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Legend Hopkins mocks Calzaghe

14/11/2007

Bernard Hopkins says he would defeat Joe Calzaghe "easily" if the pair were to meet in a match the Welshman has been hoping for.

Since beating Mikkel Kessler to become the undisputed champion at super middleweight, Calzaghe has sounded-out Hopkins hoping the American will return to the ring.

But the 42-year-old four-weight world champion says he has no fear of the Welshman and would intimidate Calzaghe with his legendary status.

Hopkins told BBC radio Five Live: "When I fight Joe Calzaghe, I'm fighting a champion. When Joe Calzaghe fights Bernard Hopkins, he's fighting a legend.

"If he steps out of his backyard, he will be handed his first defeat. I will beat Joe Calzaghe easily."

Hopkins is adamant that any potential bout would have to happen in the USA and has questioned Calzaghe's status as a champion as he rarely fights outside the UK.

"Let's see how he fights when he hasn't got 40-50,000 of his own fans behind him. To me, a great champion can go anywhere in the world, out of his comfort zone and still deliver," said Hopkins.

The American has not committed himself to a fight, despite much speculation that Calzaghe's promoter, Frank Warren, is pursuing him to make the deal.

Hopkins admitted: "If it happens it happens, if it don't it don't. He mentioned my name after the fight, I didn't mention his."

The Philadelphian believes it may be more profitable for him to fight the winner of the Roy Jones Junior versus Felix Trinidad bout which will take place at the start of next year, rather than face Calzaghe.