When Bernard Hopkins made the comment to Calzaghe before their fight it made world headlines at the time.
The two boxing legends fought it out not long after but it was Welsh-Italian Calzaghe who emerged victor on points.
Speaking to Andre Ward recently on the All The Smoke Fight Podcast Calzaghe said of the incident years later:
“When we met, he made his infamous comment: “I’ll never let a white boy beat me.” When he said that I was shocked. But I also saw it as an opportunity. I remember calling my promoter and telling him not to take it personally. That it was business. That comment got attention from the American press and made the fight even bigger.”
He added:
“I believe Hopkins said it strategically. To hype up the fight. And honestly I was glad he did. It stirred things up and got people talking.”
Good to see no bad blood from Calzaghe towards Hopkins.
Ultimately both Hopkins and Calzaghe are boxing legends to this day and forever will be.
Hopkins one of the greatest middleweight champions that ever lived.
Calzaghe one of the best fighters that ever lived.
