weeks. Along with Brother Nasseem and Freddie Roach, Hopkins is considering reuniting with Mackie Shillstone. "I didn't use him for the Winky Wright for one reason or the other, but for this fight I see that his biggest weapon is punches in bunches and trust me, from what I've experienced with the Tarver fight with Mackie Shilstone, he got me to the point where I was throwing so many punches per round that it was unbelievable."

When asked whether or not Calzaghe would be one of the toughest southpaws he's ever faced, Hopkins emphatically stated, "Oh, No. No. No. Absolutely not. The best southpaw I ever fought in terms of being tricky is John David Jackson." In fact, Hopkins went so far as to say that Calzaghe was at the bottom of the list of southpaws he's faced, behind the likes of Robert Allen, Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright.

[Blayde]

Hater, LOL, no I guess you are wrong about that. I also agreed I see Hopkins having a better resume than Calzaghe, but I cant believe how you can see such a big difference there.

I also agree it should not be that important, but I guess if Calzaghe has never faced anyone half as good as Hopkins, it should. Only 8-4 against a bum like Kessler whereas Hopkins has knocked out welterweight De La Hoya? Calzaghe is probably gonna get KO'd (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Although Im picking Calzaghe to win decisively, I also think he wont have an easy time against Hopkins and he wont look great. Hopkins will prove how smart he is and what defensive skills he posesses. Additionally he should be able to find openings against the very offensive Calzaghe, so he can land some nice right hands. But I just cant see him getting done enough. Calzaghe is faster on his legs and with his hands, he throws good combinations on the inside and his outside boxing and his jab are very underrated just like his power. And with all the talk about Hopkins' tactics and rough style, dont forget its also a pretty big part of Calzaghes game to hold. That doesnt make it easier for B-Hop, either.

[D-MARV]

Hater, LOL, no I guess you are wrong about that. I also agreed I see Hopkins having a better resume than Calzaghe, but I cant believe how you can see such a big difference there.

I also agree it should not be that important, but I guess if Calzaghe has never faced anyone half as good as Hopkins, it should. Only 8-4 against a bum like Kessler whereas Hopkins has knocked out welterweight De La Hoya? Calzaghe is probably gonna get KO'd (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Although Im picking Calzaghe to win decisively, I also think he wont have an easy time against Hopkins and he wont look great. Hopkins will prove how smart he is and what defensive skills he posesses. Additionally he should be able to find openings against the very offensive Calzaghe, so he can land some nice right hands. But I just cant see him getting done enough. Calzaghe is faster on his legs and with his hands, he throws good combinations on the inside and his outside boxing and his jab are very underrated just like his power. And with all the talk about Hopkins' tactics and rough style, dont forget its also a pretty big part of Calzaghes game to hold. That doesnt make it easier for B-Hop, either.

First Let me say that Calzaghe is a very good fighter. I rank him high on my P4P list simply because he has been the man in the Super Middleweight Division for so long. He is the longest reigning champ, and you gotta respect that! But How can anyone question BHOPs Resume. Not only has he beaten Hall of Fame fighters but he has dominated and knock them out!! Who in this world would ever compare BHOp and Calzaghe's resume! You seem to forget Calzaghe had trouble with Sakio Bika (From the show, The Contender), he struggled against Robin Reid (a C Class fighter).Calzaghe's crowning achievement were victories over Jeff Lacy (who was one of the most overhyped and overrated fighters in the last 10 years), and Kessler (who really hasn't proven himself that much either) Now on the other hand you have BHOP who has KO victories over Hall of Fame fighters such as: De La Hoya, and Trinidad. He has a KO victory over a young undefeated warrior Glen Johnson, who would go on to be the Light Heavyweight champion, and a fighter who I think Calzaghe ducked a couple of times. Not to mention victories over Winky Wright and Antonio Tarver, who are fighters I think would beat anyone on Calzaghe's record. Also the Taylor fights were very controversial. I actually had Hopkins winning both fights! So let's not compare their resumes!
But my prediction is this:
I originally had Calzaghe winning a very close decision, but after hours of studying both fighters, their styles, and there past fights, I have to say we have Mayweather-Hatton all over again!
I doubted BHOP one time when he fought Tarver, I will never do that again.
BHOP late Stoppage!