By Mark Vester
WBA/WBO/WBC super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe has predicted a win by knockout when he moves up in weight to challenge recognized light heavyweight champ Bernard Hopkins on April 19 in Las Vegas.
In a recent interview with Setanta Sports, Calzaghe said he's not worried about the selection on an American ref, he just plans to dominate Hopkins from start to finish.
"I'm very excited," Calzaghe said. "I've been champion for 10 years plus and said I wanted career-defining fights. Now I'm getting them - Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler and I'm stepping up again with Hopkins. It's a new weight and I'm looking forward to it.
"It's exciting, it's great to go out there. I watched Hatton-Mayweather and saw the tremendous reception Ricky got. It'd be a shame not to go there and sample it. You can't pick the referees, they're all Americans so I have to go out there and beat him and make sure it's not a close fight. My plan is to dominate him.
Calzaghe plans to come out swinging, looking to become the first fighter to knock Hopkins out.
"He understands how difficult a challenge he is getting as he's got his dream team together to get in the best shape of his life," Calzaghe said. "I'll go out there and keep focused and away from the hustle-bustle of the Strip and go out there and basically take this guy's head off."
He feels the combination of his jab and quicker hands will possibly get him the knockout in the late rounds.
"It's difficult to say if he's better than Kessler. He's older while Kessler was younger and more determined with a different style. Styles make fights and I don't think Hopkins will be in front of me or come chasing me. Usually, when I chase fights I don't look very good but I've got to be controlled and keep focused, use the jab and my speed and I believe I'll win the fight comfortably - possibly even stop him late on.
"I don't think he realizes what he is up against on April 19. It's going to be a benefit to have speed and more punching power. I need to shut this guy up."
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