Boxing Betting / Editor / 21 February 2008 / 3

Alex Steedman looks ahead to April's bout between Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins

At a time when men of a certain age are considering how best to prepare themselves for the onslaught of later life, Bernard Hopkins continues to defy the clock, his body as well as the impending threat posed by Wales' favourite son, Joe Calzaghe.

At 43, a little over three years beyond the retirement age Hopkins had promised his dying mother, 'the executioner' continues to confound the critics and, one way or another, most boxing challenges sent his way. But on April 19th, at the Thomas and Mack centre in Las Vegas, the Peter Pan of boxing might well wish he had kept that broken promise.

Originally slated for 2003, only for Hopkins to double his asking price when a deal seemed set , this fight is close to being the current most attractive - not to mention lucrative - option for both men. Though in truth, it probably won't be pretty to watch, Hopkins is rarely in a decent fight. Think of a chess match against Cliff Thorburn and you're half way there.

But difficult to beat the Philadelphian most certainly is. His two 'snorathon' defeats to then rising star Jermaine Taylor in 2005 were controversially close and Hopkins' first reversals in 12 years - during which time he defended the IBF title 20 times, beating the record of the great middleweight Carlos Monzon. Previous blemishes include a 1988 debut defeat and a 1993 points loss to one time Superman Roy Jones Jr. Hopkins subdues and diffuses, outthinks and hustles - whatever it takes.

That stubborn streak and wilful attitude, fostered during a spell in prison, has served Hopkins long and well. But in Calzaghe he meets a man, as well as a boxer, with a winning mentality.

The Welshman hasn't lost since the amateurs and he stretched his 10 year unbeaten professional record to 44, when defending his WBO super-middleweight crown for the 21st time against Mikkel Kessler in November. Calzaghe traded blows for four rounds and took some heavy shots against one of the best young fighters out there before showing his class in the 2nd half of the fight. Undisputed champion, undefeated fighter, undeterred by anyone - Calzaghe is no ordinary Joe.

Like that of Hopkins, Calzaghe's overall record is one for late night debate among boxing purists but his recent evidence is the more compelling. He dismantled the apparent wrecking machine Jeff Lacy in March 2006, a performance that literally shocked the American and may have ruined Lacy's career. And Calzaghe bettered that against Kessler who looks the division's heir apparent, as Nottingham's would be sheriff Carl Froch will probably soon discover.

Hopkins meanwhile has wins over 'Winky' Wright, Antonio Tarver and Oscar De La Hoya on his recent resume. Great on paper but Wright suffered a horrific third round cut as well as a 10lb weight disadvantage while the over-hyped Tarver came into their match drained after ballooning in size to star in "Rocky Balboa." De La Hoya, a one time super-feather weight champion was a Lilliputian against Hopkins. Future boxing Hall of famer, yes and, call me a blasphemer, but all time great? No way.

Hopkins has a sneaky talent for negating opponents' strengths while carving out narrow wins, all the more remarkable given his age. But Calzaghe is 7 years his junior and, I think, the most naturally talented fighter Hopkins has faced since Roy Jones Jr. The BBC Sports' Personality of the Year operates at a level of speed and intensity alien to Hopkins and he is expected to be even stronger carrying an extra 7lbs at light heavy. All the while Calzaghe mixes quality with sheer class, often saving his very his best for nights like these. In time the external honours will come and when he moves beyond this mortal world, the Hammersmith born Welsh/Italian will be considered a British boxing deity.

Meanwhile, Calzaghe's performance against Hopkins will certainly enhance his belatedly burgeoning reputation with our friends across the pond. It will likely be ugly, if Hopkins has his way but the American simply doesn't throw enough leather to beat Calzaghe and it is almost certainly headed for points. Calzaghe has scored by decision in five of his last seven wins, while Hopkins has just the one KO - over the outsized De La Hoya - from his last eight fights.

Hopkins' reluctance to face Calzaghe five years ago served only to delay the inevitable, while prolonging the notion that the American might just be something special. How ironic that come April 19th Calzaghe has the opportunity to paint a little perspective while underlining his own, long overlooked, credentials.

VERDICT - CALZAGHE TO WIN ON POINTS

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1. fightnews | 21 February 2008

   Your just a Calzaghe pickle smoker.

2. steedo | 28 February 2008

   Note for Fightnews:

   I'm presuming YOU'RE an American and I'm hoping YOUR anthem will be correctly observed this time around. No charge for the English lesson - damn this smoked pickle tastes good.

   ps; on the subject of deposing Welsh fighters - Kotelnik beats Rees, surely?

3. ben | 28 March 2008

   cant argue with your preview m8.calzaghe on points it is...but the closer the fight gets the nervous im getting. Hopkins is 9 nil against southpaws..but joes better than all of them ...enzo lost ,rees just lost..but rees aint no 140lb'er' & enzo lost 2 himself as much as haye..but joe cortez is ref & he hate brits..but its b-hop who dirty not joes ..oh no judges in usa..

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