Hopkins and Calzaghe Confirm Battle of the Planet

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe, fighters with a combined 43 wins in world championship bouts met today in London to confirm that on Saturday, April 19, in the Planet Hollywood (PH) Ring in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a rare contest between linear champions, light heavyweight champion Hopkins will defend his title against Calzaghe, the undisputed super middleweight champion, in a 12-round bout for Hopkins' Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship to determine the true premier champion of this era.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Calzaghe "Battle of the Planet" are now on sale and priced at $1500, $1200, $450, $350 and $250, and may be purchased by calling 866-USFIGHT or online at planethollywood.com.

"I respect what Joe Calzaghe has accomplished in this game over the years, but he will be stepping into a different realm on April 19th," said Hopkins today in London. "All Joe's other American opponents had to go to Wales or England -- let's see how Joe performs in the United States -- the USA is the stamp of approval. There's old Poppy Hopkins standing at the gate of America waiting for Joe to bring the key to try and open the door."

"This will be Bernard's last fight -- I am going to be a legend after this fight. I'm going over there to win and you will see an awesome performance," said Calzaghe at today's press conference in London. "I've trained like a challenger every single fight, that's why I have been a champion for ten years. I'll be in the best shape, enough to do 15, 20 rounds. You haven't seen Hopkins flat out on his back yet-you will in the PH Ring on April 19."

Hopkins-Calzaghe is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Frank Warren's Sports Network and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and will take place in the PH Ring at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday, April 19.