By Dewi Rhys Griffiths

(Original Story written on 11/10/2007)

So who is next for Joe Calzaghe? We know he wants to challenge the American Bernard Hopkins, yet Calzaghe’s promoter doesn’t appear to have faith in the challenge that Hopkins has for Calzaghe, who has never lost a fight during his 44 fight history. Why break routine and lose now? 

The Pride of Wales has so far had a career spanning 14 years, and according to the Ring Magazine is champion of the Super Middleweights. During his 44 fight career, Calzaghe has won 32 of his fights by knock out. Hopkins, fights in the Light Heavyweights and his career has so far comprised of 52 fights. He boasts 48 wins (32 by knock out) four losses and one draw, and is also champion of his class. Yet according to Ring Magazine, Hopkins has only had 74 weeks in the ratings, compared to Calzaghes 548.

It is rumoured that Ronald Wright is the opponent Hopkins would rather face instead of Calzaghe. The match would be a re-match of their first fight, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and ended on a unanimous decision victory for Hopkins with the judges scoring the fight 116-112, 117-111, 117-111.

‘Winky’ Wright currently fights in the Middleweights, has been in 55 fights, and of those he won 51 (25 by knock out) lost four and drew one. He is number one in the Ring Magazine ratings and has spent 131 weeks amongst the top boxers.

Even though it was Hopkins who initially laid down the challenge to Calzaghe, Frank Warren, the manager of Calzaghe, believes that Hopkins is actually reluctant to face Calzaghe. In an interview with BBC Online Warren said that Hopkins “would rather not face Calzaghe, 35, even in the United States, because he might be scared of losing.”

It would be sensible for both men to do the match, as it would take place in the United States and would no doubt stretch to a broader audience. Gate receipts would also be greater as it would most probably take place at Madison Square Garden. The fact it would take place at ‘The Garden’ would also appeal to Calzaghe as it is somewhere he has never fought at and is one of the most famous venues.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe (175)

This is a "super fight" if there was ever to be one. Most should know Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins' ghoulish face for many reasons. Hopkins is widely recognized as being the most prolific middleweight (160) of his generation. He has appeared on numerous talk shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno promoting fights, most notably his last fight with Winky Wright. Non-fight fans may remember Hopkins stumping for John Kerry during the 2004 Presidential election when Kerry came to Philadelphia. Yes, the born and bred Philadelphian Hopkins greeted Presidential hopeful John Kerry when he landed at Philly airport and then proceeded to give an entertaining speech in the lead up to Kerry's eventual long winded (much like me: long and winded) speech.

"The Executioner" holds a highly touted record of 48 wins (32 by KO) and 4 losses with 1 no contest and 1 draw. Hopkins' most impressive career statistic is that he went undefeated for 12 years; after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Roy Jones Jr. in 1993, Hopkins would not taste defeat again until a split decision loss this time to Jermain Taylor in the summer of 2005. Over this 12 year period of time, Hopkins won 24 fights and 6 belts. As "prolific" as this career had been, Hopkins' first taste of notoriety came from his fight with Felix Trinidad in 2001

In the fight world, it is always "good" vs. "bad". Hopkins snatched the reins of "bad" in the pre-fight carnival lead up to his battle with Trinidad. Felix "Tito" Trinidad is/was the number one fighter from Puerto Rico and at the time was selling more pay-per-views than anyone else. Trinidad during his prime was the top draw of boxing, maybe even more respected than Oscar De La Hoya. Nevertheless, when Trinidad is fighting he is the "good" guy and Hopkins did not allow the "bad" guy role to simply be given to him by default, but Hopkins took it with authority. Like all of Hopkins' opponents, Trinidad stood toe-to-toe with Hopkins and look into his violent eyes and was barked at and called every name in the book. Hopkins went to Puerto Rico and in front of Puerto Ricans, Hopkins jawed in Trinidad's face and grabbed a Puerto Rican flag and threw it to the ground. No one had ever done this to Felix Trinidad before and whatever audacity it took it was met with more when Hopkins TKO-ed Trinidad in the 12^th, thus ending the undefeated (40-0) reign as WBA Middleweight Champion.

The Trinidad fight is Hopkins' crowning achievement and that alone will solidify his place in boxing's Hall of Fame, but outside of the ring is as much a part of the story as well. This versatile wily veteran grew up on the rough streets of Philadelphia and by the age of 13 was already in a life of crime. At 17, Hopkins was sentenced on nine felonies for 18 years. In prison, Hopkins saw murderous violence all around him, but it was also where he grew an appreciation for boxing. After serving 5 years, Hopkins left prison and started his endeavor to use boxing to change his life forever.

Hopkins is now 43 years old and fighting in two weight classes above the glory of his middleweight years. This fight is in defense of The Ring light-heavyweight belt which he won in an unanimous decision against Antonio Tarver. Hopkins is well-known for being the underdog who shocks the world. He is hard as nails and fights a smart fight. He is conservative in the ring and has grown more conservative as he has aged. At his "advanced" age he is still in phenomenal shape and is now being trained by 4 separate coaches running each individual part of his training to ensure the best. Bernard is also a member of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya's crew and, thusly, one of Hopkins' coaches is the enigmatic Freddie Roach. Hopkins will be entering the ring for this fight the bigger name stateside and maybe even the favorite because of that.

Across the ring from "The Executioner" on Saturday night will be one of the best kept "secrets" of boxing for the past 15 years, Joseph William Calzaghe. "The Pride of Wales" is always lurking in the shadows of the spotlight from men like Hopkins simply for the fact that if you are not famous in America then Americans just don't care along with the American sports reporters. Calzaghe's boxing career is one of head shaking amazement. Calzaghe will be entering the ring at a ridiculous 44 - 0 with 32 by KO. Joe Calzaghe hasn't tasted defeat since he was 15 probably. The man only knows how to win.

Born and raised and lives currently in Wales. He has had only one trainer and one boxing gym in his whole life. Calzaghe began boxing at the age of 6 under the tutelage of his father, Enzo Calzaghe. Enzo has no background in boxing. Enzo was a jazz musician who for whatever reason believed that when his son started taking an interest in boxing that he had it in him to make him into a champion. Over all the years, obviously many heralded trainers/coaches have tried to attach themselves to Calzaghe's undefeated streak, but Joe has never messed with success and is still trained by Enzo is an old Rugby Football club.

Calzaghe's biggest moments of fame stemmed from two victories that caught Americans' eyes: Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler. In 2006, Calzaghe had been the super middleweight (168) champ for years, but still had never left the British Isles for fame elsewhere. American "Superman" Jeff Lacy crossed the Atlantic in what most thought would be American muscle KOing the "Italian Dragon". Calzaghe had a different story to tell when he soundly handled Jeff Lacy for 12 rounds in an amazing display of speed over power. Lacy is/was built like a superhero and much thought at the time he was the second coming of Mike Tyson, but Calzaghe ambidextrous punching power and his uncanny speed blind sided Lacy and left him battered and bloody and going back across the Atlantic a loser. The Mikkel Kessler fight was only a few months ago back in November when the charismatic Calzaghe showed again that boxing still had to deal with him.

Kessler is seven years the junior to Joe Calzaghe and was entering that fight like a freight train at 39 - 0 with 29 KOs. The Danish "Hitman" was youth and power against, again, Calzaghe's unorthodox south paw style and speed. Calzaghe started off slow and took a few rounds of beatings by the straight shots of Kessler. His tattooed back was driving punch after punch into Calzaghe's face and some thought that this was it for Europe's wily veteran, but at the moment it looked the worst for Joe he battled back. Calzaghe is unlike any other fighter. His granite chin allows him to fight in that classic European brawler mindset of taking a punch to give a punch, but outside of that Calzaghe performs like water in that ring. He darts around ducking and diving and flowing and throwing punches at the oddest angles with precision accuracy. He hits you with both hands with power and he is constantly throwing punches. Calzaghe is all offense. He is a never ending onslaught of punching. His speed is phenomenal and his ability to seamlessly entertain the crowd and punish his opponent is tremendous. Calzaghe's style is the improvisational Jazz that only his father could teach him.

I expect this fight to go the distance. Hopkins at one time knocked people out, but not so much anymore. At their level, neither Hopkins nor Calzaghe will get KOed and I don't think either is looking for that to win. Hopkins traditionally fights a slower more defensive counter puncher style fight meanwhile Calzaghe fights a fast paced 100 punch round fight. I love both of these fighters. I am a big fan of both. But if money had to be riding on it I would choose Joe Calzaghe. I think at this point Calzaghe has more to lose and more to fight for than Hopkins. Bernard is finally famous and is under The Golden Boy flag which means this fight is more for money than legacy. Calzaghe's fight is definitely for money as well, but his legacy in America will be emblazoned with a victory. Even though Hopkins is in amazing shape at 43, I think Calzaghe's youth in comparison will be a factor. I think Calzaghe is still so fast and his pace is not a pace that Hopkins has had to deal with for a long time. I think Calzaghe has been more active and continuous with his preparations for fights and that will play a role. I would not be surprised if Hopkins can slow Calzaghe down and use his power advantage, but no one has been able to do that to Calzaghe yet and I don't see it happening now. "The Pride of Wales" continues undefeated.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra II (170)

If there was a division in MMA that is always on the tips of the resident fight fans' tongues it would be the welterweight division (170). As always, the most prominent of this division resides under the banner of the UFC. This division has been a step above the others with almost all credit to former champion Matt Hughes. Like Atlas, Hughes carried this division on his back through the dark days of MMA up until recently. Hughes has defeated pretty much every regular 170 pound fighter that the UFC has and have had to offer. This title fight on Saturday may be the moment when the division can finally be taken off his shoulders and secured to the shoulder of one of these two, or both.

The true glory of this fight is indebted to the very nature that this is a rematch of fight that took place for the same belt around the same time last year and resulted in the sport's "biggest upset". The first title fight featured Georges "Rush" St. Pierre as the newly crowned champion who had recently come off an unbelievably one sided TKO rematch win against Matt Hughes. St. Pierre and Hughes were seen as the top of the welterweight's food chain. Hughes was the old guard and St. Pierre was the new golden child of the next generation of the UFC. Georges lost to Hughes in a flash arm-bar submission to Hughes in 2004 which humbled the very young fighter and he went on to amass a 5 fight win streak concluding with a decision victory over "The Prodigy" BJ Penn. A win over Penn secured St. Pierre for a title shot rematch with Hughes and this time "Rush" did not disappoint. In the opening moments, what was once a young wide-eyed wunderkind was now a beast intent on winning. He dismantled Hughes standing and stuffed a couple takedown attempts. The fight ended with a head kick that sent Hughes to the mat followed by several elbows for good measure. The new guard had been crowned and all expected the "Era of GSP" would reign for ever and ever.

The Ultimate Fighter 4: The Comeback was a gimmick based season. Past seasons of TUF had seasoned fighters coaching young up-and-comers. Season 4 pitted two teams of veteran fighters against each other without centralized coaches. These fighters were guys who had seen the spotlight, but had lost in that spotlight. The prize for the winner of the reality show was instant spotlight in a title fight with the current champion of their respective divisions (170 and 185). Immediately, Matt "The Terror" Serra took hold of this show from his nonstop talking to his thick New York accent to him being the heart of his team. No voice could be heard louder during each and every fight than Matt Serra's voice shrilling over top screaming "There we go, why don't you use some foot stomps... ok ok... how about some elbows, maybe some hammer fists... nice nice." A team full of misfits including Serra's most notable loss, Shonie Carter, he became their coach and eventually he himself was in the finals. Serra went on to win the show which prompted his first fight to be against GSP for the belt.

Going into the fight, Serra was a huge underdog. Georges is a very large 170 (he walks around at 200 pounds), he is younger, seemingly faster and stronger and a huge huge huge fan favorite. Everyone loves GSP, there are no if and/or doubts about that. He is young, he is muscular, he smiles and he looks like Jean Claude Van Damme with his head shaved. He is French Canadian so he has that alluring accent and all of this couldn't be more appropriate for his opponent. Serra is short, built like a gorilla, he is loud, obnoxious, he is from Long Island, and he is 7 years older that Georges. While GSP has been a fixture in modern MMA, Serra's fame came solely from TUF 4 and what has followed. The betting odds were something like 6 to 1 for Georges. No one was giving Serra much of a shot. Either way, Serra began and ended that fight by throwing big looping heavy handed hooks that finished Georges and his "Era" in 3 minutes and 25 seconds.

The world was stunned. How could a short, high pitched, blabber mouth from Long Island beat the lean and mean stud from Quebec, Canada? The jury is still out on why it happened in that way, but nevertheless it happened. Serra may be undersized, but he is built like a body builder which goes in direct opposition to his fighting style of submission grappling. Serra is a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu and has been competing in MMA since the 90's. I remember seeing him on an under card of I think a kickboxing card in NY with Frank Shamrock guest commentating for a "sports jiu-jitsu" match as they called it. While Serra still trains on Long Island with the Gracies, Georges is more of a mercenary training in Montreal and training with Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting in New Mexico.

Besides being a rematch with now Serra as the champion and Georges as the challenger, the fight took an odd twist when the war of pre-fight words seemed to turn personal. I'm not sure how heated it is between the two of them, but GSP has never looked/sounded more angry than he has in the past. The outcome of this fight could literally be anything. The first fight was seen to be a cake walk for Georges. Everyone thought that GSP could use his size to keep it standing and use his flashy striking skills to dominate Serra like he has with pretty much everyone who has ever stood with him. But they did stand and Serra's seemingly wild hooks laid GSP out really quickly. So who has the advantage standing? Both men will enter with the same credit they had before with GSP seen as the more prolific striker and now Serra as a heavy handed slugger. The size advantage is still there, but it was there last time.

I think the increasingly interesting angle is the ground game. Most gave Serra the nod here because he is a more experienced BJJ fighter, but even more so he uses his BJJ in all of his fights where as Georges doesn't. Serra is like a monkey on the ground and he is always attached to his opponent never giving them an inch. The match-up is GSP on top and Serra on bottom. GSP was known for his ground and pound, but over the last two fights he has shown that his wrestling is out of this world. He took on Josh Koscheck and then Matt Hughes who are easily seen as the #1 and #2 wrestlers at 170 if not all of MMA. He took them down over and over and stuffed their takedown attempts. Georges also was using his wrestling as his key weapon in both fights. So is GSP looking to take this fight to the ground? That is a big question. He will have the size advantage and will be able to take down Serra, but does he really want to test a Gracie black belt on the ground?

The fight should be wild. I do not see this going all 5 rounds. I would be surprised if it went more than three, but I do think Georges will start off fairly conservative to simply last longer than he did the first time. I wish I could say that I am picking Serra because it seems unimaginative to choose Georges especially considering what happened last time. I have never seen Georges so furious before a fight and many people say don't fight angry, but I think he is more focused than Serra is. Serra has to deal with his "bad" guy image a lot more than Georges has to for his "good" guy image. I think that all the interviews and hype will hurt Serra meanwhile GSP will come in like laser like he did for his fights with Hughes. I would like to see this fight go to the ground at least for a little bit; I would like to see Serra's BJJ versus GSP's. I think there will be a new champion Saturday night, Mr. Georges "Rush" St. Pierre and we will see a GSP/Serra III and, maybe, a Serra/Hughes fight in the not too distant future.

My prediction that Tito would win was way off. The size and speed of the older Roy Jones was just too much. After watching this, there's no doubt that this would've been the same result 7 or 8 years ago. Thoughts and observations from the Jones vs Trinidad fight:

• Roy watched tape of Tito's bout vs Winky because he used those arms of his to shield himself from all of Trinidad's flurries.
• Tito's best punch: the low blow in round 5.
• Roy drops his gloves and taunts, Tito does nothing.
• Tito's footwork was terrible. Nothing like the day he destroyed Ricardo Mayorga.
• Both knockdowns, especially the 2nd one looked like slips at first glance, Tito has been known to slip throughout his career.
• In the later rounds, I doubt Tito landed more than one clean punch to the face of Jones.
• Tito's body shots were landing on Jone's elbows all night long. Jones never flinched from a clean shot.
• Roy was effectively picking off Tito with the jab every time Tito would come close in the later rounds.
• Jones just barely missed on some major swings that would've ended this fight early.
• Jones supporter Rick Ross, a rapper from Miami, was probably the biggest celebrity at the fight. Sad.
• If Andrew Golota can win at the age of 40, you know Jones can. He mentioned Joe Calzaghe as his next possible opponent.

Next big fight is the rematch of Kelly Pavlik and Jermaine Taylor on February 16!

Although now focused on challenges at weight classes above the one over which they presently reside, mess's Haye (Cruiserweight, Calzaghe (Super-Middleweight) and Ricky Hatton (Light-Welterweight) offer the UK a trio of genuine world-champions amid the 17 weight classes. An unparalled success story in modern times.

And these are proper champions. Not, as David Haye pointed out, one of more than 68 belt-holders possible under the jurisdiction of the main four sanctioning bodies; WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO. Real, genuine, World Champions. There is after all, only one world.

Implicitly this denigrates the achievements of British contemporaries Clinton Woods (IBF Light Heavyweight), Enzo Maccarinelli (WBO Cruiserweight), Gavin Rees (WBA Light-Welterweight) and Junior Witter (WBC Light-Welterweight) who trained and fought hard to win their various belts. But in reality, remove the splintering of the title and none of these very capable fighters are actually world-champions.

Sad but true. This doesn't make their belts worthless, as it assures increased remuneration and greater negotiating power with both the television networks and the promoters of other contenders, it simply means the belts don't make them champions.

However, irrespective of the merits of these other belts they do contribute to the buoyancy of British boxing and have helped return the sport to the consciousness of sports fans across the country. The renaissance has several contributory factors. Notably, the Contender Series, the nostalgia factor initiated by the Rocky film, competitiveness of rival television networks - most notably Sky's rejection of peripheral belts and baubles - and the successive emergence of two Amateur stars in Audley Harrison and Amir Khan. Despite their flaws, they brought boxing back to terrestrial television. A key watershed.

The day to day result? People are now asking me about fights, fighters, titles, weight-classes. They, the great uneducated, want to hear about boxing. Want to understand. I have friends signing up to Setanta because they want to see Joe Calzaghe fight, I have work-colleagues worried about seeing Hatton batter Mayweather because it clashes with their Christmas party. I have family members asking me about the boxing gym and what its like, self-betterment programmes for errant school children grow in popularity.

As we prepare for the most significant boxing match featuring a British fighter since Lennox fought Evander Holyfield and the arrival of a New Year, British boxing and the sport as a whole is blossoming. Medals at World Championships show the production line is far from empty either.

British boxing is alive and well in 2007 and coming to a living room near you. To quote Bernard Hopkins in a post-fight quote from earlier this year. "Boxing is back".

By defeating Mikkel Kessler, a contender with the most effective mix of youth and seasoning Calzaghe has faced thus far, the undisputed Super-Middleweight champion now finds himself in an entirely different stratosphere in terms of renown, respect and, crucially for the soon to be 36 year old, remuneration.

With 50,000 in the Millennium Stadium, interest from Danish, British and American networks satisfied; Calzaghe has very quickly become a sellable and desirable commodity. His rise has the feeling of happening very quickly, the acceptance of his talent and unswerving dedication much more widespread these days, in reality it has been a circuitous and painstaking route to the type of platitudes Calzaghe is now in receipt of.

Two or three years ago when injury scuppered his fight with Glengoffe Johnson, precious few optimists would have countenance d the type of Autumnal blossom now lighting up Calzaghe’s unbeaten career. But here we all are, looking on with affection and nodding in agreement at articles informing us, the ungrateful and unwashed, how much we will miss him when he retires next year.

For all his longevity, and in itself 10 years as any type of champion - even a greatly protected one - represents a level of achievement few contemplate or capture, Calzaghe’s ascent to the upper-echelons of world boxing has essentially been crammed into the last two years. Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler providing unmatched bookends to this belated love-in. It still leaves the sense of ‘if only’ hanging around, but at least it now precedes ‘he’d been matched like this earlier’ rather than the ‘Calzaghe had had a defining fight or two’ everyone feared would haunt him in retirement.

Seven years on from his first public commentary on how difficult making the 168 pound limit was and his plan to move to Light Heavyweight, Calzaghe appears ready to finally make the move. Ripe, and richly rewarding targets, like Antonio Tarver, Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins all reside as plump, juicy dessert to a long diet of meat and potatoes at Super-Middleweight.

On the evidence of Saturday night, when he employed a variety of tactics, punches, speed and ring-generalship to secure a unanimous points victory over a very capable, confident, fit and heavy handed contender, the fossilised 175 pounders should prove entirely enjoyable assignments.

Joe may need to invest in a bigger bandwagon.

Full story with quotes from the various parties is available from the BBC website, click here

Froch's promoter; Mick Hennessy has become a deft strategist with the elite members of his stable. Carefully negotiating the maze of internal politics to present Junior Witter and Howard Eastman with British, European and WBC world title shots. Clearly, the game plan is similar for Froch.

I can't criticise it. The classic route through the British belt, Commonwealth, European before a pursuit of the most revered of the sanctioning bodies is admirable and the world of boxing would be healthier if more promoters adopted it. An old fashioned but worthy course. No sidelines in WBU, no inter-continentals. Just good, plain meaningful fights.

Of course, this singular path requires an additional personality trait, from both the fighter and his fans. Patience.

Eastman waited a long time to get Hopkins in the ring. Witter needed to wait for an abdication to make good on his mandatory ranking. Similarly, Froch has been hovering in the top five for what feels like an eternity. Injury has intervened and nobody can plan for that, but to my mind Froch is arguably over a year behind schedule.

I had the good fortune to interview Carl in late 2005, and the talk was of a European shot and then on to world honours. Now in late 2007, Froch is still facing a British title challenger rather than a champion or fellow top tenner.

2008, has to be the year Froch finally lands a shot, or his prime may yet pass him by unbeknown to all of us. For the record, here is a press release capturing some of the Nottingham man's thoughts on the seminal super-middleweight fight tomorrow.

PRESS RELEASE - 31-10-07

Carl Froch is calling on Joe Calzaghe to fight him after his world title bout with Mikkel Kessler on Saturday.

'The Cobra' defends his British Super-Middleweight Title for the fourth time against former world champion Reid Reid at the Nottingham Arena on a Hennessy Sports show with title partners GoldenPalace.net on November 9. Sky Sports will televise live.

Undefeated Froch wants to face the winner of the fight for Calzaghe's WBO Title and Kessler's WBA and WBC Titles.

Froch is aiming to show the boxing world who the real number one in the super-middleweight division is the weekend after world champions Calzaghe and Kessler box in Cardiff, Wales.

"I've been a big Joe Calzaghe fan over the years but have not been impressed by the way he doesn't want to fight me," said Froch.

"I think Joe Calzaghe should fight me really. He has had a couple of really soft voluntary defences rather than fighting me and I've got the hump with him over it.

"Okay, Kessler is a good fight, but he says he wants only big fights now and fighting me would be just that. There would be huge interest in Britain for it.

"I want Joe to win, and I think he will. But it's probably better for me that Kessler wins, because then I'm more likely to get a world title fight quicker.

"I've been ranked in the WBC top three for the last year now and am due a shot at the title. But Joe has not wanted to fight me yet and is now talking about stepping up a division.

"If Joe loses and I fight Kessler and beat him, I can say I beat the man who beat the man. People won't be able to say Joe would have beaten me then."

Froch tips Calzaghe to out-point Kessler, although the 'Cobra' sees it as a risky fight for his fellow British super-middleweight.

"It's a difficult fight to call," said Froch. "Joe can be caught because he is getting vulnerable. Anything can happen, but when Joe is under pressure he rises to the occasion.

"I think Joe will do what he has to do to win on points. But if he gets knocked out, he will probably have to retire. He is talking about big fights in America, but he will not get any of those if he gets stopped by Kessler. You have to give Joe respect for taking the fight - it's no formality."

Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net Proudly Present FROCH VS REID @ NOTTINGHAM ICE ARENA Friday 9th NOVEMBER 2007.
Doors 6pm, Boxing Starts 6.30pm.

Ticket Prices:
£25 Unreserved Tiered & Reserved Floor
£30 Premium Tiered
£75 Outer Ringside
£125 Ringside

For Tickets:
Call the Box Office on: 0870 121 0123
Book via the web: www.nottingham-arena.com

Critics of the Welshman, of which I’ve been in the past, will point to the lack of hungry, capable opponents faced. The tacit credibility created by longevity is certainly undermined by a failure to face fellow title holders Sven Ottke (IBF), Glen Catley (WBC), Christian Sanavia (WBA), Markus Beyer (WBC), Eric Lucas (WBA), Syd Vanderpool (IBF) and Anthony Mundine (WBA) during his ten years as the king of the division and custodian of the more junior WBO title. In addition, aspiring contenders like Lucien Bute and Carl Froch have thus far been overlooked and fights with middleweight and light heavyweight stars Bernard Hopkins, Glengoffe Johnson, Jermaine Taylor, Roy Jones and Felix Trinidad never came to pass.

There remains time, but precious little.

A belt holder for more than a decade, the venerable Welshman continues to reign over the youthful one hundred and sixty eight pound division with a compelling cocktail of fearlessness, speed and unparalleled fitness. Few fighters enter the ring in the condition Calzaghe does. He may not have the muscular definition of an Evander Holyfield, but beneath the mop of Sardinian black hair is a ferocious athlete with an uncompromising work ethic. Evidenced by his phenomenal punch output from bell to bell. Inherited, and further inflicted, by his father and trainer, Enzo, the stamina reserves Calzaghe possesses enabled him to land over a 1000 blows versus Jeff Lacy. An incredible output for an ageing champion.

Although Kessler will not allow the luxury of time extended by Lacy’s ponderous style, he will not be able to avoid the perpetual motion of Calzaghe’s fists all night. From the outset, I’ve considered Mikkel Kessler to be a dangerous but entirely beatable foe for even the veteran version of Calzaghe. A typical European style fighter, stiff backed with a solid arsenal of punches, I’ve described the unbeaten Dane as a young Richie Woodhall with more pop. A definition meant neither to demean Richie or flatter Kessler.However, Calzaghe’s recent comments on his impending retirement and how he would deal with a potential defeat have me concerned for my long-held prediction that Calzaghe will simply out-point the challenger in an intense affair.

Footage of Kessler demonstrates his strength, an ability to adapt to different opponents and of course he enters the ring as a title holder himself with experience of winning away; beating Anthony Mundine in his Australian backyard is no mean feat. Kessler is more rounded and well schooled than Lacy and is a more intelligent fighter too. In short, Calzaghe has no room for thoughts of retirement, the light-heavyweight division or what happens if he loses. He'll be in the wrong place if he's not mentally right.

I’m sticking with my instinct on the bout, ten years of watching a fighter win is a hard habit to break, and believe Calzaghe will prevail in a thrilling contest. Regardless of injury, opponent or other distractions Calzaghe always wins in the end. He may have to climb off the canvas to do it but I believe he will.

After all, Calzaghe has fought guys like Kessler before, Kessler can't same the same.

Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe

Both men enter the ring looking confident, as they come out for the first round they touch gloves and then it’s straight into the action. It is an electrifying start from both men matching each other punch for punch . Calzaghe pushes McCallum back, then McCallum fires back to the head and body. Two and fro neither man prepared to back down and neither getting the upper hand. Something has to give surely they can’t keep this pace going. The bell for the end of the 1st ends the action and both men smile at each other in acknowledgement of each others work rate.

The second round starts and neither man is prepared to let up and starts off just as they finished the first. I wouldn’t like to be a judge if this one goes the distance, the bell for the end of the second it the only thing that stops the action. The pair slap gloves, not only a great fight but is also fought in great spirit. The third is a little slower both men have taken and given out big shots and seem to be taking a well deserved rest, that is until about a minute to go in the round, McCallum pushes Calzaghe into his own corner and unleashes a huge Left, right combination to Calzaghes body almost cutting him in half Calzaghe leans forward from the shots and meets an almost perfect upper cut flush on the chin. Calzaghe falls forward into a heap.

He is up at the count of six and raises his gloves nodding to the referee. The referee signals the fight to continue and McCallum rushes in and unloads again with hurtful shots to the head and body, Calzaghe winces but refuses to go down again, he takes in a big gulp of air and fires back with his own shots forcing McCallum to stem the attack, when the bell rings to end the third both fighters nod at each other. What a fight, in the 4th Calzaghe seems to have recovered from the knockdown and now has McCallum on the back foot, McCallum fires back with a big right hand which Calzaghe ducks under and unleashes with a powerful right hook followed by a left straight and another right hook, this time it’s McCallum’s turn to raise himself from the canvas. He doesn’t appear hurt as he gets to his feet and when the referee signals them to fight again it is McCallum who takes the attack to Calzaghe, both are standing toe to toe in the centre of the ring as the bell goes to end the forth.

In the 5th and 6th the pace slows a little but is still furious neither man really getting the upper hand, the seventh starts and Calzaghe comes out quickly, he leads again with the right hook which lands flush, Calzaghe follows up with 10 unanswered punches which forces McCallum to the canvas once again. This time on rising McCallum definitely looks shaken by the knockdown. Calzaghe steps back from the knockdown shaking his left hand, rather than rushing in for the finish Calzaghe eases off and starts moving for the first time boxing off the back foot throwing the jab. He doesn’t throw the left for the remainder of the fight, has his injury curse struck again? The bell sounds and both men head back to their respective corners McCallum on slightly rubbery legs.

The bell for the seventh rings and again Calzaghe is on the back foot throwing right jabs and the occasional hook, McCallum seems to be still suffering from the knockdown and his hands are dropping. Calzaghe is moving well and McCallum is struggling to catch up with him, still Calzaghe has not thrown the left hand. The round ends and McCallum walks back to the corner, his corner man points out Calzaghe’s damaged hand and screams encouragement to his man, McCallum sits up straighter on the stool and takes in a big gulp of air.

The eighth starts and McCallum seems to have a new lease of life, he starts to move to his right no longer fearing the left cross, just as he does so Calzaghe unleashes with a huge left straight into the face of McCallum, the crack from Calzaghe’s hand can be heard about four rows back as the shot landed, McCallum off balance crashes to the canvas. Calzaghe cannot hide the pain from his damaged left and his face screws up with agony. McCallum jumps to his feet eager to carry on once the referee finishes the eight count McCallum almost sprints forward pinning Calzaghe on the ropes throwing left hooks to the body and head forcing Calzaghe to block the shots with his damaged hand. As the bell sounds Calzaghe walks back to his corner clutching the damaged hand . The referee comes over to Calzaghe’s corner and asks if he is ok and whether he can carry on. Calzaghe nods and says “Never Better” the lie from gritted teeth.

The ninth sees Calzaghe on the back foot again using the jab well but McCallum is outscoring him with better work and it’s the same in the 10th and 11th round, McCallum is starting to tire but is on top. The bell for the 12th Round rings and both men embrace in the centre of the ring. The action starts again almost the second they let go, McCallum is surprised as Calzaghe comes out throwing leather with both hands biting down hard on his gum shield, the punches don’t carry the same power but the speed of them puts McCallum on the back foot, both men fire shots as if it was the first round again neither giving an inch the whole last round shows a true example of the fitness and determination of both men. The bell rings to end the fight and both fall into each others arms and raise each others arms.

This one is going to the judges cards and it’s a close one, the result seems to take forever both men stood with the referee waiting to see whose hand will be raised. 1st Judge 115-113 Calzaghe, a cheer erupts from the crowd as McCallum claps as well, 2nd Judge 115-113 McCallum again the cheers come, both fighters are looking tense as the final Judges score is read out 116-114 for Calzaghe, he has scrapped through by a split Decision. What a fight they don’t come much better than that.

Over the last 25 years the Middle and Super Middleweight Divisions have produced some of the best talent to enter a boxing ring, no one can ever say who the best were as many of them have not and will not fight each other in their primes.

The following competition is my idea on how the fights would have gone should they have fought each other whilst in their prime. There are 32 qualifiers entering the competition and they are split into 2 sections, to qualify fighters must have either competed at Middleweight or Super Middleweight at some point in their career even if it was not their ideal weight and must have fought within the last 25 years.

The fights are seen as if each fighter was in his prime. The draw is made totally randomly and the outcome of each fight is as I would have seen it, they may have already fought each other, this will be taken into account however it will not necessarily determine the result.

The first two rounds will be completed within the sections and then the final qualifying 8 will form the quarter finals. It will be a knockout competition so a loss removes the fighter from the competition.

Section 1

1. Steve Collins
2. Mike McCallum
3. Michael Watson
4. Nigel Benn
5. Chris Eubank
6. Joe Calzaghe
7. Carl Froch
8. Mikkel Kessler
9. Bernard Hopkins
10. Jermain Taylor
11. Herold Graham
12. Julian Jackson
13. Sugar Ray Leonard
14. Sven Ottke
15. Gerald McClellan
16. Marvin Hagler

Section 2

1. Ronald Wright
2. James Toney
3. Roberto Duran
4. Thomas Hearns
5. Roy Jones Jr
6. Michael Nunn
7. Montell Griffin
8. Iran Barkley
9. Reggie Johnson
10. William Joppy
11. John Mugabi
12. Alan Minter
13. Hector Camacho
14. Kelly Pavlik
15. Arthur Abraham
16. Cory Spinks

1st Round Draws

Section 1 -

Steve Collins v Sugar Ray Leonard
Chris Eubank v Carl Froch
Bernard Hopkins v Sven Ottke
Michael Watson v Jermain Taylor
Nigel Benn v Marvin Hagler
Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler
Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe
Herald Graham v Julian Jackson

Section 2 -

Ronald Wright v Hector Camacho
Roy Jones Jr v Michael Nunn
Reggie Johnson v Kelly Pavlik
Roberto Duran v William Joppy
Thomas Hearns v John Mugabi
Arthur Abraham v Alan Minter
James Toney v Cory Spinks
Iran Barkley v Montell Griffin

Fights will be posted on a weekly basis with 2 fights per week randomly selected

Week 1

Gerald McClellan v Mikkel Kessler and Mike McCallum v Joe Calzaghe

Watch out for these two awesome fights this week

Best British Fighters in the last 20 years

Top 10 Best of Britain

1. Joe Calzaghe
2. Lennox Lewis
3. Ricky Hatton
4. Chris Eubank
5. Prince Naseem Hamed
6. Herbie Hide
7. Herol Graham
8. Nigel Benn
9. Frank Bruno
10. Junior Witter

Number 1 - Joe Calzaghe - Record 43-0 (32 KO)

It was a tough decision to put Calzaghe or Lewis in at number 1, it was just the standard of opponents that Calzaghe has faced that sowed that little seed of doubt, not that this is Calzaghe’s fault in any way, he has never ducked anyone there just has been the class of opponents in his reign as Champion, he came along just as the Benn’s, Collins, McCallum’s were on there way out, he did fight and beat Chris Eubank who was a little past his best.

As a super middleweight Calzaghe is undefeated in nearly 14 years and in 43 fights, which includes 21 World Title fights. Calzaghe has never even come close to being defeated he has only briefly been on the canvas twice in his whole career, by Salem and Mitchell, both although big punches Joe was up straight away and went on to win. He has the heart of a Champion and has suffered with hand problems for his full career, and still defeated all comers. Calzaghe deserves the number one spot and who am I to take it away from him.

Number 2 - Lennox Lewis - Record 41-2-1 (32 KO)

Born in East London then moved to Canada, competed for Canada in the Olympics twice, the second time winning a Gold Medal. He then signed with Frank Maloney and moved back to the UK where he started his professional Career. Won the European Title in only his 14th Fight, Then won the British Title and the Commonwealth Titles beating British favourites Gary Mason and Derek Williams.

Then in his 23 fight he took a shot at Tony Tuckers WBC Heavyweight World Title, winning on points. He made two defences and then lost to Oliver McCall, he then regained the title by beating McCall after McCall broke down in the ring. He made 9 defences and added the IBF, IBO and WBA titles on the way.

Then came a shock loss to Rahman which he quickly put right winning back the titles. He made a further 2 title defences before retiring as World Champion in 2003. He fought a total of 18 World Title fights and returned to beat the only 2 men who managed to defeat him.

Number 3 - Ricky Hatton - Record 42-0 (30 KO)

Hatton is another amazing fighter who again it could be justified that he should be sitting at the top of the tree, he is unbeaten in 42 professional contests. Hatton has faced some of the toughest men in the Light Welterweight Division, including the likes of Vince Phillips, Ben Tackie and one of the greatest Kostya Tszyu. He won the World Title at 2 weights Light welter and up at Welter.

One of the reasons Hatton is not number one is that in his 42 fights only 4 have been world title fights, although he has taken on previous title holders. He has been put down a little lately with his fights with Luis Collazo and Juan Urango, both are which are very harsh. Collazo a strong Welterweight, and awkward southpaw, Hatton did very well to win and he did so reasonably convincingly, Urango was a tough Light Welterweight, from physical appearance he looked more like a light Middle. Hatton boxed him fantastically, moving in doing his work and then getting out of there, it might not have been fantastic fight to watch for the untrained eye but he boxed beautifully.

Hatton has only been on the canvas one in the 42 fights and that was a flash knock down to big punching Eamon McGee. He is a tough man and a great Champion and at the age of only 28 hopefully there will be a lot more to come.

Number 4 - Chris Eubank - Record 45-5-2 (23 KO)

The man even his own fans loved to hate, certainly on of the biggest characters ever to step into a boxing ring, and he had the talent to back it up. He took British favourite warrior Nigel Benn’s title from him in there first meeting, going on to defend it 18 times. He suffered a few losses towards the end of his career to the likes of Calzaghe, Steve Collins and up at Cruiserweight Carl Thompson.

He was a fantastic showman and people will remember his antics between rounds nearly as much as the round itself, He had two amazing fights with Michael Watson, the second leaving Watson brain damaged and paralysed. This took something away from Eubank and he never looked the same fighter again, although he still defended his title a further 14 times, some of the spark left him.

Number 5 - Prince Naseem Hamed - Record 36-1 (31 KO)

Naseem was another great showman, probably more flamboyant than Eubank, with his somersaults over the top rope to enter the ring. Again inside the ring he backed up the arrogance with amazing speed and power. He won a world title in only his 19th Fight and made 16 defences, he eventually ran into the tough and world class Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera, who managed to work out Naseem’s style and beat him on points.

Naz could have been the best but he decided not take a re-match with Barrera and we didn’t see him in the ring for a whole year, he eventually returned for a fight with Mexican Calvo in which he won but was booed after a poor performance, that was the last time we saw the Prince in action.

Number 6 - Herbie Hide - Record 37-4 (36 KO)

To see Herbie Hide in this list may surprise a few people, he had an amazing talent and massive punch power. His natural weight was Cruiserweight and if he had stayed there he would have ruled the world and may be even higher up this list. The financial pull from Heavyweight was too much and he stepped up although his punch power still knocked out some of the best Heavyweights and he won the World title on two separate occasions once he came up against the huge men such as Riddick Bowe and Vitali Klitschko he was just too small.

Hide suffered mentally and was known for his short temper and abusive outbursts, when he returned to the ring, he suffered two defeats to complete journeymen and his love for the sport seemed to have totally diminished. He has made yet another comeback this time back at Cruiserweight again, but at the age of 35 it may be too late for him to make any real impression.

Number 7 - Herol Graham - Record 48-6 (28 KO)

Probably one of the best fighters in the world never to win a world title, Herol won his first 38 fights, he then defended his European Title against the tough Sumbu Kalambay, who after a close points verdict gave Graham his first defeat. He then took on American superstar the Body Snatcher Mike McCallum for his first World title shot for the WBA Middleweight title, again losing a very close points decision.

Than came another American Julian Jackson, Graham was totally out boxing Jackson and looked to be on his way to winning his first title, then towards the end of the 4th round Jackson unleashed one of his famous bombs that couldn’t have landed any flusher on the chin of Graham, knocking him out cold.

In his last fight Graham took on yet another American this time for the IBF version of the title, again Graham was boxing well until the tenth, Graham dropped Brewer twice and then came the onslaught, Brewer fought back with amazing courage and stopped Graham to his massive disappointment. After this fight Graham retired never reaching his dream of a World Title belt.

Number 8 - Nigel Benn - Record 42-5-1 (35 KO)

Nigel Benn was a true warrior, the amount of times he was out on his feet and then fired back was unbelievable, his fight with Gerald McClellan was one of if not the best fight in history, unfortunately due to the tragic repercussions of McClellan’s injuries after the fight, that is what it is remembered for. Nigel was like a wild animal only came into his best after being hurt.

He was possibly the most exciting fighter to watch in the ring tremendous power with both hands but also was a little too easy to hit. Nigel won his first 22 fights all by knockout. He will be best remembered for his wars in and out of the ring with Chris Eubank, which was only missing the third fight between the two after a draw in their second fight. If this list was based on Heart and the will to win Nigel would be up there with the best.

Number 9 - Frank Bruno - Record - 40-5 (38 KO)

Big Frank Bruno is always remembered as a nearly man that when it came to the crunch just didn’t have enough. I would argue that he did, he only had 5 losses on his card, the first loss against James Bonecrusher Smith, Bruno went into the fight as favourite and was winning well on all the cards until Smith landed a massive blow in the 10th Round, Bruno took the barrage and was stopped. In his first title challenge against Tim Witherspoon again Bruno was up on all the cards again but again Bruno was caught and stopped in the 11th after looking the winner. He then took on Iron Mike Tyson and became the first man to wobble the champion before again being caught with a series of massive uppercuts and was again stopped.

Then came the turn of Lennox Lewis and again Bruno was ahead and looking good and he got caught yet again and stopped. He then eventually did win the Heavyweight World Title against Oliver McCall, proving he did have what it took, Bruno was a lot better fighter than given credit for, where he fell down was not having a glass jaw but not knowing how to react when hurt, rather than go down and take time to recover he would stand and take the barrage which followed and subsequently being stopped.

Number 10 - Junior Witter - Record - 35-1-2 (20 KO)

Another who may not be fully justified to be in the top 10, however in his first Title challenge he took Zab Judah the distance at very short notice, and two early draws in his career, since then has done nothing wrong. He is currently the WBC Light Welterweight Champion and has defended his title. He still awaits the real tests but they are coming and he will be tough man to beat.

He has perfected his unique style and which uses speed and power to the maximum, a clash with Ricky Hatton will be interesting although I believe Hatton will have too much for him. Never the less Witter has proven he is a great fighter and will continue doing so.

Others that were considered -

Howard Eastman
David Haye
Enzo Maccarinelli
Colin Dunne
Billy Schwer
Wayne McCullough
Michael Watson
Steve Collins
Michael Brodie
Danny Williams
Johnny Nelson

There are many more as well that could have been in the top ten

Fights we all would like to see

Fights listed in weight division order of the fights that realistically have a chance of happening and that we would all love to see.

Heavyweight -

Nikoli Valuev v Vitali Klitschko

Valuev has escaped too long without fighting a decent opponent, he should beat Chagaev and move closer to claiming a possibly undeserved record that has stood since the days of Rocky Marciano of 49 straight wins, hopefully one of the Klitschko brothers can do something about that. Vitali is the best of the two and would have a great chance of beating Valuev.

Prediction - Stoppage win for Klitschko

Cruiserweight -

Jean Marc Mormeck v David Haye

Haye has clung on to remaining at Cruiserweight to claim the world title. Mormeck proved he will be no push over since beating O’Neil Bell to set up this clash of the Titens. Haye has proved he has overcome stamina problems he had in his defeat to Carl Thompson when he was Knocked out after punching himself into the ground.

It will answer a lot of questions about both fighters. I think Haye will prove to big and too powerful for Mormeck.

Prediction - Haye win by late Stoppage

Light Heavyweight -

Clinton Woods v Antonio Tarver

Woods deserves a big fight before he retires, Roy Jones would have been nice but a win wouldn't give him the credit as Jones is regarded by many as washed up. Tarver although beaten by Hopkins is still a great draw and it would be a tough fight. Woods would have to show the grit of his last fight with Glen Johnson to get the win but I think he is capable of it.

Prediction - Woods points win

Super Middleweight -

Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler

What does poor Calzaghe have to do to prove he is the best around. He has destroyed all comers so far and I believe Kessler will be on the same boat.

His record is a little flattering at 39-0 but who has he really beaten he only really stepped into world class 4 fights ago beating Anthony Mundine on points a man who was knocked out by over rated Sven Ottke.

An over the hill Markus Beyer and untested Librado Andrade. Calzaghe would have destroyed all of these but to shut everyone up Calzaghe will have to put an end to Kesslers unbeaten run and at last prove he is the man in the division. Although I am sure after beating Kessler there will be rumours that he wasn’t actually as good as we all thought, ring any bells Jeff Lacy.

Prediction - Calzaghe late Stoppage or Good points win

Middleweight -

Edison Miranda v Arthur Abrahams 2

A lot of questions were left unanswered after the first fight that was scored a little wider than expected. Miranda is a concussive puncher but Abrahan’s tough and still unbeaten. Miranda deserves another roll of the dice and it would set up another fantastic fight.

Prediction - Miranda late Stoppage

Light Middleweight -

Sechew Powell v Cory Spinks

Spinks has taken the other route and is taking on Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor, this will be took far for Spinks and will be outsized and outgunned. Spinks v Powell would be a great fight there styles would suit each other and would prove a great 12 round war.

Prediction - Powell points win

Welterweight -

Shane Mosley v Miguel Angel Cotto

The old against the new, Mosley is proving with every fight that he still has what it takes to beat the best, at the moment the best is Cotto, strong and a brilliant boxer, proved he has the guts to make it after rising several times against big puncher Ricardo Torres before returning the favour and sending Torres crashing to the canvas for the count.

He has also out boxed skilled technician Paul Malignaggi. Mosley will be able to take Cotto’s power and give him a little taste of his own medicine will be a fight of the year if not better.

Prediction - Cotto points win

Light Welterweight -

Ricky Hatton v Floyd Mayweather

The icing on the cake for Hatton if he manages to make this fight happen. His work rate will be too much for the skilled Mayweather but as Mayweather has proved in the past he can stand toe to toe with the best if needed. The only problem is I believe Mayweather will fall short against De La Hoya and not be the force he would have been stepping in undefeated. Either way it would still be a fantastic fight and will escalate Hatton to the heights he deserves.

Prediction - Hatton win on points

Lightweight -

Joel Casamayor v Arcelino Freitas 2

Casamayor will want revenge for the defeat in the first fight which was a cracker, Freitas is always exciting and having these two back in the ring together is a mouth watering thought. I will edge Freitas to win again but Casamayor will push him all the way.

Prediction - Freitas win on points

Super Featherweight -

Juan Manuel Marquez v Manny Pacquiao 2

In the first fight Pacquiao knocked down Marquez three times in the first round and the fight looked over, Marquez climbed off the canvas and out boxed Pacquiao for most of the rest of the fight ending the fight in a unsatisfactory draw. With Pacquiao beating Morales and Marquez beating Barrera these two have set up the final rubber match to mark the best in a highly rated Division. It is a coin toss really who would come out the winner but is guaranteed to be one of the best fights ever.

Prediction - Marquez win on Points

Featherweight -

Nicky Cook v Chris John

Cook deserves a break after the Scott Harrison fight fell through, John is currently the best in the division but with both men undefeated, as they say someone’s 0 has got to go. Cook is a busy brave fighter and will push John all the way, the only mark on John’s record is an avenged draw with Jose Rojas. John defiantly has the more experience and has been in with by far more talented fighters than Cook but Cook is hungry and on his day can beat anyone, this however would be a bigger test than he has ever had.

Prediction - John points win

Super Bantamweight -

Steve Molitor v Daniel Ponce De Leon

Molitor came over to England recently relatively unknown but took are highly rated Michael Hunter to pieces. De Leon is a power puncher and apart from an upset to Celestino Caballero De Leon has looked unbeatable. He didn’t have his own way in his last fight against Gerry Pensola who gave him all sorts of problems. Molitor is unbeaten and it sets up an amazing bout.

Prediction - Ponce De Leon on Points

Results for Saturday 8th April 2007

Welterweight -

Joshua Clottey beat Diego Corrales - Points 100-87, 98-89 and 97-90

Prediction - Clottey win on points

Unfortunalty as predicted the jump up two weights just proved too much for the brave Corrales, Clottey boxed well winning almost every round, Corrales used old tricks to see him through and was again docked a point for spitting out his gum shield when decked in the 9th and 10th rounds, it worked against Castillo buying him the extra recovery time but Clottey was having none of it and kept the pressure on and was unlucky not to get a stoppage.

Corrales needs to sit down and think about what he is going to do after losing his last 3 bouts, and decided where he wants to go, he was almost unbeatable at Super Featherweight, losing only to the greats Floyd Mayweather and Joel Casamayor. He used his height and reach and his power was daunting at the lower weight. Now he is trying to reach beyond his means jumping up 3 weights in less than 3 years it hasn’t worked.

Super Middleweight -

Joe Calzaghe Beat Peter Manfredo Jr - TKO 3rd Round

Prediction - Calzaghe win by late stoppage

Not the fight that I expected it to be, Manfredo coming off a great win against Joe Spina should have been raring to go, unfortunately the pressure got to him and he didn’t do himself justice, don’t get me wrong I didn’t expect Manfredo to win but I thought he would at least push Calzaghe for a good 6 or 7 rounds.

Calzaghe started off cautiously mixing his jabs from the head to the body, Manfredo seemed happy to box off the back foot and not really throw too many shots. In the second Calzaghe went up a gear and the jabs suddenly had a little more snap to them, again Manfredo didn’t seem to have started the fight.

In the third Calzaghe stepped up another gear and started throwing combinations, Manfredo seemed to freeze and step back with his hands up covering his head but not throwing any shots back. After about the third time this happened Calzaghe put his foot on the pedal and threw a flurry of about 30 shots none really landing flush and Manfredo didn’t seem hurt but the referee stepped in and waived of the fight to the disgust of the American and his corner, but to be honest Manfredo looked out of his league and if the stoppage hadn’t come there it would have defiantly come soon as Mafredo just wasn’t in the zone or fighting back.

Lightweight -

Amir Khan Beat Steffy Bull - TKO 3rd Round

Prediction - Khan win by KO before 3rd Round

The tall southpaw Bull was taking before the fight like he believed he had a chance to win this one, unfortunately that belief disappeared seemingly before the bell of the first round. Bull barely threw a punch in the whole 3 rounds and was boxing off the back foot seemingly terrified of Khan.

Khan looked impressive mixing up his combinations and had good success throwing the straight right to the southpaw. By the third he had started pushing Bull back into corners and unleashing combinations to the head and body, Bull didn’t fight back and when caught with a series of left hooks to the body and shots to the head he folded into a heap and although didn’t look badly hurt obviously didn’t want to continue walking back to his corner at the count of 9 and the referee signalled the end of the fight. Khan seriously needs a better standard of opponent to prove that all the hard work is paying off, Bull was certainly not that.

Cruiserweight -

Enzo Maccarinelli Beat Bobby Gunn - TKO 1st Round

Prediction - Maccarinelli win by KO before 5th Round

In truth the American was appallingly bad I thought his record flattered him but he was worse than I had imagined. Maccarinelli did what he had to do he didn’t rush things and started of with a series of devastating jabs which had Gunn reeling.

Every time Maccarinelli attacked Gunn sank back onto the ropes and waited for him to stop hitting him, towards the end of the round Maccarinelli caught Gunn with a sweet straight right and followed up forcing Gunn to touch down, the referee gave an eight count and Gunn already looked a beating man bleeding from a cut on the bridge of his nose. He was allowed to carry on but Maccarinelli kept the pressure on in the referee stepped in to save Gunn any further punishment.

Another win on Maccarinelli’s record but he needs to get in with some real contenders if he can back up his claim to be the best cruiserweight out there at the moment.

Welterweight -

Michael Jennings Beat Medrud Takaloo - Points 117-111, 115-114, 115-113

Prediction - Jennings points win

I am not sure which fight the judges were watching as it seemed a different one from me, I scored the bout not being biased in any way every round to Jennings, there was only one round the 5th that I could even have a slight case for Takaloo winning the round.

Both boxers maintained the same pace throughout the fight Jennings was quick with good lateral movement, and moved freely in and out throwing and scoring with fast combinations. Takaloo on the other hand was slow and laboured, pushing out the shots he did throw with no power or snap. He spent most of the fight with his left hand by his waist which was soon joined by the right as the rounds went on.

Takaloo was cut above his left eye in the third round from a clash of heads, and heads clashed yet again in the fourth causing a cut to the left eye of Jennings and a nasty cut to the forehead of Takaloo which bled profusely during the fight into his eyes, but a no time did it seem the fight would be stopped because of it.

Jennings clearly won the first four rounds, with Takaloo hardly even throwing a meaningful punch never mind landing one. In the fifth he attempted to raise his work rate and went looking for Jennings, but Jennings was just to quick and didn’t allow Takaloo to settle to throw the big shots, Takaloo never got near to landing anything near a big shot.

After about the 7th round Takaloo was reduced to flicking out a kind of back hand slap which he did a number of times but wasn’t pulled up for until the 11th Round. Jennings looked in fantastic shape and his work rate was excellent, it’s just a shame he doesn’t possess any real punch power because if he did he would be up there with the best.

Takaloo looked past his best and should consider carefully his options of where his career will go as that tonight just wasn’t the same fighter that beat the likes of Farnell and Logan. Jennings will be moving up the ladder and will be wanting his British Title back.

Light Middleweight -

Bradley Pryce beat Thomas Awinbono - Points 120-109, 117-111 and 118-111

Prediction - Pryce to win by Stoppage before the 7th Round

This was the opposite to the Jennings v Takaloo fight the judges scored a wide points victory to Pryce, but it was much closer than what the judges scores would indicate. Yes Pryce won the fight but in my eyes it was by 4 rounds maximum.

Pryce was lazy and allowed a strong but limited Awinbono push him back and unload all be it with arm punches in the corner. A royal rollicking from Enzo Calzaghe in the corner at the end of the fifth sparked a bit of life into Pryce and he started putting his punches together but never looked like stopping the inexperienced Awinbono.

Pryce was easy to hit and his movement was poor throughout the fight and if Awinbono was a bigger puncher he could have had Pryce in a lot of trouble. Towards the end Awinbono looked tired and demoralised and Pryce started to connect with some decent shots including a cracking uppercut in the 11th that sent Awinbono’s head snapping back.

Overall Pryce will not be happy with this performance and once her comes up against someone decent he will have to perform a lot better if he is hoping to win.

Middleweight -

Gary Lockett beat Lee Blundell - TKO 3rd Round

Prediction - Lockett to win by KO before 5th Round

A good win for Lockett as Blundell could have been a handful if he was allowed into the fight. Lockett’s power was just too much and he sent Blundell crashing to the canvas which a peach of right hand. To his credit Blundell made it to his feet but was in no condition to continue and the referee rightly waived off the contest.

Welterweight -

Tony Doherty beat Taz Jones - TKO 7th Round

Prediction - Doherty late Stoppage

Perfect fight for Doherty, never in any trouble controlled the fight from the offset, Jones absorbed a lot of punishment before being knocked cold in the 7th Round.

Super Middleweight -

Nathan Cleverly beat Nick Okoth - Points 80-72

Prediction - Cleverly to win by Stoppage before 4th Round

Cleverly just didn’t have enough fire power to get rid of Okoth, he did however give him a boxing lesson and win every round of the 8 round fight. Good for Cleverly to get an 8 rounder under his belt after previously never going more than 5, but should have really dispatched this poor challenger a bit earlier.

Welterweight -

Kell Brook beat Karl David - TKO 3rd Round

Brook must have been reasonably happy when original challenger Gary Young pulled out and in stepped journeyman Karl David at short notice, Young’s record was 16 wins from 17 contests where as David is 20 wins from 28. That is until he was dropped in only the first round. Brook showed spirit rising and going on to stop David in the 3rd Round. First real shock for unbeaten Brook.

Lightweight

Gavin Rees beat Billy Smith - Points

Another late change as Gavin Rees who was due to take on the tough Silence Saheed defiantly got an easier night, Saheed usually causes all sorts of problems with his wild action and flailing head. Rees steadily boxing himself to an easy points win over the journeyman Smith who has now lost 48 of 58.

Welterweight -

Barrie Jones beat Daniel Thorpe - KO in 2nd Round

Prediction - Jones win on points

An easier night than expected for Barrie Jones managing to stop tough journeyman Daniel Thorpe in only the 2nd Round.

Heavyweight -

Derek Chisora beat Tony Booth - Points 40-36

Prediction - Chisora win by stoppage

I honestly thought Chisora would have had the power to dispatch Booth, it wasn’t the case but he did box well and won every round of the 4 round contest. At least he has some rounds under his belt which I guess is the idea from fights like this.

Middleweight -

Kerrie Hope beat Jaime Ambler - Points 58-55

Prediction - Hope win by Stoppage

Unfortunately this fight proved that Hope really doesn’t have any fire power, Ambler gave Hope a tougher night than expected but Hope boxed through well, I think when he steps up to the next level he will struggle, we will see.

Flyweight -

Don Broadhurst Beat Delroy Spencer - Points

Prediction - Broadhurst win points

Broadhurst chalked up his fourth points victory taking him to 4-0, he never looked like stopping Spencer but boxed well.

Super Middleweight -

Kenny Anderson Beat Jorge Gomez - TKO 3rd Round

Prediction - Anderson win on points

Both fighters with 1 win apiece before the start of this bout, Anderson with 1 win by KO and Gomez 1 win on points. On this occasion it was the bigger puncher Anderson who triumphed with a stunning 3rd round stoppage, onwards and upwards for Anderson, Gomez left to wonder.

Boxing Weekend 6th and 7th April 2007

Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA
Date Friday 6th April 2007

Cruiserweight -

Matt Godfrey v Felix Cora Jr

This is a step up for unbeaten Matt Godfrey but he should be up for the challenge, Cora is coming off a stoppage from highly rated Vadime Tokarev will have to step up his game if he is going to get a result against Godfrey. Cora has been in with a slightly better standard of opponent but has been beaten. Godfrey is not really a puncher but his high work rate should grind out a result.

Prediction - Godfrey to win Points

Tabkwang Stadium , Saraburi, Thailand
Date: Friday, 06th April, 2007

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam v Tomonobu Shimizu

Shimizu has never been in with anywhere near the class of Wonjongkam, with only 11 fights under his belt with one loss it is debatable whether or not he should be. In my opinion Shimizu is taking a shot that he doesn’t really deserve and will be although Wonjongkam is not considered a big puncher but Shimizu should be despatched reasonably quickly.

Prediction - Wonjongkam to win by KO before 5th Round

Shrine Mosque, Springfield, Missouri, USA
Date: Saturday, 07th April, 2007

Diego Corrales v Joshua Clottey

Corrales is taking a big gamble not only moving up two weights but also taking on strong Joshua Clottey who has won up at Light Middle. Corrales is a great fighter and is tall and rangy but he is taking away his biggest strengths. His punch power when tested at the top level has tended to let him down and now will be tested to the limit with a man a lot bigger than him who has never been stopped. My heart wants to see a Corrales victory as he is a true warrior and has been unlucky with previous fights when making the lightweight limit only to see Castillo tip the scales well over the limit and beat him twice. But in reality Corrales has mainly campaigned at Super Featherweight and to be honest barring the fantastic win over Arcelino Freitas and the first fight of the year against Castillo in which he was a breath away from defeat, most of his success has come at that weight. Clottey has only ever lost to the best with a Points loss to Antonio Margarito, and a disqualification against former Welterweight Champion Carlos Baldomir.

Prediction - Clottey on Points

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Date: Saturday, 07th April, 2007

Joe Calzaghe v Peter Manfredo Jr for the WBO Super Middleweight Title

Everyone things this will be a walkover for Joe, and although I think he will win and win well Manfredo is tougher than he is getting credit for. Although Manfredo has usually campaigned at Middleweight he has always struggled to make the weight. Manfredo has beaten some of the best fighters around especially in his last fight shocking Joe Spina.

Everyone will remember his five round bouts on the contender, especially his loss to Alfonso Gomez, but that is over 5 rounds not the championship distance. When the rounds increased so did Manfredo, loosing a close fight with Mora, then again losing a highly debatable re-match. Manfredo has never been stopped and although he is taking a massive step up in class, if Calzaghe doesn’t take him seriously it could be a lot closer than people are anticipating.

Calzaghe is a class act and I don’t believe there is anyone out there who can beat him at the moment, but with his hand problems and age catching up on him he only has a few more fights at his best. Hopefully the big money fight will be waiting for him after this victory.

Prediction - Calzaghe win by late stoppage or Points

Welterweight -

Medrdud Takaloo v Michael Jennings for the WBU Welterweight Title

Jennings was slated after his recent loss to Young Mutley in one of the shocks of the year, however since Mutley also nearly added highly rated Kevin Anderson to his win column suddenly the defeat is not looking as bad. Jennings is a great domestic fighter although he has not been tested beyond that level.

Takaloo has won his last 3 but didn’t look fantastic against a washed up Eamonn Magee who will never be the fighter he was after his savage street attack that left him badly injured. Takaloo will be going into the fight as slight favourite and the WBU Champion but I believe he will be leaving the ring without the belt.

Prediction - Jennings win on Points

Cruiserweight -

Enzo Maccarinelli v Bobby Gunn for the WBO Cruiserweight Title

Not the fight Maccarinelli was looking for, he is looking to get a big name to justify the fact that he is currently the WBO Champion after never winning the title in the ring. American Gunn is not that name, his record of 16 wins with 2 losses is a little flattering as he has never faced anyone of any real grit.

Maccarinelli will be looking to impress in order to get the fight he wants and deserves against one of the top guys in the Cruiserweight division, with the fight against David Haye probably never going to happen, with Haye going up to Heavyweight. Maccarinelli will be looking to the likes of O’Neil Bell or Wayne Braithwaite in order to get him the real man he wants Jean Marc Mormeck.

Prediction - Maccarinelli win by KO before the 5th Round

Light Middleweight -

Bradley Pryce v Thomas Awinbono for the Commonwealth (British Empire) Light Middleweight Title

I have never rated Pryce as a great boxer but he defiantly puts his Heart into it. Awinbono is unchallenged having never fought anyone with over 5 bouts, and with a draw and a loss on his record in only 8 bouts he is unlikely to give Pryce a real challenge.

Pryce has improved significantly since moving to the Calzaghe camp and should put on a good display and get a reasonably easy win against a relatively poor opponent.

Prediction - Pryce to win by stoppage before the 7th Round

Middleweight -

Gary Lockett v Lee Blundell for the WBU Middleweight Title

These two have shared the same opponent in Ryan Rhodes, Blundell the only man ever to stop Rhodes won within 3 rounds where as Lockett took a points decision over the full 12.

Blundell is susceptible to the early knockout after being stopped by Steven Bendall and Anthony Farnell both in the 2nd Round, he also has two knockouts earlier in his career. Lockett on the other hand has dynamite in his fists 20 of his 29 fights have ended before the 5th Round.

If Blundell can get through those rounds he will have a chance to steal this fight on points as Lockett has tended to fade late on when been pushed. Personally though I don’t think Blundell will be able to stand up to Lockett’s power and will be stopped early.

Prediction - Lockett to win by KO before 5th Round

Welterweight -

Tony Doherty v Taz Jones for the BBBofC Celtic Welterweight Title

Unbeaten in 19 and at the tender age of only 23 years old Doherty has the world in front of him, Jones is tough and has never been stopped however he will not be able to meet the work rate required to beat Doherty. Doherty will be looking a Jones to get a few rounds in before taking a step up in class before the end of the year.

Prediction - Docherty win by late stoppage or on Points

Light Welterweight -

Amir Khan v Steffy Bull

Although on paper with Bull having 24 wins on his card looks a better class of opponent for Khan in reality, Bull has beaten only poor fighters and has been stopped 4 times. Khan should have a reasonably easy night, but needs to step up in class quickly if he wants to take on the worlds best before the end of the year, Jon Thaxton or Graham Earl would be perfect to see just how good Khan is going to be.

Prediction - Quick stoppage for Khan before 3rd Round

Super Middleweight -

Nathan Cleverly v Nick Okoth

Cleverly is a good technician but lacks the killer blow, but he should have the power to overcome poorly rated journeyman Okoth hopefully adding only his 3rd knockout to his account

Prediction - Early Stoppage to Cleverly before 4th Round

Welterweight -

Kell Brook v Gary Young

Good little battle on the cards for these two domestic fighters with good records, Brook is undefeated in 13 with 7 wins inside the distance. Young has 17 fights with 16 wins the only defeat coming to Colin McNeil. Young has reached as far as he is likely to go and if Brook wants to go on to bigger and better things he needs to impress against Young

Prediction - Brook win by stoppage

Lightweight -

Gavin Rees v Silence Saheed

Any man taking on Silence Saheed will know he has been in a fight. Saheed is strong and very untidy diving in with his punches and most often his head. Saheed is a test for most and although has lost most of his fights has never been stopped.

Rees is technically brilliant and is unbeaten in 25 bouts it will be interesting how he handles Saheed in the first few rounds, it will also be interesting how Saheed comes back after is amazing effort only a week ago in the draw with another unbeaten fighter Michael Lomax. In a four rounder it would be interesting but with the six rounds Saheed will fade and Rees will take over and box his way to a points victory.

Prediction - Rees to win on Points

Welterweight -

Barrie Jones v Daniel Thorpe

Another journeyman test for Jones who is currently unbeaten in 10, Thorpe rarely wins and there shouldn’t be any surprises here

Prediction - Jones win on Points

Middleweight -

Kerry Hope v Jason Ambler

Ambler is being put in as a confidence booster for Hope who has only 1 stoppage in an 8 fight unbeaten career, this should be his second with Ambler being stopped in the first round twice

Prediction - Hope win by early Stoppage

Flyweight -

Don Broad Hurst v Delroy Spencer

Only ever stopped by the Best of Britain including Lee Haskins, Martin Power and Damaen Kelly, Spencer is a tough test for anyone. Hurst is in his 3rd fight and this will show how he is progressing, without a stoppage on his record yet it is unlikely that he will stop tough journeyman Spencer, but should win well on points

Super Middleweight -

Kenny Anderson v Simon Cover

Anderson takes part in only his 2nd fight and takes on tough journeyman Cover who has taken Light Heavyweight Tony Oakey the distance will have his work cut out, if he wants to progress he needs to win

Prediction - Anderson win on points

Heavyweight -

Derek Chisora v Tony Booth

Tony Booth is a fantastic measure of how a fighter will progress, if you win on points you will do well, if you manage to stop him you could be looking towards world class. Chisora if I am right on his potential will be one of the few men to stop Booth, this elite list includes the likes of David Haye, Enzo Maccarinelli, and Jonny Nelson.

Booth has taken the likes of Roman Greenburg the distance and is rarely stopped. Chisora has great potential in the boxing world and this fight I am sure will prove this.

Prediction - Chisora win by stoppage