Former two-division world champion and Future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (55-7 2, 32 KOs) and Joe Smith, Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted the final press conference ahead of their battle for the WBC International Light Heavyweight Championship on Saturday at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California.

Bernard Hopkins: “You have to prove you’re special, no matter how many titles you win. If you use that to stay in the game then you become special and an icon surpasses legend. Common man, special man. Which one do you want? Which one do you want? I want the special, you are that before you become that. If you want to work your way back down to common man, there’s a lot of people down there. I’m not going to predict that I end his [Joe’s] career. One day if he recovers mentally then he might have something to salvage and go forward. I’m a career stopper to most of my opponents that talk like him. Yes, I’m honored to be respected as Joe mentioned, too. I listen to words. Nobody is really paying attention to Joe. Joe won’t be special come Saturday. He will stay common.”

Joe Smith, Jr: “I can’t even describe how excited I am to say ‘it’s finally fight week.’ I’m ready for this Saturday and am very excited. I know I’m going to be there with a legend but I’ve worked very hard in the gym and made many sacrifices to get to where I am today. He is a legend, but Saturday night he’s just another opponent. I’m looking to stop him, be the first person to stop him in his entire career.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “What can I say about Bernard Hopkins that hasn’t already been said? Bernard’s resume reads like a hall-of-fame induction ballot. Between holding the record for the record number of title defenses as middleweight champion of the world (20) and moving up to light heavyweight to capture multiple belts in that division, Hopkins fought and defeated a who’s who of boxing world champions throughout his 28-year career. I want to say also, that Bernard is not just a champion in the ring, but in life. He’s had a remarkable life and career-and it’s not over just yet.”

Joe DeGuardia (Smith’s promoter): “Joe Smith is the perfect example of the common man. He’s a heart lion from New York, and he’s the kind of guy like so many others that get up early in the morning; his craft now is as a boxer but he’s a hardworking union member. Saturday night we believe you’re going to see what happens when the common working man breaks his everyday and defeats a legend, and then the doors open up. Joe Smith, Jr. has been working very hard to get this done. He’s focused on the thing that he needs to do Saturday night and come out victorious.”

John David Jackson, Hopkins Trainer: “Saturday is the day. Smith team feels good and confident; our team feels great and confident. There’s so much you can say about Bernard, but he definitely sees the best and this is a good fight for the fans to see Bernard go out and win. He’s a tremendous individual in and out of the ring. We’re looking forward to a great evening of boxing.”

Jerry Capobianco, Smith Trainer: “I would like to thank Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions Bernard Hopkins for picking Joe for this fight. I believe he’s going to make a statement, and as Bernard’s last fight I think it’s Joe’s coming out party. I know my father is looking down on us, and we’re going to be victorious. For all those counting the odds, you can double your money. Thank you very much.”

In addition to Hopkins and Smith, Jr., co-main event fighters Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (22-0, 13 KOs) and Horacio Garcia (30-1-1, 21 KOs) who will fight for Diaz, Jr.’s NABF Featherweight Title; and Oleksandr Usyk (10-0, 9 KOs) and Thabiso Mchunu (17-2, 11 KOs) who will battle for Usyk’s WBO cruiserweight title on the undercard were also in attendance.

Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr: “I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions and HBO as well for giving me another opportunity to showcase my talent. Man, this is a historic event with the legend Bernard Hopkins. It’s a blessing to be the co-main event. I want to tell everyone that I’ve been through an extensive training camp. My opponent Horacio Garcia will go out there and prove himself, but we’re ready and I’ll see you guys Saturday at the Forum.”

Horacio Garcia, Featherweight Contender: “I am very motivated to give a great fight. I form a part of Canelo Promotions and am part of the team with Eddy and Jose “Chepo” Reynoso and Canelo Alvarez. We have done a lot of work and have a great strategy for this fight.”

Olesksandr Usyk: “Hello my name is Oleksander Usyk. I will be fighting this Saturday. Thank you to everyone, and I will be ready for this Saturday.”

Thabiso Mchunu: “Thanks to HBO and Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity to showcase my talent. With every good opposition you always rise to the occasion. Thank you.”

Photos: Tom Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions