Joe slams 'negative' Hopkins

Welshman looking forward to Stateside debut

Last updated: 26th March 2008

Joe Calzaghe Mar 08

Calzaghe: ready for action

Hopefully Hopkins is going to come and trade - but I won't hold my breath.

Joe Calzaghe
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Joe Calzaghe is confident his attacking style will prove a hit with American fans when he takes on Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas on April 19.

Unbeaten Welshman Calzaghe, 36, is stepping up from the super-middleweight division he has ruled for more than 10 years to put his reputation on the line against Hopkins, the former undisputed middleweight king.

"Hopkins is good at making people look bad but he won't do that to me," said Calzaghe, who jets out to America next week.

"That's the only way he can handle me and that's why he's not a fighter who is very well loved.

"There were people in his own country booing him when we were out for the Ricky Hatton fight, and that's because of his style.

"Hopkins has hardly ever been in any exciting fights and he's very negative.

Stronger, faster, fitter

"He'll do everything he can to knock me out of my rhythm because he knows I'm stronger, faster and fitter than him.

"Hopefully Hopkins is going to come and trade - but I won't hold my breath."

Calzaghe is delighted that experienced referee Joe Cortez will be the man in the middle against Hopkins.

"I don't do holding and mauling and Joe Cortez is well aware of that," he added.

"He's an experienced referee and he'll enjoy a quiet night because all he will have to do is count to 10 and save Hopkins."