Eastman confident for title shot

TALE OF THE TAPE Hopkins . . . . .v . . . . Eastman 40 . . . . . . . . Age . . . . . . . . 34 6'1. . . . . . . Height . . . . . . 5'11 75'. . . . . . . Reach . . . . . . . 74' Orthodox. . .Stance . . Orthodox 45(32)-2-1 . Record. . . 40(34)-1

Howard Eastman says he will be in the shape of his life when he challenges Bernard Hopkins for his undisputed world middleweight crown on Saturday.

The "Battersea Bomber" could become the first boxer in history to claim all four major belts - the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO - on the same night.

"I am feeling great and I cannot wait for Saturday night when I will finally be able to prove myself," he said.

"I don't box for recognition, just the opportunity and the accomplishments."

Hopkins originally only put his WBC belt on the line but now the belts of all four of the sport's major governing bodies are up for grabs.

I believe that I am going to take him out early Howard Eastman

Both fighters scaled half a pound under the middleweight limit of 11st 6lbs at Friday's weigh-in for their showdown - scheduled to start after 0300 GMT on Sunday.

Eastman, 34, starts a 4-1 underdog against Hopkins, who is unbeaten since a loss to Roy Jones Jr in 1993 and is making a record-breaking 20th defence of his crown.

Victory at the Staples Center in Los Angeles would eclipse even Danny Williams' win over Mike Tyson in Louisville as arguably the best performance by a British fighter abroad.

Who is the best? You choose

But Eastman is in buoyant mood and believes he will knock out Hopkins - rated the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world - inside five rounds.

"It doesn't matter to me if people don't recognise what I do, as long as I recognise it and am happy with it," he added.

"I'm not anyone - I believe in myself and I believe that I am going to take him out early."

HOPKINS v EASTMAN Live coverage on BBC Radio Five and this website Highlights on Sunday Grandstand and on BBC Two at 2230 GMT Richie Woodhall's fight prediction

At 40, Hopkins is already planning his farewell year with two more pay-per-view fights and a possible move up to challenge light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson.

But Eastman is intent on spoiling the party, having waited patiently for a second chance at a world title shot since a controversial loss in a WBA contest to William Joppy in 2001.

"I take my hat off to Bernard because of his achievements, but experts have him on hot air and he believes the hype," Eastman told BBC Radio Five Live.

"When he steps in the ring with me, then we'll see who's so-called 'great'."

Howard has a puncher's chance Herol Graham Middleweight icon tips Eastman

Eastman also undermined the importance of Hopkins' win over compatriot Oscar de la Hoya last September in the most-hyped fight of 2004.

"To me, the fight with De la Hoya is a mis-match - Hopkins should not have fought him because he's a different weight category.

"De la Hoya brought a lot of money to the table, so I see why he did fight him from a business point of view.

"He has never fought anyone like me. I can punch harder than anyone he has met and take anything he gives out.

"I am going to beat him in five rounds. Believe me, Bernard Hopkins will not be denying me my destiny."