BOXINGFOR MANY, Joe Calzaghe's career-defining fight came in Manchester two years ago when he demolished Jeff Lacy of the US to win a unanimous points decision, while others might point to his victory over the Dane Mikkel Kessler at the Millennium Stadium to end all debate over super-middleweight world supremacy. But tonight's showdown against the 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins might turn out to be his hardest.
No title is at stake at the Thomas & Mack Center save for the Ring magazine belt, a trinket awarded by the publication to the man its writers deem to be the number one in the division. Hopkins is their nominee, courtesy of his recent wins over Antonio Tarver and Ronald "Winky" Wright. Few could argue.
Nevertheless Calzaghe (36), is the bookies' favourite here as he steps up to light-heavyweight for the first time. Odds of 2 to 5 are offered in the casinos and a price as short as 2 to 7 is offered by the British firms. If Hopkins were not a practising Muslim, gambling on an upset would prove an inviting proposition.
For his age, Hopkins is almost freakishly fit. He has honed his preparations under the eyes of Freddie Roach, who learned alongside the revered Eddie Futch and who gained recognition in his own right 13 years ago when he helped Steve Collins to beat Chris Eubank and win the WBO super-middleweight title.
Roach is a plain speaker who has clearly established a bond with Hopkins, a man he regards as a throwback fighter employing defensive strategy and cunning tactics. "He is clever at working out his opponents. Somehow, he always seems to make them fight on his terms," said Roach.
In addition to his "Executioner" tag, Hopkins has dubbed himself The Southpaw Assassin as his precise right-hand punches and hurtful left hooks mean he can boast of never having lost to a port-sider like Calzaghe. He lost his first fight after a five-year term for armed robbery, but then lost only once in 49 more over 17 years, against the elusive Roy Jones, before his dominance of the middleweight division ended in 2005 after 20 title defences, when he twice lost controversially by decisions to Jermain Taylor.
Reborn at light-heavyweight, Hopkins says he has the strategy to defeat Calzaghe.
"The right hand is a key punch for my man against a southpaw," Roach said. "But it is what he will do when he gets inside. Calzaghe is faster, but he hits a lot of wide shots and that will give Hopkins the chance with his right. Then, when he gets in range, he will test the body.
"Calzaghe has never really been hit to the body, but he will be in this fight and it may be his weakness. We think so."
Up to 8,000 Welsh fans will give Calzaghe their support, and they may well see him overwhelm the older man. The more likely scenario, though, is that Hopkins will find a way to hold, smother and spoil, enjoying moments of success but not enough to dominate, leaving the Calzaghe to establish the work-rate that will see him edge a close contest on points.
