23.10.08 – by James Slater – It seems like every day just lately a big name fighter is predicting a sensational knockout win. First David Haye says he’ll KO both of the Klitschkos, then Manny Pacquiao says he’ll KO Oscar De La Hoya (at least Freddie Roach said it, anyway) then Joe Calzaghe says he’ll KO Roy Jones and just today Bernard Hopkins said he will KO Calzaghe if he gets his rematch with him.
Speaking over the phone with Steve Bunce of Setanta Sports, the Philly legend said he thinks pride may well force Calzaghe, who has already said he will not grant Hopkins a rematch, to change his mind. Hopkins still believes he won back in April, and he said Joe knows so too. B-Hop also stated that he will fight again next year, whether it’s against the Calzaghe-Jones winner or not.
“Scratch off Chad Dawson, I’ve got bigger fish to fry,” B-Hop began. “I heard Joe said Bernard won’t get a rematch. Joe knows in his heart that the three judges beat Bernard Hopkins. I’ll be ringside on November 8th and all hell is going to break out in the media and with the fans. I set the bar so high. With Calzaghe I won’t worry about a decision this time. He’ll get knocked out this time, I know what I’m facing now and it doesn’t matter if it’s in Wales or if it’s in in Africa! Joe Calzaghe has a style that no-one can keep up with, whether it’s slaps or whatever. It’s not a style you see in America. My next fight will be no earlier than February, no later than March.”
So, Hopkins “knows what he’s facing now” in Calzaghe. Could it be the all-time great underestimated Joe, at least a little, last time out? Another question is, should a rematch happen? I think it would be very interesting, especially if the fight were over in the U.K this time. Can Hopkins improve on April’s showing? Can Calzaghe? Joe has said no to a return, but in this sport you never know.
Hopkins said again in the interview how he feels his win over Kelly Pavlik is his very best performance.
“I stand by it was my best performance, even better than Felix Trinidad,” the 43-year-old said. “I really hope he comes back, I’m a fan. He has a thumping George Foreman type of punch, but I took it away. Moving to my right took his right hand away. Similarly, Trinidad is known for the left hook but if you don’t go to his strong side it takes something away.”
I wonder what Hopkins thinks Calzaghe’s main weapon is, and how he plans to take it away if and when he can secure the rematch he so dearly wants.