Bernard Hopkins: I’m a boxing fan and I am a fan of Kelly Pavlik. I am a fan of Pavlik because he became a champion the right way. Not because of politics, but because he came up through the ranks and beat them all. I know what makes a good fight, but I never thought I would be fighting him. Kelly has a lot of heart and determination, but saying that, I’ve never been afraid of a ghost.

I believe I’m coming into this fight as the winner. People know me and boxing people know me and they know I’m a threat against anyone. I am willing to say that I am coming into this fight to win. When we get into the ring – it will just be me and him – and that means it is 50/50.

This is a blue collar fight. It’s like two guys working on a pier and get in a fight. It’s two guys fighting with their hard hats on. This is a blue collar sport – the kind of fight that could happen in any inner city – except now I’m from Philly and he’s from Youngstown.

Kelly comes in and throws the hammer down and it’s my job to take that away from him.

Pavlik has fought three times against fighters that I know of – Miranda and (Jermain) Taylor (twice). I don’t know any of the others. But I have nothing bad to say about Kelly Pavlik.

This fight is about two guys. One guy is coming forward and the other guys is looking to do his thing and that spells action.

Hopkins' trainer Nazim Richardson: This guy comes to fight and that is good for Bernard Hopkins. John David Jackson will be supporting me in this fight. When you look at Bernard Hopkins, you are looking at a legend and you have to respect him for that. He has been through the wars and the fires. He has never been cut and has never been beat up.

Kelly Pavlik: I want to fight the best. People talk and ask about why I am fighting Bernard Hopkins.You’ve got a legend right here. I don’t know about Calzaghe – I guess I would have to shoot him in the foot to get him to stop running from me. All I can tell you is that I will train as hard as I can to get in the best shape that I can be in – for Bernard Hopkins.

Pavlik trainer Jack Loew: This is a great opportunity being able to fight a guy like Bernard Hopkins. This fight will take Kelly to another level. He’s a great fighter, but on October 18 it will come to an end for Bernard Hopkins. It is over for him.

Tickets to Pavlik vs. Hopkins, priced at $700, $500, $350, $200, $100 and $75, go on sale this Friday, August 8 at Noon ET and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster (800) 736-1420 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.

Promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Pavlik vs. Hopkins will take place Saturday, October 18 at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall. The fight will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

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