Calzaghe: Give me Hopkins next

Joe Calzaghe says he'd willingly go to America to fight ring great Bernard Hopkins.

The "Executioner" is currently in retirement at the age of 41 after a sensational career, but has dropped hints that he might return.

The Phildadelphia stylist has said he'd consider coming back for a crack at the world heavyweight title.

But Calzaghe would love to see him come back at a lower weight for a superfight that could cement the Welshman's legacy.

Speaking on new ITV documentary No Average Joe (Thursday October 12 at 2200 BST) he said: "Ideally I would love to fight Bernard Hopkins - he's a true champion. If that was to happen, I would go to America."

"Of course I'd love to fight in America, but if it's right. If it's right for me and I get the right opponent."
http://www.itv-boxing.com/News/Story...584436,00.html

the win over lacy was empressives but he can't be hopkins. hopkins would probably have no trouble comming in at 168 either. i still wouldn't mind seeing the fight.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

the win over lacy was empressives but he can't be hopkins. hopkins would probably have no trouble comming in at 168 either. i still wouldn't mind seeing the fight.

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if fight did happen id favour clazaghe by edge for his sheer workrate i think he would outpoint hopkins by about 7 rounds to 5

I'd really like to see this fight come off...but I think Calzaghe may have a slight edge due to the weight game.

Hopkins has been bulking up for 175 & 200lb fights...it might prove troublesome...then again...this is Bernard Hopkins that wer'e talking about. ;D

It's a pick 'em for me. Tuff call.

maybe i'm just blinded but i don't joe landing on hopkin very much.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

maybe i'm just blinded but i don't joe landing on hopkin very much.

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well he would calzaghe throws alot and hopkins couldnt avoid all them combinations all the time

I say Hopkins wins, but if he comes back I'd prefer to see him against Maskaev

bernard not just gonna stand there like lacy. he has great work. not only that but bernard has a jab. the jab stops combinations.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

bernard not just gonna stand there like lacy. he has great work. not only that but bernard has a jab. the jab stops combinations.

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i didnt say he would but calzaghe has decent jab himself and he can outwork hopkins i see close decision to calzaghe for his workrate thats how i see it anyway

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Originally Posted by wacko3205

I'd really like to see this fight come off...but I think Calzaghe may have a slight edge due to the weight game.

Hopkins has been bulking up for 175 & 200lb fights...it might prove troublesome...then again...this is Bernard Hopkins that wer'e talking about. ;D

It's a pick 'em for me. Tuff call.

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Honest words from a big B Hop fan :coolclick:

You are honest enough to admit its a pick 'em....fair play, Wacks..

I dont want B Hop to even consider fighting Calzaghe, its not worth it. Im a huge fan of both fighters and to see it would be painful watching. Im not the type who likes to sit on the fence!!

You make pertinent points about Hopkins bulking up. His frame looks huge now compared to say his last fight with Taylor. And for a man in his 40's to be doing things with his body that he's never done before could be a very risky business. Both fighters are coming off huge wins, but Hopkins age and output will definitely be an issue against a fired up Calzaghe. Hopkins is a defensive wiz but I just cant help but feel that that a Calzaghe who is still pretty much in his prime would be too much IMO....there is no way Hopkins is going to keep getting better...If the fight was with the Hopkins and Calzaghe of 5 years ago my opinion would be somewhat different.

But yes, Hopkins is indeed Hopkins and only he could upset the odds again....but I think his time is called. There is no need really.

Hopkins should retire on the high that was beating Tarver. Calzaghe should unify at super middleweight, and then earn a couple of big paydays against others still in the game and still active...

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

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Originally Posted by raleights

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

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Against Taylor Hopkins started slow both times out and if he does that against Calzaghe he will find it even harder to secure those championship rounds...

Calzaghe has way more experience and skill than Taylor, and Hopkins is in his 40's and lets face it beat Tarver, a fighter with known stamina issues in big fights...

Im a huge Hopkins fan, and really retirement seems like the only sensible option...coming back to fight Calzaghe for another one off fight, is too much of a risk IMO...

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Originally Posted by raleights

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

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agreed

i would love to see him fight hopkins but it would be his first defeat if he did

who cares if tarver has stamina issues. the only that counts is hopkins doesn't have stamina issues.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

who cares if tarver has stamina issues. the only that counts is hopkins doesn't have stamina issues.

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Hopkins hasnt let it all hang out over 12 rounds for a very long time. He would need to be in immaculate shape to try and decision Calzaghe. His output was minimal for many of the rounds against Taylor. And against Tarver, perhaps the opponent allowed him to look more impressive than he was. And now Hopkins is calling out Maskaev. This is a very clear example of selecting an opponent because you know exactly how you think you can work a victory.

I dont think Hopkins will take up this challenge...and good for him!!

he gonna reject the challenge because calzage is no challenge.

calzaghe is not a threat to hopkins at all.

Or maybe Calzaghe is too big a challenge and the smart guy Hopkins knows it.

If the fight was going to happen, Hopkins would of took it a few years ago when he originally agreed.

If he thought it was best to dodge Calzaghe then, can't see what would make him change his mind now.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

he gonna reject the challenge because calzage is no challenge.

calzaghe is not a threat to hopkins at all.

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what the hell not a threat calzaghe is threat to anyone

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Originally Posted by Fenster

Or maybe Calzaghe is too big a challenge and the smart guy Hopkins knows it.

If the fight was going to happen, Hopkins would of took it a few years ago when he originally agreed.

If he thought it was best to dodge Calzaghe then, can't see what would make him change his mind now.

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Well said, Fenster :coolclick:

"Calzaghe is not a threat to Hopkins at all"??? 'The boxer' you are living in cloud cuckoo land! To dismiss Calzaghe as no threat at all is ridiculous and absurd. Really!! ;D ::**

Cazlaghe was definately dodged... no doubt about that IMO

And yes I'm sure Hopkins and Jones will say they didn't take the fight years ago with Joe C on account of him being over there and 'everyone else' being over here... But when you're a specimen as Calzaghe is (and they both know this) things should be handled a little differently. If he could dodge him then, he can do it now.

to be honest i dont think hopkins would be able to handle the relentless pace calzaghe sets and his got very fast combos and good chin calzaghe has got full package really only weakness is prolly he dont hit with one punch ko power but his power isnt at all bad either what is it 31 kos 41 wins ??

I hope Bhop doesnt consider this fight. Personally I think Joe would take a comfortable UD, with outside chance of a late TKO. I just think that Joe's output would be to much for the Nard. Not only is it a high output but accurate as well. Bhop would have to start a lot faster than he has in his last few fights.

Calzaghe pulling a Tarver trying to make Hopkins move down is he?  How about Calzaghe move up, so that when he loses he can still keep his titles. And I have no clue why you think that Hopkins somehow dodged Calzaghe. You'd have a better chance saying that James Toney dodged him too. But whenever I heard of Calzaghe on other sites a few years ago, he was always calling out someone called Chicken Ottke. So I don't see how Hopkins dodged him.

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Originally Posted by Majesty

Calzaghe pulling a Tarver trying to make Hopkins move down is he? How about Calzaghe move up, so that when he loses he can still keep his titles. And I have no clue why you think that Hopkins somehow dodged Calzaghe. You'd have a better chance saying that James Toney dodged him too. But whenever I heard of Calzaghe on other sites a few years ago, he was always calling out someone called Chicken Ottke. So I don't see how Hopkins dodged him.

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The last time I saw it, it was Tarver coming down off the blubberman kick....

You are showing a complete ignorance of boxing with this nonsene you are saying. Hopkins could have faced Calzaghe years ago. But he didnt. And he wont now, methinks.

You have seen Calzaghe fight perhaps 2 times max....get a Calzaghe education!!! ;D

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Originally Posted by TyBuff

I hope Bhop doesnt consider this fight. Personally I think Joe would take a comfortable UD, with outside chance of a late TKO. I just think that Joe's output would be to much for the Nard. Not only is it a high output but accurate as well. Bhop would have to start a lot faster than he has in his last few fights.

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hopkins wouldn't have to start any faster then normaly. hopkins would just control the pace from start finsh as usaull. when hopkins wants to box he'll box. if hopkins wants to frustrate he'll move around. if hopkins wants bully he'll bully.

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

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Originally Posted by TyBuff

I hope Bhop doesnt consider this fight. Personally I think Joe would take a comfortable UD, with outside chance of a late TKO. I just think that Joe's output would be to much for the Nard. Not only is it a high output but accurate as well. Bhop would have to start a lot faster than he has in his last few fights.

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hopkins wouldn't have to start any faster then normaly. hopkins would just control the pace from start finsh as usaull. when hopkins wants to box he'll box. if hopkins wants to frustrate he'll move around. if hopkins wants bully he'll bully.

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Hahahaha!!! ;D

You are being somewhat naive!!

Hopkins will price himself out..

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Originally Posted by miles

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Originally Posted by Majesty

Calzaghe pulling a Tarver trying to make Hopkins move down is he?  How about Calzaghe move up, so that when he loses he can still keep his titles.   And I have no clue why you think that Hopkins somehow dodged Calzaghe.  You'd have a better chance saying that James Toney dodged him too.  But whenever I heard of Calzaghe on other sites a few years ago, he was always calling out someone called Chicken Ottke.  So I don't see how Hopkins dodged him.

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The last time I saw it, it was Tarver coming down off the blubberman kick....

You are showing a complete ignorance of boxing with this shite you are saying. Hopkins could have faced Calzaghe years ago. But he didnt. And he wont ever.

You have seen Calzaghe fight perhaps 2 times max....get an education!!!  ;D

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Prove to me that Calzaghe tried to make that fight with Hopkins.  Because it sounds like you're taking opinion and assumption and trying to make it fact.  And downgrading me won't prove a point.   Unless you can prove fact that Calzaghe tried to make that fight.  And I dont mean an interview where Calzaghe said "I would like to fight Hopkins, Toney all of them."   I mean an actual attempt at a purse bit that his promoter and Hopkins promoter(whether it was Dibella, or Duva at the time) tried to make. Until then you only have your opinion which you're entitled to.  But don't try to pass it off as fact and try to make yourself look big by trying to diss me.  You will just make an ass out of yourself and we don't need that.  I ask for your opinion and your facts based on the statement you made.  But you responding with dissing me saying I don't know anything about boxing doesn't prove your point, its just an attempt to diss me, prove your point first, then gloat, otherwise you're gloating for no reason other then dissing me.

if hopkins says 90/10 then thats what he should get.

Maj, what more could he of done? I remember years ago when Joe fought in Denmark on the Tyson undercard - he put on a masterful performance and then proceeded to call out Jones/Hopkins. Every interview before and after that all he could say is Jones/Hopkins. What more do you want? You can't prove that he didn't try to setup the fights on paper so once again we're back to opinions (which are like assholes - you know the rest). I have a hard time believing he didn't attempt to set the fight up. Wasn't it Hopkins who kept himself at his lowest weight humanly possible so he could make 100000 defenses against nobody? Gotta love Nard, but face the facts thats exactly what he did instead of moving up to supermiddle to fight you know who, or even Jones again at lt heavy.

BTW you didn't mention Ottke did you?? What drugs can one take to believe such a thing as Ottke being persued more than the other 2? Quit letting racism cloud your judgement ;D (noone wanted to say it but they thought it!)

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

if hopkins says 90/10 then thats what he should get.

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umm no it shouldnt thats stupid statement calzaghe is 41-0 8 years champion 19 defences how dare u say that

90/10 was alittle much but my point is hopkins should get the bulk of the money

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

90/10 was alittle much but my point is hopkins should get the bulk of the money

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60/40 ?? now that does bring back memories of roy jones :P

60/40 would definately be fair but 90/10 would be the only way you get Bernard in that ring with em ;)

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Originally Posted by Majesty

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Originally Posted by miles

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Originally Posted by Majesty

Calzaghe pulling a Tarver trying to make Hopkins move down is he? How about Calzaghe move up, so that when he loses he can still keep his titles. And I have no clue why you think that Hopkins somehow dodged Calzaghe. You'd have a better chance saying that James Toney dodged him too. But whenever I heard of Calzaghe on other sites a few years ago, he was always calling out someone called Chicken Ottke. So I don't see how Hopkins dodged him.

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The last time I saw it, it was Tarver coming down off the blubberman kick....

You are showing a complete ignorance of boxing with this shite you are saying. Hopkins could have faced Calzaghe years ago. But he didnt. And he wont ever.

You have seen Calzaghe fight perhaps 2 times max....get an education!!! ;D

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Prove to me that Calzaghe tried to make that fight with Hopkins. Because it sounds like you're taking opinion and assumption and trying to make it fact. And downgrading me won't prove a point. Unless you can prove fact that Calzaghe tried to make that fight. And I dont mean an interview where Calzaghe said "I would like to fight Hopkins, Toney all of them." I mean an actual attempt at a purse bit that his promoter and Hopkins promoter(whether it was Dibella, or Duva at the time) tried to make. Until then you only have your opinion which you're entitled to. But don't try to pass it off as fact and try to make yourself look big by trying to diss me. You will just make an a** out of yourself and we don't need that. I ask for your opinion and your facts based on the statement you made. But you responding with dissing me saying I don't know anything about boxing doesn't prove your point, its just an attempt to diss me, prove your point first, then gloat, otherwise you're gloating for no reason other then dissing me.

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It was posted here a few times b4, ill try look for the article now, but its a fact that don king and warren agreed 3 million $ for hopkins to fight clazaghe int he usa, hopkins i dont think had made more than $1m up untill then - anyhow las moment hopkins went and demnaded $6mill or no fight! a crazy amount of money to ask for, considering the next 2 or so fights took place in PA and he had no idea what he was getting paid untill the end of the night...

but fair enough u may not choose to believe what i said, but ill try find the newspapaer article now...

I'm a fan of both guys, admittedly more of a Hopkins fan, but why should Hopkins have moved up 8 pounds to fight Calzaghe? At the time Calzaghe wasn't the name he is now, Bernard was the man, why go out of his way to make the fight?

Calzaghe should be fighting one guy only, Kessler. Especially after he wins another belt. Should either be in a neutral country or Kessler should come to Britain. Calzaghe's the man of the division now so if its in one of the guys hometown then it should be in Calzaghe's.

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Originally Posted by Preme

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Originally Posted by Majesty

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Originally Posted by miles

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Originally Posted by Majesty

Calzaghe pulling a Tarver trying to make Hopkins move down is he? How about Calzaghe move up, so that when he loses he can still keep his titles. And I have no clue why you think that Hopkins somehow dodged Calzaghe. You'd have a better chance saying that James Toney dodged him too. But whenever I heard of Calzaghe on other sites a few years ago, he was always calling out someone called Chicken Ottke. So I don't see how Hopkins dodged him.

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The last time I saw it, it was Tarver coming down off the blubberman kick....

You are showing a complete ignorance of boxing with this shite you are saying. Hopkins could have faced Calzaghe years ago. But he didnt. And he wont ever.

You have seen Calzaghe fight perhaps 2 times max....get an education!!! ;D

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Prove to me that Calzaghe tried to make that fight with Hopkins. Because it sounds like you're taking opinion and assumption and trying to make it fact. And downgrading me won't prove a point. Unless you can prove fact that Calzaghe tried to make that fight. And I dont mean an interview where Calzaghe said "I would like to fight Hopkins, Toney all of them." I mean an actual attempt at a purse bit that his promoter and Hopkins promoter(whether it was Dibella, or Duva at the time) tried to make. Until then you only have your opinion which you're entitled to. But don't try to pass it off as fact and try to make yourself look big by trying to diss me. You will just make an a** out of yourself and we don't need that. I ask for your opinion and your facts based on the statement you made. But you responding with dissing me saying I don't know anything about boxing doesn't prove your point, its just an attempt to diss me, prove your point first, then gloat, otherwise you're gloating for no reason other then dissing me.

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It was posted here a few times b4, ill try look for the article now, but its a fact that don king and warren agreed 3 million $ for hopkins to fight clazaghe int he usa, hopkins i dont think had made more than $1m up untill then - anyhow las moment hopkins went and demnaded $6mill or no fight! a crazy amount of money to ask for, considering the next 2 or so fights took place in PA and he had no idea what he was getting paid untill the end of the night...

but fair enough u may not choose to believe what i said, but ill try find the newspapaer article now...

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I thought Don King never promoted Hopkins.

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

I'm a fan of both guys, admittedly more of a Hopkins fan, but why should Hopkins have moved up 8 pounds to fight Calzaghe? At the time Calzaghe wasn't the name he is now, Bernard was the man, why go out of his way to make the fight?

Calzaghe should be fighting one guy only, Kessler. Especially after he wins another belt. Should either be in a neutral country or Kessler should come to Britain. Calzaghe's the man of the division now so if its in one of the guys hometown then it should be in Calzaghe's.

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Agree with the above statement.

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Originally Posted by ICE COLD BOXING

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Originally Posted by 'The Boxer'

if hopkins says 90/10 then thats what he should get.

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umm no it shouldnt thats stupid statement calzaghe is 41-0 8 years champion 19 defences how dare u say that

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Actualy its 9 years TODAY! :P oh at its 19 providing he beats bikka:p only 18 atm:p

Hope this fight doesn't happen. Hopkins coulnd't beat Calzaghe at 168 or 175 he's just not active enough. It would be an interesting fight but Hopkins would lose 116-112 on all cards and then moan about being robbed.

The fact is he couldn't beat Taylor in two attempts, a guy who although a telent is still a raw fighter in a lot of ways. Calzaghe is the complete package and Hopkins workrate just wouldn't be high enough.

Can you imagine Hopkins throwing over 1000 punches in a fight now? Nope

He hasn't the got the one punch power to hurt Calzaghe either so I just don't see any way for him to win.

Plus if Hopkins was to come back, the option of fighting Maskaev for the heavyweight championship of the world would be 10 times more of an achievement than beating Calzaghe, a man few across the Atlantic have probably even heard of, at least not before he destoryed Lacy.

If Hop comes back and wins a heavyweight world title he's a lgend, top 5 of all time possible.

If he beats Calzaghe, in legacy terms, so what?

So he can fight Calzaghe, probably at light heavy for a title he's already won, but a contest he would probably lose

OR

he can fight Maskaev, for a chance to win the heavyweight championship of the world, in a fight he has a real chance of winning, that would guve his legacy an ubelievable boost and catapualt him right up there amongst the all time elite fighters, like Robinson, Ali, Armstrong etc.

If I was Bernard I know exactly the direction I would take.........

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Originally Posted by Majesty

I thought Don King never promoted Hopkins.

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Not quite the article i was looking for...

Middleweight champion Hopkins is top of the wanted list, with a big-money fight - possibly in front of 40,000 fans at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - looking ever more likely.

Hopkins revealed that he and his promoter, Don King, are in talks with television company Showtime - who screen Calzaghe's fights.

Calzaghe set out to make himself an attractive proposition to the American boxing public and largely won them over during his gruelling televised 12-rounder against Brewer.

"Right now I'm negotiating along with Don King and Jay Larkin of Showtime," Hopkins told maxboxing.com.

"We're talking to him about two fights, maybe my mandatory defence too, which makes it a three-fight deal.

"It would be the mandatory, Harry Simon and Joe Calzaghe."

Hopkins holds all but one version of the world title in the middleweight division, and only undefeated Namibian Simon stands between the American and his goal of unifying the titles.

Simon, who like Calzaghe is promoted by Frank Warren, claimed the WBO crown in Copenhagen last month with a victory over Armand Krajnc