Joe Calzaghe is convinced he can count on the support of boxing fans across the globe in his huge light-heavyweight showdown against Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas next month.

Calzaghe insists his opponent's cagey style makes him unattractive to the public who crave the kind of slick, attacking style the Welshman will bring to the Thomas & Mack Centre.

Calzaghe is basking in belated popularity in his career after attracting 50,000 fans to the Millennium Stadium for his unification victory over Mikkel Kessler - with a large number of fans also booked up to support him on his big American debut.

And the 36-year-old has warned former middleweight champion Hopkins he has no chance of dragging their showcase clash into the trenches and clinging on to his status as the world's number one 175lb fighter by underhand means.

"Hopkins is good at making people look bad but he won't do that to me," said Calzaghe. "That's the only way he can handle me and that's why he's not a fighter who is very well loved."

"Hopkins has hardly ever been in any exciting fights and he's very negative. He'll do everything he can to knock me out of my rhythm because he knows I'm stronger, faster and fitter than him."

"I respect him but Hopkins is not as good as he thinks he is," Calzaghe added. "He had a good run as champion but he hasn't reigned for as long as me nor beaten the quality of opponents I've beaten."

Calzaghe is delighted experienced referee Joe Cortez has been announced as the official for their April 19 showdown, despite being perceived to have done Hatton few favours against Floyd Mayweather.

"I don't do holding and mauling and Joe Cortez is well aware of that," added Calzaghe. "He's an experienced referee and he'll enjoy a quiet night because all he will have to do is count to 10 and save Hopkins."

Calzaghe could hardly have wished for a bigger stage to prove his point, and he is adamant it will finally put to rest the one remaining moot point harboured by some Stateside critics about his apparent unwillingness to travel out of his comfort zone to face the very best.

"I've always wanted to top the bill in Las Vegas and the fact that I'm doing it in one of the biggest fights for years shows how much I want it," Calzaghe added. "Hopefully Hopkins is going to come and trade - but I won't hold my breath."

Explore More Sport

• Cycling

• Athletics

• Sailing

• US Sport