GL:  Since the big fight on May 5th, I've been telling people that a rematch would be good for boxing, based on all the attention that the first fight drew.  How do you feel about that, do you think there should be a rematch?

BH:  I think there is going to be a rematch some time next year, based on your comments that I read yesterday.  Next year on the great Mexican Holiday.  I think boxing needs it, I think boxing needs Oscar. 

Oscar needs to understand in his mind, which I believe he does, that he will go in the ring knowing that he's not going in there for a payday.  Oscar goes in the ring, for me from knowing him and talking to him on the boxing scene, is that he goes in the ring to win.  He knows he's going to win, and let the chips fall where they may.  Oscar's heart and what he knows, and not denial.  I echo that and many people echo that.  In the worst case scenario, a draw. 

Oscar believes, without any false denial, that he won that fight.  On that note, if his wife and himself, and the people he confide in make a decision, I'm looking forward to seeing Oscar back in the ring.  I'm looking forward to Oscar closing out his career with the short upset.  I hope after that, he rests up, takes his family on his yacht, and reflects. 

Whatever he does to relax himself, because we all have different ways, different strategys.  I believe he'll recognize that the fans, they know.  They know.  Judges can judge what they want to judge, but at the end of the day, people know.  That's what holds you up.  Fans know.  You just move on, and do what you've got to do.  Why do you think the Jermaine Taylor fight uplifts my career? 

That didn't do anything negative for Bernard Hopkins, my popularity went through the roof.  Not because I lost outright, it was because Bernard Hopkins only crusaded over the years of boxing, in front of the worlds eyes.  I made every thing I spoke about manifest itself before everyone's eyes, and they loved me for that. 

You've got to sacrifice, and give something up that you've defended for all these years, for a greater cause.  The greater cause is where I'm at now in my life.  I can't go in any city, any city and not be mobbed and respected by every walking human being that I come across.  Cops, street guys, corporate guys, doctors, lawyers, mothers and fathers, sisters and cousins. 

GL:  Fame has it's perks. 

BH:  Respect has it's perks.  Fame always has it's perks, but the word respect has greater impact on why people respect.

GL:  I agree. 

BH:  Why people respect me.  Do you respect me because I have a nice car with rims?   Do you respect me because I have money?  Do you respect me because I am a champion, or do you respect me for what I've done?  For what I've stood up and risked, for my career?  I think they respect me for all of the above. 

GL:  I couldn't agree more.  We're going to wrap it up on that note, brother. 

M

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