"The Executioner'' has by now memorized his reasons for getting back in the ring tonight, a few months short of his 45th birthday, well beyond the expiration date he once gave his late mother.
History. Legacy. Biology. It's all mixed in there as he conducted an interview with himself this week.
"I think I am biologically different than anybody who walks the planet earth,'' he was saying after Monday's press conference at the Sofitel Hotel. "Unfortunately, I have to die before you have me in some museum or be able to go through all these things. But until then, the only evidence I can give you is starting Wednesday, then taking care of Roy Jones, then pack it on for the heavyweight title.
"That's why these fights are lined up. This is my exit out. Wham, bam, bam.''
Yeah, yeah, yeah. OK, here's the nuts and bolts of what he's talking about for the majority of you who have abandoned any story line in this sport long ago. Hopkins is scheduled to tune up on Enrique Ornelas tonight at the Liacouras Center and yes, good seats are still available starting at $25.
He wins as expected tonight, and there is a wistful rematch in March with Roy Jones Jr., another big name hanging around sniffing the fumes of a sport that tosses legendary around more than ancient rock 'n' rollers. Jones is legendary and Hopkins is legendary and half the young fighters in attendance Monday were headed that way someday, or so went the chatter on the dais. There were even a couple of boxing writers there, one I know, one I've never heard of, who were described that way too.
