From one extreme to the other. A day relaxing in front of the snooker is the perfect preparation for the somewhat more explosive action taking place in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The light-heavyweight clash between Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe is yet another reminder that British boxing is at the top of its game. David Haye eased past Enzo Maccarinelli in last month's WBO cruiserweight battle of Britain, but it is on Calzaghe's shoulders that domestic hopes principally rest.

The followers of Ricky Hatton and Clinton Woods might have returned from those fighters' title bids disappointed but the Welshman's travelling army look set for a more successful Stateside visit.

It is a fascinating match-up between two classy fighters. 'The Executioner' made 20 successful world title defences at middleweight over a golden 10 year period and deserves his status as a modern-day legend.

He relishes dismantling southpaws - ask Winky Wright and Antonio Tarver - but Calzaghe has the attributes to avoid going the same way.

Lightning quick hand speed and a heavy punch will test the wily 43 year old to the limit, who appears in danger of underestimating the Newbridge fighter. Calzaghe's CV might not include the same names that feature on Hopkins' vanquished list, but he rises to every occasion and an undefeated 44-0-0 career record is not to be sniffed at.

Calzaghe needs to get the jab that accounted for Mikkel Kessler in such devastating fashion in December in good working order, although finding similar fluency in unfamiliar territory is a tough ask.

However, he is experienced enough to prosper on his American debut and will not be hurt by the step up in weight that undid Hatton in his clash with Floyd Mayweather.

This is sure to be a cagey contest that can expected to go the distance. Despite the influx of 9,000 or so Brits there are apparently tickets still available for the fight, although Hopkins, like Mayweather, does not need to rely on crowd support.

I hope to get a flavour of a boxing-obsessed public on my forthcoming holiday to the Philippines, where the odd bet is also known to be placed. A Calzaghe win on points is the outcome that will give me some more spending money.