Hopkins says he will retire if he can't get rematch with Calzaghe

[CFH]

Even as a Hopkins fan I think its hypocritle to say he doesnt want to fight young talent, when he just did. He clearly just doesnt want Dawson, and I dont blame him. I hope he does retire but I know he wont. If he continues Id like to see him take on Valuev. It may sound completely crazy but he would likely beat him.

What he actually said on ESPN was that he didn't want to get in the way of the careers of any younger guys after the Pavlik win, although I think he does want to avoid Dawson, and like you I don't blame him. Would like to see him go out on top & I don't think he can top that moment staring out into press row at the end of the Pavlik fight

I don't think he's necessarily intimidated by Dawson, though I'm certain he's well aware of the risk that would come with fighting him. I'm sure Hopkins thinks he would win (I'm sure he think he could topple both Klitschko's in one night), but I doubt Dawson brings a lot of money to the table, and I'd think that that, combined with the risk associate with a Dawson fight, probably makes it seem like it just isn't worth it. I'm sure if the money was there, like it was with Pavlik, he'd be clamoring for the fight.