To listen to audio interview with Bernard Hopkins, click here.
PASADENA - Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins opened the doors of his training camp at Classic Kickboxing Gym Thursday and showed the media a sample of his rigorous training schedule.
Hopkins, who did a full workout, was in a terrific mood as he awaits his showdown against Joe Calzaghe on April 19 in Las Vegas on HBO.
Here is what Hopkins had to say:
“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.”
CARLOS ARIAS/The Register
