Calzaghe set to win it in style

Calzaghe insists his opponent's cagey style makes him a big turn-off with the public who crave the kind of slick, attacking style the Welshman will bring to the Thomas & Mack Center.

"Hopkins is good at making people look bad but he won't do that to me," he said.

"That's the only way he can handle me and that's why he's not a fighter who is very well loved. There were people in his own country booing him when we were out for the Ricky Hatton fight, and that's because of his style.

"Hopkins has hardly ever been in any exciting fights and he's very negative. He'll do everything he can to knock me out of my rhythm because he knows I'm stronger, faster and fitter than him."

Calzaghe is delighted experienced referee Joe Cortez has been announced as the official for their April 19 showdown, despite being perceived to have done Hatton few favours against Floyd Mayweather.

"I don't do holding and mauling and Joe Cortez is well aware of that," added Calzaghe. "He's an experienced referee and he'll enjoy a quiet night because all he will have to do is count to 10 and save Hopkins."

Calzaghe could hardly have wished for a bigger stage to prove his point with his career-defining fight being broadcast prime-time across the US by Home Box Office, as well as by Setanta in the UK.

And he is adamant it will finally put to rest the one remaining moot point harboured by some Stateside critics about his apparent unwillingness to travel out of his comfort zone to face the very best.

"I've always wanted to top the bill in Las Vegas and the fact that I'm doing it in one of the biggest fights for years shows how much I want it," Calzaghe added. "Hopefully Hopkins is going to come and trade - but I won't hold my breath."