Howard Eastman has vowed to knock out undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in the fifth round when the pair meet on 19 February. The Briton, who is only being allowed to fight for one of Hopkins' four world titles, questioned his rivals' belief ahead of the Los Angeles showdown.
"He obviously thought there was a chance he could lose, so he only put up the WBC belt," said Eastman.
"I'll knock him out. Any obstacles that pop up will be popped down."
European champion Eastman has already moved to the USA to step up his preparations for the biggest fight of his career.
 |  You're going to see the best of Howard Eastman in this fight |
"I'm training here because I'm fighting in his backyard. Let me get used to the backyard before I beat him up," said the 34-year-old.
"I'm a guy that's not very easy to hit and hurt.
"I can take a punch and give a punch. Hopkins has not faced the punching power that will be unleashed on him and he will be surprised."
Eastman, who tends to counter-punch, pledged to condition himself for any style of fight.
"I'm ready for a war - that's the easiest part, going toe-to-toe. The hardest part is being able to box," he said.
"We're going to be more intense in execution and awareness.
"Everything has to be razor sharp and we'll have to raise our game all around. You're going to see the best of Howard Eastman in this fight.
"To be the best, you have to beat the best. That's what I'm about."
Hopkins, 40, has not been beaten since losing to Roy Jones Jr in 1993 and will start as a heavy favourite in LA.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
