Calzaghe vs. Hopkins
Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins Prepare for War on HBO
Two of the longest-running champions in boxing history meet in a light-heavyweight throwdown April 19 on HBO
Two of the most respected fighters in recent boxing memory will meet April 19 on HBO in a light-heavyweight battle for the ages. These two fighters earned their respect the old-fashioned way: in the ring. Bernard Hopkins was a middle-weight champion for a number of years, but still didn't get the esteem he deserved until a shocking knockout victory over an undefeated, young, Puerto-Rican fighter named "Tito" Trinidad, who had just recently beaten "The Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya. At 43, Hopkins is like a fine wine, he keeps getting better with age.
After dismantling "The Golden Boy," many believed there was nothing left for "The Executioner" to accomplish, but B-Hop had ideas that didn't include retirement. Hopkins boldly took on a rising star from Arkansas named Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor, who had built quite a name and following for himself. Although Hopkins lost two controversial decisions against Taylor, B-Hop accomplished what he had set out to do. Prove as a middle-aged man he could compete with the best the sport has to offer. No one doubted that, but after two consecutive losses, observers assumed "The Executioner's" career was over. No one could have predicted that Hopkins had dominating victories over top ten pound-for-pound fighters Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver and Ronald "Winky" Wright left up his sleeve.
At 43, Hopkins can still bring it with the best, but his opponent does not seem overly worried, claiming he will retire if he loses to the 43-year-old Hopkins. Joe Calzaghe's rise to stardom has been strikingly similar. This will be Joe Calzaghe first fight in the U.S. He has been one of the few fighters, along with Ricky Hatton, that have rised to international promise without fighting in America. Calzaghe, who has been a champion for several years, stomped any credibility questions fans might have about the British fighter with a crushing victory over promising, young star Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy. The way Calzaghe dominated Lacy definitely made American fans take notice.
Calzaghe believes his power and hand speed will be too much for the wiley veteran, but fighters such as: De La Hoya, Tarver, Wright, and Joppy also had this in mind, and all of them lost. At 36, Calzaghe is not a young buck, but certainly is in the prime of his career, which should make this a great fight, and possibly the last in the illustrious career of Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins. Hopkins has been a model for everything that's right in boxing. He fights hard everytime he steps into the squared-circle, and has always fought more for pride and love of the sport, than he ever did for the money.
