Bernard Hopkins thinks that Ryan Garcia has backed himself into a corner over a proposed fight with Manny Pacquiao, and the veteran would still be the favourite.
Garcia had announced that he would be fighting the Filipino legend when he returns to the ring after some time away in politics, but the fight is far from confirmed.
Hopkins, a former undisputed middleweight and lineal light heavyweight champion, is now a partner in Golden Boy Promotions, and discussed what Garcia should do over a potential fight with Pacquiao.
“Ryan wants the fight, I think that to me it’s going to be risky,” he told DAZN’s Ak & Barak Show.
“Pacquiao right now has the upper hand on Ryan, and trust me, Ryan seems to elevate himself mentally and physically when he’s in the position to show he can when they say he can’t.”
Hopkins believes that there should soon be some guidance on when or if the fight can go ahead.
He explained: “I think in the next week or two, it’s going to be more clarity if he do or don’t.
“I think he should, because he opened his mouth and said he will. Once you open your mouth and build a reputation of calling out someone else... you don’t call somebody out and not get ready to rumble.
“The boxing world is going to hold you to the fire of calling that man out.
“I think when you say things - this should be a lesson especially to young fighters - when you get excited, when the microphone’s in your face, you have to be more calculated when you call someone out, especially legends who have a heartbeat, who still have a pulse. And Pacquiao has that.”
Hopkins would rather Garcia aimed his sights a little lower, at WBA Super super featherweight and WBA regular lightweight champion, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
“He’ll beat Tank Davis. It won’t be as hard as you think,” he said.
“That’s the fight, if you want me to give blood for that fight, I’d give an ounce.
“Pacquiao, I’m more nervous than any shape of Davis fight.”
Hopkins continued: “Ryan Garcia in 2021, he’s ready for Tank. I’m nervous about Pacquiao, Pacquiao has fight left in him.
“Anyone who thinks because of age... It’s the way the genetics, the way you live and where his mind is. In some rare special cases, knowledge overtakes youth.”
You can listen to the entire interview with Bernard Hopkins right now on DAZN.