Joe Calzaghe - not sure about his hunger at this stage

[Kilburn]

First of all, I thought the piece by ITV was absolutely awful. You'd have thought this were Johnny Nelson the way they were carrying on. I don't care what anyone says - Joe Calzaghe has never been a forgotten man. They made him out to be a plodding loner, an invisible champion even, with little concern for his own popularity or legacy. Any newcomers to boxing would have been completely mislead watching that pitiful presentation.

Now, watching the pre-fight footage and ring walk I did become more than a little concerned. Calzaghe did not seem to have that look in his eye, like he wanted to fight, not like he used to. His whole manor suggested that he was doing this because it was his job.

Then came the fight and surprisingly he looked very sharp, almost back to how he was against Mgerwhatshisname. I'm just worried that he didn't have that natural fire of a couple of years ago, where he would prowl around like a caged lion. He seemed confident enough here, but didn't look like someone relishing the task in front of him. Surely someone felt the same last night?

I'm bothered about Calzaghe now. I think the youthful spark may have gone, which would leave him in the shit against a peak form champion like Jeff Lacy. Maybe it was down to the opposition but I'm not so sure.

Oh and if anyone has got anyone more PATHETIC comments about Calzaghe deliberately injuring himself to get out of the Lacy fight, or trying to set up rematches with Veit and Pudwill you can fornicating keep them. The Lacy fight may not happen in November but it's still the next fight for both champions.

[jeej]

Some may suggest that Joe has peaked, I think the Lacy fight will answer that, if it happens.

[kevo]

I think Joe peaked around the Byron Mitchell fight, he just hasn't seemed the same fighter since then.

[stujones]

I don't think it will be the next fight, indeed Shaw has said Lacy will fight on November 5th in his home town. Shaw/Lacy could do what Glengoffe did after Joe pulled out and say "You blew it, we're not negotiating again".

I don't think it will happen.

[steve689]

It definately took something out of him that's for sure, i agree with Kilburn he didn't have the same sort of intensity of old when he came out last night. Although complacency and the level of opposition he has been used too will do that.

[jeej]

It definately took something out of him that's for sure, i agree with Kilburn he didn't have the same sort of intensity of old when he came out last night. Although complacency and the level of opposition he has been used too will do that.

Agree with that.

[Neri]

God help Calzaghe if he fights Woods. IMO Clinton would school him with that excellent jab of his

[ALI]

I'm not surprised to hear he looked lethargic comming out, he has been disgraced in the press over the last few weeks. He has taken critcism that no fighter would be able to take in their stride. His pride must have taken a standing 8 count!

I'm not in the country right now, can anyone give me the low-down on ITV's coverage of Calzaghe? I am surprised to hear that they have given him a hard time, considering he is their #1 talent right now, and could possibly be in a superfight with Lacy soon enough (hands permitting lol).

Regards
ALI

[nickd]

I thought Calzaghe looked pretty wild and sloppy. If he went toe to toe with Lacy like he did with Ashira early on he will get flattened.

I suppose motivation could be an issue. Perhaps we'll see the best of him with Lacy in the opposite corner, but on Saturdays showing I would not back him to beat Lacy.

And if his hand went against Lacy he would get steamrolled!

I just hope it happens in February. Ashira was awful.