Calzaghe-Hopkins in slanging match

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Sparks flew when the pair crossed paths in the MGM Grand's media centre just an hour before Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather were due to weigh in for Saturday night's super-fight.

Neither fighter was willing to back down during the two-minute exchange in which Calzaghe riled Hopkins by referring to his two losses to Jermain Taylor, and Hopkins insisted: "I'll never let a white boy beat me."

After the pair were hustled apart a grinning Calzaghe said: "I've never met Hopkins before and it was great to get involved like that. I've come out to support Ricky but this was a bonus.

"I've been chasing the fight with Hopkins for years but he's always backed down. You heard him, he promised to make the fight this time and I'm happy to come to America to make it happen."

The meeting was no publicity stunt. Hopkins has been hanging around the media centre all week while Calzaghe was only given a media credential at the last minute due to a radio interview he had set up.

Afterwards Hopkins said: "The difference between us both is that I am a legend and he is a champion. He's never been outside his comfort zone and he's never fought anybody like me.

"I'm ready for this fight and it would be a huge fight at Yankee Stadium. There's no need for me to come to Europe because the US is where it's at. I want it and Calzaghe wants it so let's make it happen."

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed an offer had been made to Hopkins and he was awaiting a reply. He told PA Sport: "We know Bernard wants the fight in America and we're happy with that. We've made him a good offer and we'll make it happen."