"Hopkins’ Athletic Age is That of a 27 Year Old"

Interesting article I read: Source: http://www.boxingconfidential.com/articles.php?id=4322 It’s been named the “Dream Team” reminiscent of the name given to first, NBA-based USA Olympic basketball team comprising of past greats such as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Tim Hardaway. In Bernard Hopkins’ case, his “Dream Team” involves world renown fitness/conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone, southpaw specialist-John David Jackson, long-time cornerman/trainer-Nazeem Richardson, and overall ring professor-Freddie Roach. Some people might feel as though it might be too many cooks in the kitchen, but for Team Hopkins it seems to be clicking on all cylinders as the veteran Philly fighter prepares for next Saturday’s monumental showdown with Joe Calzaghe. I was able to chime into today’s conference call involving Mackie Shilstone and Nazeem Richardson. Here are some summarized notes on the call: Nazeem Richardson On how Joe Calzaghe measures up against the past southpaws Hopkins has seen: Joe can tend to remind me of a fighter and more specifically a fight such as Sugar Ray Leonard versus Marvin Hagler. Joe tends to move a lot leading the viewer to focus on him rather than as a fight as a whole. When there are dead spots within each round, he’s always doing something so it gives the average viewer the perception that he’s staying busier and being effective. On the mentality going into this bout: Hopkins has stood across from other fighters already considered great by the boxing public. He’s been in there on the biggest stages and under the brightest of lights. He’s seen bigger challenges than this. Joe can’t say the same as he’s never been in there with a fighter considered legitimately great. This will be the first truly great fighter he steps in the ring with. On the difference between Bouie Fischer’s original camp and the one today: Bernard has been in this game along time. He has a great boxing mind and while we do everything we can to help, he just knows exactly what to soak up. I haven’t spoken with Bouie in quite a while and haven’t heard about his opinion of the fight. You have to remember that Bernard also had a great trainer before Bouie when he was involved in the prison system. At this point there’s not many changes to be made with the man. Mackie Shilstone On Bernard’s current physical make-up: We’ve done numerous and various tests on Bernard and he is one healthy and finely tuned athlete. While a lot of people go strictly by age stating that he’s 43 years old, I’ve worked with over 3000 athletes and I can honestly say that he has the physical health and ability of a 27 year old man. On Hopkins’ discipline and dedication: A lot of people can learn from Bernard Hopkins. I’ve learned from Bernard Hopkins. He carries himself as one of the most discipline people I’ve ever had the pleasure of worked with or even been around. I’ve been in my line of work a long time and I’ve never seen anything like it. One day we were at the store and he started educating me as to the anti-oxidant qualities of pomegranate juice. It was an interesting call being that both men seemed to be completely on the same page when it came decisiveness in answering questions and their view of “The Executioner”. While it might seem unusual being that boxing is a one-man sport and it’s usual to see one lead trainer at the helm of each team, it’s almost as if each member of the “Dream Team” completely understands their role and does so in the most unselfish manner possible. As Shilstone stated during the conference call, “It’s more like a family.” Well, it seems so far that this family is operating more like the Brady Bunch rather than the Mayweather Mob in recent times. We will see if it’s enough to solve the complicated puzzle that is Joe Calzaghe next Saturday.