04.05.05 – On Saturday, July 16, live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor will face Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins in a 12 round undisputed middleweight championship bout that will determine whether Hopkins adds to his record string of title defenses, or if Taylor launches a new era of dominance at 160 pounds.. This bout will be televised on HBOPPV. Taylor and Hopkins officially announced this highly-anticipated showdown at New York City’s Copacabana today. Here’s what the unbeaten Taylor had to say:
On being called champ after July 16: I’m trying to get comfortable with it. It’s not there yet, but I know it’s coming.
On dealing with the psychological tactics employed by Hopkins: I’m just going to stick with the things that I do. No trash talking, just having a good time and boxing, because that’s what I love. You don’t have to be mad to go in there, box somebody, and win. It’s a sport and it’s what I do. Like basketball – you don’t have to be mad to hit a layup. I love the sport of boxing and I’m gonna go in there and have a good time and win – just like I always do.
On the difficulties presented by a fighter like Hopkins: He’s a crafty fighter and he’s champion of the world. On the infighting he’s dirty, he holds a lot, and he fights off you. He don’t fight off Bernard. If you wait, he sneaks up on you. He’s a smart fighter and I give him credit for that.
On the experience factor: I’ve got some good boxing experience myself. I’ve been boxing since I was 12 years old. Now he does have a lot of professional experience, and I give him that, and I respect that. But I feel that in order for me to beat him, I do have to respect the fact that he does have a lot of experience.
On why it was so important to take this fight now: It’s very important in my mind and in the people’s minds to get this fight now because they would be like ‘well, he didn’t beat Bernard Hopkins, so he’s not a real champion.’
On life as a boxing superstar after July 16: That’s the hard part I think. This part right here, I think it’s gonna be the easy part. The hard part is ‘you’re world champ – now hold on to it. Just like he (Hopkins) did.’
A Prediction? I Train hard, I work hard, and I’m gonna win.