Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe will clash in Las Vegas in April

Oscar De La Hoya is backing Bernard Hopkins to stage an upset and beat Joe Calzaghe in Las Vegas on 19 April.

De La Hoya says Hopkins, 43, is the type of boxer to outwit world super-middleweight champion Calzaghe, 35, who is unbeaten in 44 fights.

American De La Hoya has experience of losing to former middleweight champion Hopkins four years ago.

And he said: "If there's one guy who can frustrate Calzaghe and take him out of his game plan that's Hopkins."

De La Hoya added: "He's patient, and he doesn't care if he waits for you all night until you make a mistake.

"That's why I just have this feeling that Hopkins can pull it off."

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De la Hoya thinks the biggest weapon in Calzaghe's game is his high output of punches, but said Hopkins will figure him out.

And he does not think the American's age - seven years Calzaghe's senior - or his more conservative work-rate will be a disadvantage.

"When you're at distance from him he throws good solid punches but Hopkins is a smart fighter and I think Hopkins is going to figure him out.

"The concern is the punch rate but Hopkins said it best - the more punches he's going to throw, the more he's going to be exposed.

"The work-rate obviously is a concern but Hopkins studies you, he dissects you and he takes care of you and I think he can pull it off."