FightBeat.com was informed by trainer Freddie Roach that Bernard Hopkins is currently just 7-lbs above the contracted weight-limit for his fight with Joe Calzaghe. Roach stated that Bernard is in amazing shape for his age and has been sparring with the former Cruiserweight Champion O’Neil Bell. “Bernard is working with Mackie Shilstone for his conditioning and he’s been getting good work with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Bell</st1lace></st1:city>,†said Roach. Roach also told FightBeat’s Stafford Attz that Bernard probably won’t go blow for blow with Calzaghe, and have formulated a plan to take away Calzaghe’s speed advantage . <o> </o> We’ll keep you informed on Bernard’s progress for this fight.
I think Hopkins should spar with smaller guys. It will be Calzaghe's quickness and punch output that will cause him most trouble, not his strength
