Hopkins questions Joe's credentials

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Hopkins drew a parallel with basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird, whom he also believes benefited from extra hype because he stood out in a sport largely dominated by black athletes.

"I guess you can look at Calzaghe's situation as someone who has been blown up more than the others," Hopkins said. "It reminds me of Larry Bird - great basketball player but did he get his notoriety based on how he could play, or that he could play more than the average guy of his colour could play?"

He added: "White athletes stand out more and get more attention because they seem to be somewhat more special than the norm."

In an interview published in the latest edition of 'The Ring' magazine, Hopkins went on to criticise the credentials of British fighters in general, and said the rivalry between the two nations gave him more incentive.

He added: "Joe Calzaghe is the guy we have to beat to show the Brits that we (Americans) are stronger and better.

"Even though their pound has more value than my dollar their fighting talent isn't better. They will prove that.

"The Brits gave me a major purpose. They booed the national anthem (at the Hatton fight) but they're going to be booing something else when it's all said and done and my hand is raised in victory."