Hopkins says "I will TKO Felix Trinidad"

Coverage of the Middleweight championship series -- Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, William Joppy and Keith Holmes.

Bernard Hopkins: "I will TKO Felix Trinidad"

Says he betted on himself that he will beat Tito.

September 5, 2001 -- During a tele-conference with the media, Bernard Hopkins predicted that he will defeat the great Puerto Rican champion, Felix Trinidad by TKO.

Hopkins, who is never short of words, said that he will "beat Trinidad so bad the ref or Papa Trinidad will have to stop the fight." But mentioned that Trinidad's heart is too big for him to win by KO.

Hopkins' confidence is at such a high level that he betted $100,000 dollars on himself that he will win the fight.

Hopkins, who is training in the hot weather of Las Vegas, says that he is in optimum condition and is ready for war and combat. "I am ready mentally and physically for anything Trinidad throws at me. Whatever he throws, I throw it back."

That's easier said than done when you have Trinidad, who is one of the hardest punchers in boxing coming at you seeking revenge for the disrespect you've shown towards the Puerto Rican flag and his country.

But nothing fears Hopkins, the IBF and WBC 160-pound champion from North Philadelphia, who apparently likes to brawl and likes to get down and dirty. "If he comes straight at me, It will be a short night because I love that kind of fight. I like a good alley fight."

Regarding the flag incident, Hopkins said he will not address that issue anymore, but did say that he already won the first part of the fight -- the mental aspect of the fight.