Hopkins doesn’t want it easy against “incredible” Smith
Bernard Hopkins [55(32)-7(0)-2] has chosen a massively risky opponent for his final fight in Joe Smith Jr [22(18)-1(1)].
The 27 year old Irish Bomber is hungry and possesses huge power – as evidenced by his one-round destruction of Andrzej Fonfara during the Summer.
However, 51 year old Hopkins wants to go out with a real fight and continue to defy logic following a storied career which saw him continue to operate at the top level of the sport despite his advanced years.
At the first press conference for the Decmeber 17th fight at The Forum in Inglewood, California, which will also feature Donegal’s Jason Quigley on the undercard, took place last night and Hopkins labelled Smith an “incredible opponent.”
Describing his desire for a tough final fight, two-weight World champ Hopkins outlined how “I don’t want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything – give me an opportunity and give me a door and I’ll open it myself. I don’t have to convince anyone of anything.”
“This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from ‘The Executioner’ to ‘B-Hop’ to ‘The Alien’ they all exist in me.”
“On December 17th you will see ‘The Executioner,’ it will all come full circle.”
For his part, the reserved Smith commented how “I’m so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I’m going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone.”