HOPKINS HOLDS MEDIA DAY IN LOS ANGELES AS TRAINING WINDS DOWN FOR APRIL 19 SUPER FIGHT AGAINST JOE CALZAGHE

Posted on | April 10, 2008 | No Comments

LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2008) . . . . Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins opened the doors of his training camp in Pasadena, California today and showed the media a sample of his rigorous training schedule. Hopkins, who did a full workout, was in a terrific mood and had this to say to the members of the press assembled ringside.

“I think that saying I can manipulate my opponents is an insult to my abilities and takes away from them too. I feel you should just look at my professionalism and know that I have been able to master the sport of boxing and hone the skills I have been able to develop, mold and maintain. The only thing that I am going to get in his head is this left and right hand.

“Basically I know what I am doing and no one can take that away from me.

“I don’t have a college degree but I have an education in life. I am a graduate of life.

“When you see me on April 19, you will once again say—how does he do it?

“The only difference I feel from now and several years ago is that I have more gray hairs in my beard and my running time is a little later—Instead of running at 5am, I now go at 6:30am.

“I brought in Mackie because all I hear about is how Joe throws 1000 punches around. I’m not crazy. I getting ready for those 1000 punches a round and have to ready to hit him 1000 times too.

“But let me ask you something, all they say is 1000 punches a round but they never say anything else about those punches.”

ABOUT HOPKINS VS CALZAGHE

Hopkins vs. Calzaghe “Battle of the Planet,” will take place on Saturday, April 19 from the Planet Hollywood Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tickets, priced at $1500, $1200, $450, $350 and $250, are now on sale and may be purchased by calling 866-USFIGHT or online at planethollywood.com.

Presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Frank Warren’s Sports Network and the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink and Affliction Clothing. The match-up will air live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. PT.