By Sammy Rozenberg (AP/BoxingScene)

BoxingScene was in attendance for the Bernard Hopkins-Howard Eastman press conference in Los Angeles and got a chance to speak with Eastman regarding his upcoming fight with undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins. We also touched on the William Joppy fight from a few years back and Eastman's views regarding Hopkins not being the best pound for pound fighter in the world.

BoxingScene: The only time most American fans saw you fight was against William Joppy a few years back, do you think that your performance in that fight may have some people, maybe even Hopkins....overlooking you in this fight?

Howard Eastman: I don't know. I'm going to fulfill my dream when I fight Bernard Hopkins. My belief in God and my determination will see me through. Those that have seen me and those that have not seen me will see me beat Bernard Hopkins.

BoxingScene: You stated earlier that Hopkins is not the best in the world, can you elaborate further on that statement?

Howard Eastman: Hopkins is not the best, you may think he's the best and other people think he's the best but that's not the truth.

BoxingScene: Hopkins has had 19 successful title defenses, has been undefeated for over ten years and is the only fighter in history to hold all 4 of the major titles in the any weight division, why is that a lie in your eyes to call him the best?

Howard Eastman: Because it is. He's not the best. I don't share the views that he is the pound for pound best in the world. I'm the best fighter in the middleweight division. I'm going to prove that I'm the best once we get in the ring and show everyone the truth. He never beat me, how can he be the best?  I'm the best.

BoxingScene: If Hopkins wins, will you call him the best?

Howard Eastman: That won't happen. I'm winning this fight.

BoxingScene: The two of you have a common opponent, that being William Joppy. Some may have the opinion of him being better then you based upon the beating he gave Joppy. Have you mentally gotten past the Joppy loss?

Howard Eastman: Two things got me through everything, my will and God. I wasn't there (mentally) during the Joppy fight, there were some things and it was an experience I learned from.

BoxingScene: Do you plan to slug with Bernard or will we see a display of your boxing skills?

Howard Eastman: I'm going to fight. I can promise that you will see me fight. I'm going to win this fight.

BoxingScene: Thank you Howard Eastman and good luck to you.

Howard Eastman: Your welcome.