August 5, 2008

Bernard Hopkins and Nazim Richardson

Today we attended the Kelly Pavlik – Bernard Hopkins press conference held at BB Kings in New York City. This was the kickoff for their up coming October 18th battle in Atlantic City. Upon entering the press room it only took Hopkins a few minutes to expose his six pack. Yes in matter of minutes Hopkins lifted his shirt showing all the media who gathered around him his six pack. Even at the age of 43 Hopkins sports a six pack most twenty year olds dream about.

Hopkins today was not his normal self he actually spoke nicely about Pavlik and referred to himself as a Pavlik fan. The line of the day however, goes to Richard Schaefer who in his opening remarks called Hopkins “The Ghost Buster”. Along with Schaefer, team Hopkins was represented by long time trainer Nazim Richardson and his lawyer Arnold Joseph. Hopkins in his presentation said that he had nothing bad to say about Pavlik. With that statement Pavlik broke out with a big smile and wiped his forehead. Hopkins went on to say that Pavlik has a big heart and a lot of determination. Hopkins who acknowledges this fight as the blue collar fight and even lobbied to officially name the fight as “The Blue Collar Battle”. Two blue collar fighters who will train anywhere, in prison, in basements or in their kitchens Hopkins went on to say.

Team Pavlik was represented by Kelly’s father Mike, manager Cameron Dunkin and his trainer Jack Loew. The confident Pavlik who is stepping up in weight to the 170 pound level stated that he will not have to struggle to make weight two fights in row. Pavlik’s last fight against Gary Lockett was at 160 pounds. The humble Pavlik in his presentation referred to Hopkins as a legend and said Hopkins was the biggest name out there for him. Pavlik ended by promising that the October 18th clash will be a good one.

After the press conference we caught up to Hopkins and asked him if he enjoyed the fights Friday night in Brooklyn and if he was impressed by lightweight Jorge Teron. Bernard actually brightened up and asked who has him. So maybe Teron has a Golden future to look foward to.

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