**Coach Roach Promises That Hopkins Will Stop Calzaghe In Later Rounds!**

[hellblazer]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: FREDDIE ROACH
By Brad Cooney


BC – Freddie thanks for joining BC. You guys are winding down camp, how's B Hop looking?

FR – Camp went well, were backing off now, just sort of light work right now. Working the speed bag, doing a little running, and just pacing this right as the fight closes in on us.

BC – Are you pleased with the camp overall when you look back on it?

FR – Yes, this was a much better camp then we had last time. We had better sparring, and look, we have a difficult job ahead of us. We had Winky Wright last time, and now we got Joe Calzaghe. Everyone is judging Calzaghe on his Jeff Lacy fight, well let me tell you, Bernard Hopkins is a different animal.

BC– What will be the key to Bernard's victory?

FR – Experience. Bernard knows how to handle situations, he'll break him down systematically. I think we'll get him out of there in the later rounds.
BC – Calzaghe has really fast hands......

FR – (Cutting in) Yes, he has fast hands but they are fragile. He doesn't throw a power punch anymore. He throws pitty pat punches, so we'll deal with that and Bernard will be throwing much harder back. Every time he throws pitty pat punches, he will open himself up for a counter puncher, and believe me we will be ready for it.

BC – Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare, do you think he has been successful at getting inside of Calzaghe's head at all?

FR – When the bell rings it doesn't matter anymore. It's about who shows up and who doesn't. Bernard has had a great legendary career, Calzaghe is undefeated and confident. Nobody is scared of nobody. They are two professionals, and they will get in there and fight. Calzaghe isn't a spring chicken anymore either though. It's unbelievable how they think this guy can't get beat, well I think he will be beat.

BC – Recently Bernard fired up the white boys across the boxing land by saying that he's not gonna get beat by no white boy. What are your thoughts on that?
FR – Well I am the only white guy in the camp, and he told everyone that what I say goes. He takes a white guy to be his trainer, and his trust is with me, so it's just about marketing. Don't be offended by what he said, he's just trying to get under Calzaghe's skin, that's all. It sells tickets, and Bernard is the master of that. Calzaghe is cocky, and he's undefeated, but to me it's more that he's confident, and so is Bernard. The fight is going to be a good one to watch, but I don't think it's going to be a toe to toe type of fight. These guys are both very smart fighters, so look for a strategic fight in this one.

[Decebal]

:lol:

[McGrain]

Static.

[Sandmanl337]

pitty pat punches lol.. even though I'm thinking Calzaghe might win this one closely, i still do have a feeling about a b-hop victory..

[BigReg]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: FREDDIE ROACH
By Brad Cooney


BC – Freddie thanks for joining BC. You guys are winding down camp, how's B Hop looking?

FR – Camp went well, were backing off now, just sort of light work right now. Working the speed bag, doing a little running, and just pacing this right as the fight closes in on us.

BC – Are you pleased with the camp overall when you look back on it?

FR – Yes, this was a much better camp then we had last time. We had better sparring, and look, we have a difficult job ahead of us. We had Winky Wright last time, and now we got Joe Calzaghe. Everyone is judging Calzaghe on his Jeff Lacy fight, well let me tell you, Bernard Hopkins is a different animal.

BC– What will be the key to Bernard's victory?

FR – Experience. Bernard knows how to handle situations, he'll break him down systematically. I think we'll get him out of there in the later rounds.
BC – Calzaghe has really fast hands......

FR – (Cutting in) Yes, he has fast hands but they are fragile. He doesn't throw a power punch anymore. He throws pitty pat punches, so we'll deal with that and Bernard will be throwing much harder back. Every time he throws pitty pat punches, he will open himself up for a counter puncher, and believe me we will be ready for it.

BC – Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare, do you think he has been successful at getting inside of Calzaghe's head at all?

FR – When the bell rings it doesn't matter anymore. It's about who shows up and who doesn't. Bernard has had a great legendary career, Calzaghe is undefeated and confident. Nobody is scared of nobody. They are two professionals, and they will get in there and fight. Calzaghe isn't a spring chicken anymore either though. It's unbelievable how they think this guy can't get beat, well I think he will be beat.

BC – Recently Bernard fired up the white boys across the boxing land by saying that he's not gonna get beat by no white boy. What are your thoughts on that?
FR – Well I am the only white guy in the camp, and he told everyone that what I say goes. He takes a white guy to be his trainer, and his trust is with me, so it's just about marketing. Don't be offended by what he said, he's just trying to get under Calzaghe's skin, that's all. It sells tickets, and Bernard is the master of that. Calzaghe is cocky, and he's undefeated, but to me it's more that he's confident, and so is Bernard. The fight is going to be a good one to watch, but I don't think it's going to be a toe to toe type of fight. These guys are both very smart fighters, so look for a strategic fight in this one.

Roach is a smart man. He's been around the sport a long time. He knows the sport inside and out.

[Decebal]

Roach is a smart man. He's been around the sport a long time. He knows the sport inside and out.

Precisely; he's just selling the fight.:good

[cjk44]

I can see hopkins winning a tight desicion but i really cant see hopkins stoping calzaghe.

[TRUEBELIEVER 66]

SORRY FRED -It isn't gonna happen:verysad :-( :nono

[Streets_Of_Gold]

^ The fights already been sold.
Roach is telling you the real deal.

[Fat Joe]

^ The fights already been sold.
Roach is telling you the real deal.

What did he say before Oscar V PBF?

[BigReg]

Freddie Roach is one of the greatest trainers out there. He always gets his boxers ready to fight.

[Decebal]

Freddie Roach is one of the greatest trainers out there. He always gets his boxers ready to fight.

Yap; a good trainer knows when to throw in the towel!:good

[Rico Spadafora]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: FREDDIE ROACH
By Brad Cooney


BC – Freddie thanks for joining BC. You guys are winding down camp, how's B Hop looking?

FR – Camp went well, were backing off now, just sort of light work right now. Working the speed bag, doing a little running, and just pacing this right as the fight closes in on us.

BC – Are you pleased with the camp overall when you look back on it?

FR – Yes, this was a much better camp then we had last time. We had better sparring, and look, we have a difficult job ahead of us. We had Winky Wright last time, and now we got Joe Calzaghe. Everyone is judging Calzaghe on his Jeff Lacy fight, well let me tell you, Bernard Hopkins is a different animal.

BC– What will be the key to Bernard's victory?

FR – Experience. Bernard knows how to handle situations, he'll break him down systematically. I think we'll get him out of there in the later rounds.
BC – Calzaghe has really fast hands......

FR – (Cutting in) Yes, he has fast hands but they are fragile. He doesn't throw a power punch anymore. He throws pitty pat punches, so we'll deal with that and Bernard will be throwing much harder back. Every time he throws pitty pat punches, he will open himself up for a counter puncher, and believe me we will be ready for it.

BC – Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare, do you think he has been successful at getting inside of Calzaghe's head at all?

FR – When the bell rings it doesn't matter anymore. It's about who shows up and who doesn't. Bernard has had a great legendary career, Calzaghe is undefeated and confident. Nobody is scared of nobody. They are two professionals, and they will get in there and fight. Calzaghe isn't a spring chicken anymore either though. It's unbelievable how they think this guy can't get beat, well I think he will be beat.

BC – Recently Bernard fired up the white boys across the boxing land by saying that he's not gonna get beat by no white boy. What are your thoughts on that?
FR – Well I am the only white guy in the camp, and he told everyone that what I say goes. He takes a white guy to be his trainer, and his trust is with me, so it's just about marketing. Don't be offended by what he said, he's just trying to get under Calzaghe's skin, that's all. It sells tickets, and Bernard is the master of that. Calzaghe is cocky, and he's undefeated, but to me it's more that he's confident, and so is Bernard. The fight is going to be a good one to watch, but I don't think it's going to be a toe to toe type of fight. These guys are both very smart fighters, so look for a strategic fight in this one.


he said the same crap about Oscar for the Mayweather fight and what happened?

[BigReg]

Yap; a good trainer knows when to throw in the towel!:good

Good point. Too bad Calzaghe doesn't have a great trainer. Now he's just going to take unneccesary punishment.

[PacDbest]

What did he say before Oscar V PBF?

He didn't guarantee a win against PBF. But in this interview, it seems like Roach are very confident of a Victory.

I originally pIck Calzaghe by UD but Roach is making me change my mind. Bhop also seems like winning the Psychological war. I just recently watch the HBO's Bhop & Calzaghe's greatest hits. Bhop's best punch is Straight Right. Just the right antidote for a Lefty. Calzaghe's punches really are Pitty-Pats & i don't think It can hurt a Hard man like Bhop.

Just looking at Calzaghe resume... Maybe Roach is right. We're maybe overrating Calzaghe because of Lacy fight. Just looks at Lacy now??? Kessler's maybe good but he never fought any fighters in the caliber of Bhop, Winky, RJJ or Tarver.

You can't deny Calzaghe's Handspeed, but if he throw only light punches it won't discourage Bhop from attacking. Bhop will capitalize with this & will go for a KO. Bhop looks a lot stronger than Calzaghe, he can do it.

[Decebal]

Good point. Too bad Calzaghe doesn't have a great trainer. Now he's just going to take unneccesary punishment.

Not if he retires a couple of fights after retiring Hopkins; no need for him to go against the young bucks into his 40s...

[Bslice]

pitty pat punches lol.. even though I'm thinking Calzaghe might win this one closely, i still do have a feeling about a b-hop victory..

Way to hedge buddy

[Grant1]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: FREDDIE ROACH
By Brad Cooney


BC – Freddie thanks for joining BC. You guys are winding down camp, how's B Hop looking?

FR – Camp went well, were backing off now, just sort of light work right now. Working the speed bag, doing a little running, and just pacing this right as the fight closes in on us.

BC – Are you pleased with the camp overall when you look back on it?

FR – Yes, this was a much better camp then we had last time. We had better sparring, and look, we have a difficult job ahead of us. We had Winky Wright last time, and now we got Joe Calzaghe. Everyone is judging Calzaghe on his Jeff Lacy fight, well let me tell you, Bernard Hopkins is a different animal.

BC– What will be the key to Bernard's victory?

FR – Experience. Bernard knows how to handle situations, he'll break him down systematically. I think we'll get him out of there in the later rounds.
BC – Calzaghe has really fast hands......

FR – (Cutting in) Yes, he has fast hands but they are fragile. He doesn't throw a power punch anymore. He throws pitty pat punches, so we'll deal with that and Bernard will be throwing much harder back. Every time he throws pitty pat punches, he will open himself up for a counter puncher, and believe me we will be ready for it.

BC – Hopkins is a master at psychological warfare, do you think he has been successful at getting inside of Calzaghe's head at all?

FR – When the bell rings it doesn't matter anymore. It's about who shows up and who doesn't. Bernard has had a great legendary career, Calzaghe is undefeated and confident. Nobody is scared of nobody. They are two professionals, and they will get in there and fight. Calzaghe isn't a spring chicken anymore either though. It's unbelievable how they think this guy can't get beat, well I think he will be beat.

BC – Recently Bernard fired up the white boys across the boxing land by saying that he's not gonna get beat by no white boy. What are your thoughts on that?
FR – Well I am the only white guy in the camp, and he told everyone that what I say goes. He takes a white guy to be his trainer, and his trust is with me, so it's just about marketing. Don't be offended by what he said, he's just trying to get under Calzaghe's skin, that's all. It sells tickets, and Bernard is the master of that. Calzaghe is cocky, and he's undefeated, but to me it's more that he's confident, and so is Bernard. The fight is going to be a good one to watch, but I don't think it's going to be a toe to toe type of fight. These guys are both very smart fighters, so look for a strategic fight in this one.

That dont sound much like a promise to me ??

As per your title of the thread !!

[BigReg]

Not if he retires a couple of fights after retiring Hopkins; no need for him to go against the young bucks into his 40s...

After his embarrasing loss on Saturday, he'll need a few more fights to try to redeem his already dubious legacy.

[Decebal]

After his embarrasing loss on Saturday, he'll need a few more fights to try to redeem his already dubious legacy.

Why, was there a change of plan? Is he no longer fighting Hopkins on Saturday?

[BigReg]

Why, was there a change of plan? Is he no longer fighting Hopkins on Saturday?

Oh no, he's still scheduled to lose to Hopkins on Saturday. This time he's not going to pull out of the fight like he did twice after agreeing to fight Glen Johnson.

[Decebal]

Oh no, he's still scheduled to lose to Hopkins on Saturday. This time he's not going to pull out of the fight like he did twice after agreeing to fight Glen Johnson.

Looks like they gave you the joke script, buddy; think you got the wrong guy cast as the villain.

[BigReg]

Looks like they gave you the joke script, buddy; think you got the wrong guy cast as the villain.

Sorry, this isn't a fuckin comic book story. There is no villian. I'm not a Calzaghe fan. I'm sure as hell not going to root for him against my favorite fighter and a hometown legend. Fuck that, a boxing legend.

[albeziel]

Well he is training him, what is he supposed to say, that Hopkins is going to take a beating. This is a very hard fight to pick a winner. This will be a close fight and if there is a KO I'll be REALLY surprised.

[albeziel]

Someone forgot to mention that this was an Exclusive phone interview

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Spitbucket]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Roach Coach:lol:

[Sister Sledge]

It would be great to see B-Hop win this one and retire.

[Fat Joe]

Well he is training him, what is he supposed to say, that Hopkins is going to take a beating.

:rofl :rofl :rofl
"We've had a real bad camp, Bernard going down"

[sugarngold]

Someone forgot to mention that this was an Exclusive phone interview

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

:rofl:rofl:rofl

That's a very exclusive photo as well! Good find.

[SAS2]

Sorry, this isn't a fuckin comic book story. There is no villian. I'm not a Calzaghe fan. I'm sure as hell not going to root for him against my favorite fighter and a hometown legend. Fuck that, a boxing legend.

yer in for a severe depression..:lol:

[Decebal]

Sorry, this isn't a fuckin comic book story. There is no villian. I'm not a Calzaghe fan. I'm sure as hell not going to root for him against my favorite fighter and a hometown legend. Fuck that, a boxing legend.

Yeah, although it's not just in comic books that the hometown legend gets a hometown decision..

[BigReg]

Yeah, although it's not just in comic books that the hometown legend gets a hometown decision..

No need to line up excuses already. Whoever is the better fighter that night will win. Most Calzaghe fans have already stated that Nard won't win more than 2 rounds and will get stopped. Therefore, a hometown decsion shouldn't even come into play. Furthermore, the fight isn't even in Nard's hometown. Vegas is more than 3,000 miles from Philadelphia.

[BigReg]

yer in for a severe depression..:lol:

Hardly. Joe is the favorite in this fight for a reason. He should win this fight. Nard is 43 and at the end of his career. His legs and reflexes aren't what they used to be. I still think he can win though. I've enjoyed watching Nard over the years and I'm proud that at 43, he's still willing to take on challenges. In his last 5 fights(including this one) he's taken on 2 undefeated fighters, one guy hadn't lost in 8 years, he's taken on 3 p4p top 10 fighters, as well as been the underdog in 3 of those fights. That's pretty damn good for an old man. Win or lose, I'm still proud of Hopkins. I don't particuarly like Calzaghe. However, he's a good fighter and there's no shame in losing to him.

[Decebal]

Whoever is the better fighter that night will win.

Yeah, you're right. Calzaghe will win, whatever the ref or judges do.

[Decebal]

BigReg, have you got an avatar bet on this fight? I would offer, but have half a dozen lined up already; it'd be a shame if you and McGrain - who likes to be seen as the wise old man if either fighter wins - didn't have an avatar bet lined up. :-(

[Decebal]

BigReg, have you got an avatar bet on this fight? I would offer, but have half a dozen lined up already; it'd be a shame if you and McGrain - who likes to be seen as the wise old man if either fighter wins - didn't have an avatar bet lined up. :-(

Big Reg?:?

[BigReg]

Big Reg?:?

An avatar bet would be stupid, as I think Calzaghe will win the fight. However, I can't count Hopkins out. He's proven me wrong before and he always comes prepared.

[Decebal]

An avatar bet would be stupid, as I think Calzaghe will win the fight. However, I can't count Hopkins out. He's proven me wrong before and he always comes prepared.

What, you changed your mind overnight? Thought you had Hopkins winning, pretty easily!:huh :blood :huh :blood :huh

So, you and McGrain are in the same two boats, then...:-(...either way, you were right...

[BigReg]

What, you changed your mind overnight? Thought you had Hopkins winning, pretty easily!:huh :blood :huh :blood :huh

I've never changed my mind. I'm a weird guy. Just because I talk trash about a guy winning doesn't mean that I expect him to win. I've been talking all types of trash about Judah KO'ing Mosley. However, I expect Mosley to win. I talk trash about B-Hop beating up on Calzaghe because he's my favorite fighter and I tire of seeing people giving him no shot. Calzaghe's younger, more active, and faster. He should be able to outwork Hopkins. This is the logical pick. However, Hopkins has the style to beat Calzaghe. He's also very crafty and good at frustrating his opponents. The key here is whether he has enough left in his legs and if he can start out faster than he has been.

[Decebal]

I've never changed my mind. I'm a weird guy. Just because I talk trash about a guy winning doesn't mean that I expect him to win. I've been talking all types of trash about Judah KO'ing Mosley. However, I expect Mosley to win. I talk trash about B-Hop beating up on Calzaghe because he's my favorite fighter and I tire of seeing people giving him no shot. Calzaghe's younger, more active, and faster. He should be able to outwork Hopkins. This is the logical pick. However, Hopkins has the style to beat Calzaghe. He's also very crafty and good at frustrating his opponents. The key here is whether he has enough left in his legs and if he can start out faster than he has been.

In that case, I can take you seriously again. That is a stand-up argument. In other words, if Hopkins won, it would surprise you, right?

[BigReg]

In that case, I can take you seriously again. That is a stand-up argument. In other words, if Hopkins won, it would surprise you, right?

I would be slightly surprised. Either way, the winner deserves a lot of credit. Both men will be hard to beat

[Decebal]

I would be slightly surprised. Either way, the winner deserves a lot of credit. Both men will be hard to beat

Yeah. Calzaghe cannot afford to make any mistakes if he is to overcome Hopkins' style advantage, experience and cunning. But it's his fight to lose. People who say: "Hopkins has a chance" and don't mention that he has a chance as long as he forces Calzaghe into a mistake that Calzaghe shouldn't really allow himself to be forced into are trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

[Dorfmeister]

Roach promised the same about Hoya against Mayweather so he really can't say what will happen. I do think that Freddie and Bernard were in pure interactional synchrony for the Wright fight but that was because everything went well from the start, like Roach said "Everything is working... the thing about the jab is working... Don't back straight up but side to side, give angles to counter" so... This thing about the "Dream Team" is also not that important at fight time because all of them can shout from afar so that Bernard corrects this or that, but it is for Bernard to implement the game plan in real time and that depends heavily on many other factors.

[The Sarge]

Yes but Wright doesnt attack anyone and allows people to come to him (which is why he didnt win the Taylor fight) IMO, Calzaghe will come at Hopkins big time, and B-hop (despite being a master counter puncher) will not have time to respond. Throwing lighter punches (as Joe does now) allows him to throw from all kinds of crazy angles that you couldnt do if you were a big puncher. I have been watching boxing for 30 odd years and have to say that i see thisfight as a CAlzaghe shhut out 12-0 in rounds unless Bernard truely opens up , thats his only chance and unless Roach has changed B-hops game plan for the last 20 years then he is in for a very rough night

[BIGTIMETIMMY]

I will gladly make an Avatar bet with someone because I know Hopkins will win. He is just going to counter puch the shit out of Calzaghe for the first four rounds and break his spirit on then beat him up Tarver style in route to a 10th round tko. Calzaghe will get Lacy'd this time

[Dorfmeister]

Yes but Wright doesnt attack anyone and allows people to come to him (which is why he didnt win the Taylor fight) IMO, Calzaghe will come at Hopkins big time, and B-hop (despite being a master counter puncher) will not have time to respond. Throwing lighter punches (as Joe does now) allows him to throw from all kinds of crazy angles that you couldnt do if you were a big puncher. I have been watching boxing for 30 odd years and have to say that i see thisfight as a CAlzaghe shhut out 12-0 in rounds unless Bernard truely opens up , thats his only chance and unless Roach has changed B-hops game plan for the last 20 years then he is in for a very rough night

Winky did attack Jermain and Bernard but he chose his openings at the center of the ring and behind that turtle defense of his to time Taylor with that right lead, drive him back to the corners and score straight lefts there. He was more enraged and outa control against Bernard after the weigh-in "incident" and the headbutt but he did throw some precise lefts that found their mark. I am watching boxing for lesser time but I do agree about Calzaghe throwing more and from different angles, switching body and head attacks but he will be very exposed to some shots. For instance, when he goes to the body with a right, he's open for a left hook upstairs and when he steps in with a left cross, he can get nailed with a right hook or a straight right... And if Hopkins comes back with heavier shots, I don't think it will be a shutout. I feel Calzaghe will be very pleased to win by any margin but he will have to punch with some authority, not just triple up Hops' output.