Anybody who thinks I'm taking this fight for a paycheck doesn't know me. My whole life I've been achieving the impossible. |
As a promoter representing a fighter, who in this case is myself, I knew I was doing the right thing by filing this appeal. And for the oldest sanctioning body in boxing to support my case, after reviewing the tape themselves, speaks for itself. I am very happy with the decision. |
Bernard Hopkins, tonight, around the world and, I think, in person - one month shy of being 41 - put on a 12-round exhibition. I don't have to be ashamed of what happened tonight. Just to be competitive respectfully at this level, I believe, that y'all will respect me for my performance tonight. |
Come Sunday morning, somebody's going to be asked questions (like) 'What happened?' ... And guess what? I don't want to be that person. So I'm going to do my best, by any means legally and clean, to let Howard Eastman know (what went wrong). |
Everything rides on Dec. 3. This fight is important because that's where Bernard Hopkins will show that anyone who went through the minefield again with him is in trouble. I've beaten everyone who got into the ring with me a second time, and some of them I sent into retirement. I have to deal with the clouds and the storm. You think you got me down and I rise up. |
He came to fight, ... He didn't come to run or look for a gift from the judges. |
I am going in there to win this fight. I don't think people are taking me seriously. I'm gonna surprise a lot of people. This guy helped two people make history. |
I didn't expect right after July 16th to be more in demand and more respected everywhere I went, from the West coast to the East coast, from hard-core gang members to corporate people with suits and ties on, black and white. It just secured everything for me. I've been on a nonstop crusade since July 16th. I haven't had much time for family time, based on the outpouring of love and respect they have for Bernard Hopkins. |
I didn't know Mackie, but thank God I've got a great publicist who knew him from the Bowe days. His track record speaks for itself. The work he did with fighters like Michael Spinks and Roy Jones and Riddick Bowe helped them win. If anyone could get Bowe in shape, that's credibility. |
I felt a sense of urgency, ... I wasn't sure if I was winning or not. |
I function better as an underdog in everything I do in life, with my back against the wall. That's why I hold on to [my] past. |
I function better when my back is to the wall. |
I got my butt kicked. |
I want to see him get that world championship belt before this year is out. |
I was knocking guys out in the streets before I knew how to throw a jab and keep your chin down, ... In most neighborhoods, the guy that could fight gets respect. You got in the parties free. I never had to pay the dollar because people were scared of me. But back then I was ignorant. |