Calzaghe and Hopkins made separate appearances at the Planet Hollywood resort on Monday where the obligatory pre-fight trash-talking got underway.

The Welshman ridiculed 'The Executioner' and is adamant the American is out of his depth after making the step up to the light-heavyweight division.

"Hopkins won't be able to touch me, he will have to resort to headbutting, spoiling and low blows just to survive," said Calzaghe.

"He's succeeded in the past only because his opponents were smaller. His best two wins were against Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad, who are both welterweights.

"He will do everything he can to knock me off my game plan and try to destroy my rhythm, but it won't work. He is no better than many other guys I've fought."

Hopkins was on the verge of quitting the sport before he donned the gloves against Jermain Taylor, and then moved up a division to dethrone Antonio Tarver.

However, the Philadelphia native believes after Calzaghe there is nobody else with the calibre required to lure him back into the ring.

Hopkins said: "I'm looking for a fight where I have something to fight for. Whether I want to retire or not, I think I'll be forced to retire because I've run out of opponents."