Hopkins highlights Broad Street Brawl

Cocky, brash and one of Philly’s finest.

Bernard Hopkins, the former two-division world champion, enters the ring tonight against Enrique Ornelas to prove his doubters wrong in a 12-rounder at Temple’s Liacouras Center.

“You can’t live forever let alone fight forever,” Hopkins said. “When I am not around, you will miss me.”

While many are calling it a tune-up for a March 13 rematch against Roy Jones, Jr., “The Executioner” is taking nothing for granted.

“I’m fighting one of the toughest guys out there [Enrique Ornelas] and I have more to lose than him,” Hopkins said. “This is not a tune-up; this is a get-up. This is a get-up for me to get prepared for a new year.”

Of course, Hopkins is the consummate business man. He admits one of the main goals of the event is to provide a stage for local boxers. Philadelphia natives Danny Garcia (14-0) and lightweight Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (5-0) will be featured on the undercard. If the show is a financial success, Hopkins has promised a series of bouts in the city through 2010.

“I have been waiting for this moment,” Garcia said. “There will be blood, sweat and tears — Philly style.”