Hopkins Swears He's Not Overlooking Ornelas

Bernard Hopkins spoke at the final press gathering before his Wednesday tussle with Enrique Ornelas. Here are some highlights…

BERNARD HOPKINS

“I'm fighting one of the toughest guys out there (Enrique Ornelas) and I have more to lose than him.  I must let myself believe that I am him, and that he is me. Not everybody can do it, but I can.

“This is not a tune-up; this is a get-up.  This is a get-up for me to get prepared for a new year.

“If there is anyone in this room that thinks that I'm underestimating my opponent, then they don't know me and they don't know my legacy.

“No matter where I am financially or historically, I take myself back to when I had nothing.  It's hard to train like you're starving when your refrigerator's full.  I can see my movie being made and I can see my book being written.  It all starts with one word…discipline.  Everyone knows having discipline isn't just tied to being a good athlete.  You have to be disciplined to be successful in life.

“As you grow from one stage to another, you can either be more of a problem or more of a solution.  Once I understood that, there was no stopping me.  I wanted to be a solution and that's why I'm here.

“You can't live forever let alone fight forever.  When I am not around you will miss me.”

ENRIQUE ORNELAS

“We had a great training camp.  We know exactly who we're facing in Bernard Hopkins.  We have worked so hard to prepare to fight a legend and we are ready.

“I'm grateful for this opportunity.  I appreciate the support from my team and my family and I am looking forward to getting in the ring on Wednesday night and proving again that I have what it takes to win.”

NAZIM RICHARDSON, Bernard Hopkins' Trainer

“This is a talented card, a gifted card and a historical card.

“In Philadelphia we have an abundance of legends.  This word 'legend;' we throw it around so quickly.  A kid throws a basketball and suddenly he is a legend.  We have to be careful who we give this title to because it is difficult for kids to handle the pressure.

“I didn't pick this fight.  I have worked with Enrique and I know how tough he is.

“Bernard isn't just winning fights, he is winning fights in a certain way.  That is what makes him special and that is what makes him a legend.”

HOWARD GRANT, Enrique Ornelas' Trainer

“When this fight came up people said to Enrique, 'You are fighting against Bernard?  You don't have a chance!', but Bernard is old.  Some say, 'When is he going to hang it up?'  Maybe it will be Wednesday.

(To Hopkins) “I wish you the best of luck.  We had a fantastic training camp.  We tried to imitate you, which is very difficult because you are one of the smartest fighters out there.  You are a role model for these young fighters coming up.

“I know he has planned a fight against Roy Jones, but hopefully Enrique can throw a wrench into that plan on Wednesday night.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This is an amazing card for Philadelphia boxing.  You can really see the rich tradition of Philly boxing which is big reason that Bernard wanted to fight here.

“This is the first fight card of this magnitude for Golden Boy East, which is run by Bernard Hopkins.  You are going to see some great action on Wednesday night.”

SHANE MOSELY, Six-Time World Champion in Three Weight Divisions

“I am excited to be here in Philadelphia.  I am excited to be here and support both Bernard Hopkins and Enrique Ornelas.  I have spent a lot of time in camp with Enrique Ornelas and he is very capable to fight a legend like Bernard Hopkins.

“I think it is going to be a great fight.  The undercard is going to be explosive.  I am looking forward to seeing all of the fights on the card and seeing how the main event is going to transpire with these two great fighters.

“They say boxers age well and Bernard is a prime example.  He is definitely a legendary fighter.  All of the great fighters have fought to his age and I am excited to see him in the ring again.”

DANNY GARCIA, Undefeated Top Junior Welterweight Prospect

“I want to thank Bernard for hooking it up on the East Coast and giving us this opportunity.  I have been waiting for this moment.  I have trained really hard.  On Wednesday, there will be blood sweat and tears; Philly style.”

KARL DARGAN, Undefeated Lightweight Prospect

“I want to thank everyone for coming out.  There are going to be a lot of exciting fights because there is a lot of talent on this card and I am looking forward to fighting and seeing the fights on Wednesday night.”

# # #

“Broad Street Brawl”: Hopkins vs. Ornelas, a 12-round light heavyweight bout which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions East and sponsored by MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be televised live on VERSUS beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, are on sale and available for purchase exclusively through ComcastTIX on line at ComcastTIX.com, by calling 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.  Discounts are being offered to the following groups at the Liacouras Center Box Office: Veterans & Military: a 20% percent off to those with a current or past military identification; Police & Fire Department Personnel: a 10% discount on all price categories and Students: a 10% discount on all tickets and $25 for $15.