http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7270536.stm Oscar De La Hoya is backing Bernard Hopkins to stage an upset and beat Joe Calzaghe in Las Vegas on 19 April. De La Hoya says Hopkins, 43, is the type of boxer to outwit world super-middleweight champion Calzaghe, 35, who is unbeaten in 44 fights. American De La Hoya has experience of losing to former middleweight champion Hopkins four years ago. And he said: "If there's one guy who can frustrate Calzaghe and take him out of his game plan that's Hopkins." De La Hoya added: "He's patient, and he doesn't care if he waits for you all night until you make a mistake."That's why I just have this feeling that Hopkins can pull it off." De la Hoya thinks the biggest weapon in Calzaghe's game is his high output of punches, but said Hopkins will figure him out. And he does not think the American's age - seven years Calzaghe's senior - or his more conservative work-rate will be a disadvantage. "When you're at distance from him he throws good solid punches but Hopkins is a smart fighter and I think Hopkins is going to figure him out. "The concern is the punch rate but Hopkins said it best - the more punches he's going to throw, the more he's going to be exposed. "The work-rate obviously is a concern but Hopkins studies you, he dissects you and he takes care of you and I think he can pull it off." RRRRRRRRRRoll on April 19th baby! :hi:
I think too many people underestimate Calzaghe, and he ain't gonna dive like Oscar did, he can battle as well as box.
exactly what i was thinking..Oscar is an extremely good business man..knows how to keep the people that matter to him happy..deep down he knows B-hop doesnt have much of a chance..just like Hatton!
This is true. Not only that, but Joe actually likes to go to war and often ends up getting shoted at by his dad like a little kid!
If Hopkins waits all night on his stool so that Calzaghe makes a mistake, he may never leave it and finish the fight way behind in the scorecards. Warren has spoken many times about Hopkins being the defining fight for Joe - well, I think Hopkins needs to come on and make a defining fight for him at this stage or else he will lose the last chance to prove himself great.
Seriously, have you noticed how old Hopkins is lookin these days? He wants to get used to how hospital food tastes cause that is what he could be eatin the next couple months. I hope not, but he`s never faced anyone like Calzaghe before. I hope it`s a great fight with a late KO to Joe and Hopkins gets home safely, that would make for a lovely evening.
As they always do. Some are already talking about the Ref will help Hopkins. Their just getting the excuse prepared. Joe's O got's to GO!!!!!:hey
I am fully aware of Calzaghe's punch power even when he hits you with the inside of the glove. And Welsh Dragon's avatar made me remember about the fight against Pudwill in Newcastle - the american was dropped three times in the first and had his eye shut by the second round when Dave Paris finished the bout. I particularly find most uninteresting for Hops to stay in the corners like he did many times against Winky - Joe does't hook with the right and of the jab, he pounds with the left hook and in the corner Puwill where was, Hopkins will find it very difficult to duck that punch.
No excuses from me, and you can quote me later if you want. If it involves a blatantly dodgy referee or a controversial points decision then you can probably expect a total shitstorm of complaints, but if Bernard somehow manages to legitimately beat Joe - no cheating - I'll give him all the credit he deserves.
