That remains to be seen.

On Dec. 2., about a month before he turns 45, Hopkins will fight again, against Enrique Ornelas at the Liacouras Center. It will be Hopkins' first fight in his hometown since 2003 and only his second fight here in the last 16 years. And maybe - as the buy-your-tickets-now promotion goes - his last pro fight in this city, ever.

It's also part of at least a three-fight "hit list" that Hopkins, the former middleweight and light-heavyweight world champion who turned pro in 1988, has planned for the finishing stage (maybe) of his illustrious career. The plan includes an early 2010 rematch against Roy Jones Jr., who has won titles in four weight divisions and beat Hopkins in 1993.

"I think the 45 stands out for people because the average 45-year-old person, they're not boxing, and they know how they feel, and most of the time it's not good," Hopkins said during a conference call yesterday. "I know a lot of people in the media are trying to figure out 'When is this guy's going to look like he's 45?' Do I feel the same way as I did at 24 or 34? No. I've got some kinks here and there."

But Hopkins (49-5-1) calculates that his lifetime of sly defensive fighting and healthy lifestyle trim 10 years from what the calendar says.

"I didn't let the street and outside life destroy me," he said. "I took care of myself in my twenties. I took care of myself in my thirties. Now I'm getting back the dividends."

The fight against Ornelas is supposed to be a tune-up for a bigger payday - Hopkins' planned return bout with Jones. Jones, who turns 41 in January, also will fights a tune-up on the same day, in Australia. Either aging ex-champ could lose and blow the whole thing.

Ornelas (29-5 with 19 KOs), a 29-year-old Mexican fighter whose success has not been on the same level as Hopkins' and isn't expected to give Hopkins a major challenge.

The Hopkins-Ornelas fight will be televised on the Versus network, but tickets are being priced to draw a live crowd, starting at $25 and maxing out at $200 for ring-side.