Lacy: A 2AM date in downtown Manchester.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 28 Feb 2006, 13:37

Great interview by McRae......

Left Hook strong enough to hang hopes on

'They said it was bone-breaking pressure, as devastating to the guy getting hit as a high-speed car smash'

Donald McRae
Tuesday February 28, 2006
The Guardian

"I get goose bumps just thinking we have a date on Saturday night," Jeff Lacy sighs in delight as if anticipating a steamy rendezvous with his "seriously beautiful" Italian girlfriend at home in sunny St Petersburg, Florida, rather than a brutal encounter loaded with menace and danger at 2am in downtown Manchester. Apart from facing a fighter, Joe Calzaghe, who has won all 40 of his professional contests, including 31 by knockout, Lacy will walk to the ring at the dead of night with the venomous roar of 20,000 people baying for him to be hurt.

"I know that," the heavily muscled but quietly engaging 28-year-old American admits. "I was in Manchester last year when Ricky Hatton fought Kostya Tszyu and, man, that crowd is something else. They really get behind their fighter but I love that wild atmosphere.

"The booing actually excites me. Because when I hear the booing, and I know they gonna boo me bad, I'll remember those same fans ain't gonna climb into the ring with Joe. He knows that too. All fighters understand the truth about boxing. You're on your own between those ropes. It's you against him and no one, no matter how loud they might scream, can help you."

Like so many great fighters before him, Lacy manages to evoke both the sombre gravity and the almost mindless thrill of boxing in its purist form. He is also instantly likeable, whether slipping through some dodgy rhyming couplets - "I'm comin' to shine," he promises, "to take what's mine" - or when describing the risk he and Calzaghe will confront.

"That's the goosebump reason - the reality that here you got two guys with an unbeaten record of 61 fights between us. Calzaghe's been in the ring more times than me but he knows I've knocked out 17 of the 21 guys I've fought. That's why, in a way, I do admire Calzaghe for taking this fight. He knows it's going to be serious and very dangerous because I wouldn't look for this one to go the distance - what with our styles of being come-forward guys with real punching power. And how often do you get the two best fighters in the division meeting to unify their titles? The last time it was done in the super-middleweights was when Roy Jones Jr fought James Toney in Vegas [in 1994]. That tells you why boxing needs this fight so bad."

Jones and Toney were acknowledged as outstanding fighters. In contrast, the most intriguing aspect of this weekend's showdown centres around the uncertainty enveloping both men. It is a symptom of the enduring malaise afflicting contemporary boxing that it is still hard to gauge the real quality of Calzaghe, the WBO super-middleweight champion, and Lacy, his counterpart with the IBF belt.

The 33-year-old Welshman has beaten some decent fighters in his long career as champion - but neither an ageing Chris Eubank nor the hard-hitting but fragile Byron Mitchell are in the league of a prime Jones or Toney. Similarly, Lacy's rise has been built on victories over journeymen like Scott Pemberton and Syd Vanderpool who mean nothing outside hardcore boxing circles. Even their two common opponents - Robin Reid and Omar Sheika - are hardly marquee names. And yet Calzaghe almost lost to Reid and Sheika clearly hurt Lacy.

"Yeah, Sheika shook me up early. But I came back to win a unanimous decision [in December 2004]. I know Calzaghe beat him on a [fifth-round] TKO [in August 2000] but styles make fights. I think it's just as important that Calzaghe had all kinds of trouble with Reid [February 1999] but I came along last year and knocked him out in the eighth round."

Marvin Hagler, meanwhile, has suggested that Calzaghe is a slight favourite. "I heard that," Lacy sniffs, "but everyone's entitled to their opinion. I was always a great fan of Marvin Hagler and nothing can change that."

The great middleweight icon also argued that Calzaghe may be in the top six pound-for-pound fighters in the world. "He could be," Lacy sighs, "but I doubt it. As long as he's been in this game Calzaghe has been calling out fighters and then ducking them. I don't consider that makes him part of any pound-for-pound top 10. He's had 17 title defences and not beaten one great fighter. I think that's why he knows he has to have this one career-defining fight against me."

Lacy is unequivocal about Calzaghe's main attribute. "He's got real hand speed. That makes him dangerous but his weaknesses will be exposed when he faces me, a very determined fighter who will make him fight. He ain't fought a guy who hits anywhere near as hard as me and that will shock him. He got put down by Byron Mitchell but I hit harder than that because I bring a totally different skill level.

"At the 2000 Olympics, when I got the bronze, they tested my power with a machine that measures the impact of a punch by pounds per square inch. They said afterwards I had the highest ever score on that machine - more even than heavyweights. It was frightening. They said it was bone-breaking pressure, as devastating to the guy getting hit as a high-speed car smash. Calzaghe will collapse under that power."

Eleven years ago, on 25 February 1995, another pulverising super-middleweight puncher from America, Gerald McClellan, fought Nigel Benn in London. Promoted by allegedly, who is again staging Saturday's heavily hyped Judgment Day, the Benn-McClellan bout was called Sudden Impact. It produced the most raw, terrible and tragic outcome - with McClellan still blind and brain-damaged all these years later. That fight was screened on ITV and effectively ended boxing's chance of continued exposure on terrestrial television for the next decade. ITV, this time, will show the Manchester contest live at 2am, in order to cater for the demands of US television. After the recent string of brawling heavyweight fights featuring Danny Williams, Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison, ITV will be hoping for a dramatic contest, without the grotesque consequences that plunged McClellan and his family into utter darkness.

If some find it increasingly easy to ridicule boxers, the build-up to this weekend's clash should serve as a salutary reminder of both the extreme danger and sustained courage on display. "The ring can be a real lonely place," Lacy says. "I've been fighting 20 years, ever since my dad took me into the gym at the age of eight because I'd been fighting kids at elementary school. The first guy I fought in the gym gave me a real whipping. So I decided there and then to become a proper fighter."

Lacy's sober insights into the perils of boxing are obvious when he reflects on the fighter he reveres most. "Evander Holyfield has always been the guy I looked up to in this game. When he fought Mike Tyson twice all those other homeboys were on the Tyson bandwagon. But I was totally with Holyfield because of his determination and dignity. He could face down the worst danger and beat anyone because he had such belief. That's a real inspiration to me."

And yet Holyfield, an increasingly slurred and broken fighter, simply will not quit, even when one bleak pummelling follows another. "I feel the same way you do. I want Evander to give up but it's hard for him to think of himself as a normal guy again. His whole identity is caught up in the fact that he was once a great boxer. He just can't let it go and, yeah, that's worrying."

Lacy pauses when asked if Holyfield's fate makes him love boxing less. "In the end you need to understand it's not boxing's fault. It's down to the individual fighter and having the right people around to convince him it's time to quit. Too many fighters get caught up in making money and being recognised as a champion. I'm luckier; I have good people around me who will ease me out when the time comes."

He might like everyone to call him "Left Hook" in deference to his most ferocious punch, but there's another side to Lacy. "I'm a real laid-back guy out of the ring. I like peace and quiet. I don't go to clubs, I don't drink or smoke. I'm a home body. I've just got engaged to my girlfriend, Jennifer, and the only problem she gives me is that being Italian means she can cook and that's a dangerous combination when I'm trying to make weight. But I just like us spending a lot of quality time together."

It is hard to imagine all the emotions that will swirl through Jennifer, who will be ringside in a seething arena early on Sunday morning, as the fight unfolds in front of her helpless gaze. "It's so much harder for the women than the fighters. She'll be very nervous and very worried. It's easier for me. I've just got to fight and I know, whatever happens, I will not be denied. It's amazing how much that will help when me and Joe square off alone. It'll be just me and him - and that's the picture I've been carrying in my head ever since we set the date."

dbf · Post by **dbf** » 28 Feb 2006, 23:10

fantastic article

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 05:33

Yep great piece.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 01 Mar 2006, 05:49

"Marvin Hagler, meanwhile, has suggested that Calzaghe is a slight favourite......The great middleweight icon also argued that Calzaghe may be in the top six pound-for-pound fighters in the world"

High praise from The Bald One

Don McRae wrote an excellent book about boxing and mainly James Toney, called Dark Trade.

Loynesy · Post by **Loynesy** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:01

He is an excellent writer. His book on Joe Louis is also good.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:05

Top 6 fighters pound for pound? No chance. If he beats Lacy convincingly perhaps top 10, but at the moment he is nowhere near top 6.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:10

Well if he beats Lacy you could make a case. Calzaghe is the longest running reigning champion, and would still be undefeated.

Neither lacy or Calzaghe are in my top 10 right now, but one or the other will be following this fight knocking Tarver off the bottom.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:11

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Well if he beats Lacy you could make a case. Calzaghe is the longest running reigning champion, and would still be undefeated.

Neither lacy or Calzaghe are in my top 10 right now, but one or the other will be following this fight knocking Tarver off the bottom.

Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:22

I said you could make a case, I didn't say I agreed with it.

As an exercise, name the champions with the best competition in their resume.

I think Hagler was probably saying that he thinks on ability alone Joe is probably top six, and note he says probably, meaning he needs to confirm it with some big performances.

If Joe beats Lacy in impressive style I think it will be a very good win for Calzaghe.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:27

nickd wrote: Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.

Maybe, but not sure I can think of 10 fighters defintely better than Joe Calzaghe. He's been very badly managed IMO - this fight is coming in the nick of time ( in fact in might turn out to be too late ) - ok he f****ed up with the Johnson fight - but maybe the injury was legit and it certainly wasn't cause he was scared: Lacy looks more dangerous I'd say - a young undefeated puncher in his prime.

You cant say he ever ducked anyone either - Jones? Hopkins? Those two weren't interested as far as I could tell.

In terms of talent alone - skill, speed, chin, heart - I'd have Joe ranked top ten.

He's going to beat Lacy. I'd rank Joe's determination to win up there with Eubank: he doesn't know when he's beat and wont give up without giving Lacy the fight of his life.

Too much for Lacy I reckon.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 06:59

Exactly. Joe doesn't get in my top 10 on merit right now, but in ability terms I think he may be right up there.

I don't know about Calzaghe being badly managed, he never wanted to travel to fight, and missed out on the opportunities which would have come from fighting abroad. Jones was never interested, and Hopkins did pull out of an offer of $4M dollars to fight Calzaghe, demanding more money, according to Jay Larkin at Showtime, which is quite believable.

The Johnson fight would have been a good one, why Joe pulled out I guess we will never know for sure, whether they were genuine injuries, personal problems, or lack of direction, but the truth remains Joe's defining moments as a fighter have come in his title winning efforts, and right near the end of his career.

I wouldn't say Joe ducked anyone, but he never was prepared to go out of his way to get the likes of Ottke, or go and campaign in the USA to look for the biggest opportunities. Joe seemed to get comfortable and just shrug off the criticisms, which is fair enough I suppose, but not if you want to be regarded one of the best fighters of your era.

I hope Joe does win, and impressively, I've fallen out of love with his career over the last 3 years, but there was a time when I was a very big fan, and an impressive win over Lacy will go a long way to making me one again.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 01 Mar 2006, 07:02

Yeah and Reid wasn't washed up when Calzaghe fought him thats why he was tough.

Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.

I don't know how they can make Mayweather No 1 since he ain't fought the best either though anyway.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 07:13

because he has fought and beaten very good opposition earlier in his career. He will lose the top spot soon unless he beats another in form top fighter of the calibre of Cotto, Hatton, Margarito.

Not sure how much it would mean to beat DLH at this stage, I have my doubts as to how much Oscar has left.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 01 Mar 2006, 07:31

Calzaghe possibly in the top 6 on ability but he has not had the chance to prove it and that I am afraid is his own fault. But accomplishment has to be taken into consideration and lets be honest his WBO reign has been less than stellar. Win or lose this weekend there is no doubting Calzaghe had the talent to have done far far more with his career than he will have done when he retires. He's as good as wasted the best part of the last 4/5 years.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 01 Mar 2006, 07:33

We'll see when he fights Mayorga I guess which is a fight I want to see after reading the trash talking.

As for Calzaghe, Woods thinks he will win too.

http://www.fightnews.com/1087.htm

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 01 Mar 2006, 07:46

I say badly managed as I don't think Sports Network put on the type of attractive fights they could have with Calzaghe. Too many Tocker Pudwells and McIntyres....in other words, CHEAP imports.

The Germans paid to bring over Mitchell, giving Sven a unification fight - but FW waits till Mitchell is beaten....then brings him over for Joe.

I know Ottke sold more tickets, but I'm sure Frank could have afforded Mitchell if he really wanted to - I doubt he was THAT expensive.

Post by **The Law** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:08

Max Molyneux wrote:Yeah and Reid wasn't washed up when Calzaghe fought him thats why he was tough.

Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.
I don't know how they can make Mayweather No 1 since he ain't fought the best either though anyway.

Mayweather has beaten potential future hall of famers, such as Corrales, Castillo and Gatti.

Mayweather beat the best fighters at super featherweight and then he beat the main man at lightweight (Castillo). However, he did not beat the best guys at light welterweight, but that can still happen.

Mayweather definitely deserves his number one spot because he beat the best guys at 2 weight divisions, and hopefully he will fight the best at a couple more weight divisions yet ......... fingers crossed

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:12

MightyWarrior wrote:I say badly managed as I don't think Sports Network put on the type of attractive fights they could have with Calzaghe. Too many Tocker Pudwells and McIntyres....in other words, CHEAP imports.

The Germans paid to bring over Mitchell, giving Sven a unification fight - but FW waits till Mitchell is beaten....then brings him over for Joe.

I know Ottke sold more tickets, but I'm sure Frank could have afforded Mitchell if he really wanted to - I doubt he was THAT expensive.

Mitchell only just lost to Ottke but people were still expecting it to be tough for Joe.

If Moneys an issue then why could Warren afford to bring Lacy here and is able to give Lacy 500,000 if Calzaghe pulled out again?

He probably could of afforded to make the fights happen though. Joe says in Boxing Monthly he was never offered a fight with Ottke though.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:17

Max Molyneux wrote: If Moneys an issue then why could Warren afford to bring Lacy here and is able to give Lacy 500,000 if Calzaghe pulled out again?

Because it's late in the day, and Frank is playing what might be his final cards in the career of Joe Calazghe.

S**t or bust as they say.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:30

lawllb wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Yeah and Reid wasn't washed up when Calzaghe fought him thats why he was tough.

Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.
I don't know how they can make Mayweather No 1 since he ain't fought the best either though anyway.
Mayweather has beaten potential future hall of famers, such as Corrales, Castillo and Gatti.

Mayweather beat the best fighters at super featherweight and then he beat the main man at lightweight (Castillo). However, he did not beat the best guys at light welterweight, but that can still happen.

Mayweather definitely deserves his number one spot because he beat the best guys at 2 weight divisions, and hopefully he will fight the best at a couple more weight divisions yet ......... fingers crossed

Gatti a hall of famer?

Yeah he beat Castillo and Corrales but at the time were they P4p though? They are good like but before their first fight were Castillo and Corrales P4P?

I hear Floyds beaten no P4p's yet so maybe them two wern't p4p at the time?

Because it's late in the day, and Frank is playing what might be his final cards in the career of Joe Calazghe.

So really he could of affored to make these fights for Joe.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:34

They may not have been P4Pers, but they were considered top flight fighters just the same.

hitman_hatton1 · Post by **hitman_hatton1** » 01 Mar 2006, 08:46

jamesmcdonnell wrote:They may not have been P4Pers, but they were considered top flight fighters just the same.

they've since gone on and proved themselves fornicating top flight fighters. corrales and castillo r 2 excellent scalps.

not as good as kostya tszyu though.

MaxPow · Post by **MaxPow** » 01 Mar 2006, 09:03

What is Calzaghe's career defining fight? Other than the one coming up ofcourse.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 01 Mar 2006, 09:20

nickd wrote:
jamesmcdonnell wrote:Well if he beats Lacy you could make a case. Calzaghe is the longest running reigning champion, and would still be undefeated.

Neither lacy or Calzaghe are in my top 10 right now, but one or the other will be following this fight knocking Tarver off the bottom.
Longest reigning champion yes, but who has he been beating? There are countless champions who have fought far better competition.

Below PBF and Paquiao the P4P is pretty messed up so Joe/Lacy winner may be breaking the top6 for me.

Hopkins didn't really beat anyone other than blown up Trinidad either but he was P4P.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 01 Mar 2006, 09:21

2 wins over Mario Veit.