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Hopkins and Calzaghe trade insults at Las Vegas weigh-in

19/04/2008

Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe traded insults during the weigh-in for their light-heavyweight clash in Las Vegas tonight.

Both men tipped the scales at 173 lbs, two pounds lighter than the light-heavyweight limit.

Thousands of British fans turned up just for the weigh-in, as they had done when Ricky Hatton fought Floyd Mayweather this year.

Calzaghe's supporters taunted Hopkins as he stood on the scales, chanting "who are you?" which appeared to anger the 43-year-old.

Following Hopkins' reaction to his fans' vocal support Calzaghe asked the American: "What are you going to do about it?"

The two men then continued their verbal assaults on each other as they stood face-to-face for some photographs.

Hopkins said he was certain he would be able to pick apart Calzaghe's defences and that the Welshman would not be able to dominate with his higher work-rate.

"He might throw thousands of punches but I'm a sniper," claimed Hopkins.

"If he throws a thousand punches that leaves him open a thousand times. I'm the most accurate and pinpoint fighter there is."

"I'm going to bust your heart", said the former four-weight world champion, before adopting the 'Executioner' stance for which he is known.

Promoter Frank Warren was pleased the pair had not traded blows as happened during Hopkins' last weigh-in against Ronald 'winky' Wright.

However, Warren was also delighted to see Calzaghe stand up to Hopkins and backed him to win the fight, claiming "I'm confident he will do the job in style".