What is Warren playing at?

[lurkyshaka]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

[fried bread]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

I suppose it was good to get a hard workout that has kept Joe humble.

But I know what you mean. He would actually have it easier vs a good clean fighter. Bika was like Salem and Ashira and then some, with a vengeance.

[lurkyshaka]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

I suppose it was good to get a hard workout that has kept Joe humble.

But I know what you mean. He would actually have it easier vs a good clean fighter. Bika was like Salem and Ashira and then some, with a vengeance.

Exactly, thats what i mean. Calzaghe could fight a far superior fighter to Bika and win far more easily and impressively than against a roughhousing brute like Bika who was only looking to foul. Poor matchmaking is at fault here and its not the first time.

[Andy Mac]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

I suppose it was good to get a hard workout that has kept Joe humble.

But I know what you mean. He would actually have it easier vs a good clean fighter. Bika was like Salem and Ashira and then some, with a vengeance.

Exactly, thats what i mean. Calzaghe could fight a far superior fighter to Bika and win far more easily and impressively than against a roughhousing brute like Bika who was only looking to foul. Poor matchmaking is at fault here and its not the first time.

I suppose a lot of posters on here, those that are not Calzaghe fans could say that a world class operator would make himself look good no matter who the opponent. Or at least make a better job of it than Joe did. I am only playing devils advocate here, I have no concern one way or the other. Just be prepared for Calzaghe's critics to use the fight as an example of JC's limits.

[lurkyshaka]

I suppose it was good to get a hard workout that has kept Joe humble.

But I know what you mean. He would actually have it easier vs a good clean fighter. Bika was like Salem and Ashira and then some, with a vengeance.

Exactly, thats what i mean. Calzaghe could fight a far superior fighter to Bika and win far more easily and impressively than against a roughhousing brute like Bika who was only looking to foul. Poor matchmaking is at fault here and its not the first time.

I suppose a lot of posters on here, those that are not Calzaghe fans could say that a world class operator would make himself look good no matter who the opponent. Or at least make a better job of it than Joe did. I am only playing devils advocate here, I have no concern one way or the other. Just be prepared for Calzaghe's critics to use the fight as an example of JC's limits.

Imo i don't see anyone having it easy with Bika.
Kessler, Taylor, any of them i think he troubles and makes look bad. Its just not easy fighting a guy that wants to hit you in the balls, nut you in the face, and hold and hit all night long.

[stujones]

With some more thought about it, save for the injuries it is feeling like more of an inspired choice for the American public.

Joe wins, looks poor against a no-name in a entertaining fight. Americans LOVE seeing a good champion, but would so prefer if it was an American champion.

The fight was a good one, cause I don't think at anytime I thought Calzaghe has this in the bag (after the first, I was saying it before the bell).

America now recognise Joe Calzaghe as a geniune good champion (Ring belt - even though Ottke was more eligable for it IMO), but surely not an invincable one now. Taylor would probably start a favourite stateside to beat Joe - would he have before this fight, and it was still a good contest.

Had Calzaghe had another Jimenez, Ashira, Thornberry style of opponent - no ambition, durable.... Then they would have turned off in their droves.

Yes, I would like to have seen Hopkins, Taylor, Kessler etc in the ring last night. But this fight might just entice the US to get their champions/contenders to call out Joe with the BIG backing of US TV.

[lurkyshaka]

With some more thought about it, save for the injuries it is feeling like more of an inspired choice for the American public.

Joe wins, looks poor against a no-name in a entertaining fight. Americans LOVE seeing a good champion, but would so prefer if it was an American champion.

The fight was a good one, cause I don't think at anytime I thought Calzaghe has this in the bag (after the first, I was saying it before the bell).

America now recognise Joe Calzaghe as a geniune good champion (Ring belt - even though Ottke was more eligable for it IMO), but surely not an invincable one now. Taylor would probably start a favourite stateside to beat Joe - would he have before this fight, and it was still a good contest.

Had Calzaghe had another Jimenez, Ashira, Thornberry style of opponent - no ambition, durable.... Then they would have turned off in their droves.

Yes, I would like to have seen Hopkins, Taylor, Kessler etc in the ring last night. But this fight might just entice the US to get their champions/contenders to call out Joe with the BIG backing of US TV.

I understand what you are saying, If Joe had simply wiped the floor with this guy then the name opponents would have been running scared in all probability and not keen to make the match but now they might fancy the job. A truly motivated Calzaghe is a completely different animal than the guy the other night who although in shape wasn't inspired by a toughguy named Bika.
I think though that if this fight does have a positive side to it for Joe, in that it might enable him to more easily land another big time opponent its more luck than judgement on Warrens part. He isn't smart enough nor brave enough to risk anthing like that. I think they thought Bika would be easy, but a look at the guys record and history would suggest that despite his no name status, he'd be a handful if for no other reason than the fact he just loves to stick the nut in at every chance.

Id like to see Joe in with whoever will get him the most credit and silence his (american)haters. Kessler, Taylor, Wright, Hopkins, whoever. He'll beat them all i've no doubt about that. He justs needs to land these fights now and cement his legacy.

Hey not sure about your comments on Ottke though...i think that guys title reign was one of the most fraudulent things i've ever seen. A champ who lost several times and yet they never gave his opponent the decision imo.

[KO Artist]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

I thought BIKA was a credible tough opponent who gave Joe a run for his money.

Considering BIKA's strength and unorthodozx style I though Joe dealt with him well.

You could see JOe holding back and throwing arm punches. His hands are almost finsihed.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Agreed, Joe's hands have had it really, he's not got many fights left in those china mitts of his.

[MightyWarrior]

Yep he was always going to hurt his hands on the rock solid African - the guy was built like a brick wall. I don't think there's a S Middle in the world who could KO Bika, and he'd be a nightmare for anyone, Kessler included.

I thought Joe did as well as could be expected, he was never going to look great in this one.

[stujones]

Hey not sure about your comments on Ottke though...i think that guys title reign was one of the most fraudulent things i've ever seen. A champ who lost several times and yet they never gave his opponent the decision imo.

I really think it was only one fight, and I've seen all of Ottke's title defences were he was given a bit of a gift - that was against Mads Larsen.

Brewer was close no doubt, the ref also helped him a heap vs Reid (although, scoring the fight according to the ref's views then Ottke won IMO). Even David Starie looked better than Ottke at times, but I still thought the correct hand was raised.

Ottke won the WBA title to go with his more prestigious (than the WBO) IBF belt. Yet Ring magazine apparently commented (I don't subcribe but was told by people who do) that they wouldn't recognise Ottke as the Ring champ becuase it didn't involve the WBC. In its original format the ring champion was a dual champion of two of the THREE big formation but had to include the WBC..... Therefore only WBC/WBA and WBC/IBF champions.

Yet Joe gets one for beating up on an hyped up (by the likes of Ring) IBF champion..... along with his WBO belt. In a fight watched prime time in the states.

Now I wonder if it was the coverage of Lacy vs Calzaghe that was the REAL reason why Joe was the first winner of the belt. Technically, Ottke held two more prestigious belts (no one can deny his result vs Mitchell) and made many defences.

The Ring awarding the championship belt to Vitali Klitchsko also spoke volumes. Its as about as corrupt as the official sanctioning bodies, its just going on who can shift the most magazines.

[harrygreb]

the bika fight had one major plus for joe - it put all thoughts of the glory against lacy a long way away

[Autobarn]

the bika fight had one major plus for joe - it put all thoughts of the glory against lacy a long way away

one thing we don't like to se from Calzaghe is complacency.

[glahn]

It was an absolutely terrible choice of opponent from the start. Firstly it was an opponent with very little credibility coming into the fight, so Calzaghe was basically in a no win situation. If he beats the guy up it's because he's useless, and if he struggles everyone says he's overrated. Then there's the fact that Bika is clearly a very rough and awkward fighter - the type that Joe never looks good against (see Kabary Salem for more evidence.) There is no reason for him still to be fighting people like this.

[Rocky Balboa]

Why does he keep getting Bika type opposition for Joe? This isn't the first time that waren and his matchmaker have found dirty/awkward no name opposition for Joe.

Bika is no world beater and Joe was never going to get any credit for this fight no matter what happened, but why go for Bika as an opponent when the guy had already demonstrated what a truly dirty b@st@rd he was when he split Beyers face open with his forehead. If they couldn't get Joe a name opponent then at least give him a guy he could look good against, not some filthy nutcase intent on sticking the nut in at every chance. Nobody will have an easy time with Bika.

Warren and his matchmakers need to get a grip and be more professional, they have done a disservice to Calzaghe here. It was a no brainer that this guy with his style was likely to make Joe look bad so why make this fight? I thought the idea was too try and help Joe to look good to raise interest in him enough to HBO so that he can nail the big fights against Kessler, Taylor etc. Not too put him in with fella's that will look to nut him, hit low and simply make him look ragged? Once again Warren is a tool and lets one of his fighters down.

I thought BIKA was a credible tough opponent who gave Joe a run for his money.

Considering BIKA's strength and unorthodozx style I though Joe dealt with him well.

You could see JOe holding back and throwing arm punches. His hands are almost finsihed.

Calzaghe mentioned his hands again. They are no doubt a major hinderance to him. They are not going to get any better - just worse. Interesting to hear that Joe never had any sparring for the Bika bout. Could this become a factor if he were to face an opponenet of the calibre of Hopkins? No doubt B-Hop would have sparring if he were to fight Joe.

Joe has stated he wants around 4/5 more fights, & big fights at that. At this stage of his career, I feel it is crucial not to have any set-backs i.e. in-active for long periods, postponements of fights etc. With him mentioning the hand troubles again, wonder if there will be any pull-outs, postponements etc in the future/

[JimJim]

In answer to the question posed by this thread's title, from a business point of view the Calzaghe/Bika fight was a resounding success.

Calzaghe retained his belt after an eventful fight that gave the viewers plenty of action. Warren will be absolutely delighted. The worst case scenario was Joe losing his title, and with a hand picked challenger as obscure as Bika, Warren risked having a farce on his hands, like when Scott Harrison faced that inept unknown challenger last year.

Calzaghe lives to fight another day, and the punters got 12 hard rounds. ITV will be delighted too, as they'd allocated over two hours of prime time Saturday night coverage to the show.

In case anyone mistakes me for a fan of Warren, let me just say that I can't stand him. However, I am sure he'll be well chuffed with how things went.

[lurkyshaka]

In answer to the question posed by this thread's title, from a business point of view the Calzaghe/Bika fight was a resounding success.

Calzaghe retained his belt after an eventful fight that gave the viewers plenty of action. Warren will be absolutely delighted. The worst case scenario was Joe losing his title, and with a hand picked challenger as obscure as Bika, Warren risked having a farce on his hands, like when Scott Harrison faced that inept unknown challenger last year.

Calzaghe lives to fight another day, and the punters got 12 hard rounds. ITV will be delighted too, as they'd allocated over two hours of prime time Saturday night coverage to the show.

In case anyone mistakes me for a fan of Warren, let me just say that I can't stand him. However, I am sure he'll be well chuffed with how things went.

Im sure he will be, but is Joe? I doubt it as he sits nursing all manner of lumps and bumps, not too mention a bad cut all caused by Bika's best billy goat impression.

[pundit]

What is Warren playing at?

Duck duck duck.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Hey not sure about your comments on Ottke though...i think that guys title reign was one of the most fraudulent things i've ever seen. A champ who lost several times and yet they never gave his opponent the decision imo.

I really think it was only one fight, and I've seen all of Ottke's title defences were he was given a bit of a gift - that was against Mads Larsen.

Brewer was close no doubt, the ref also helped him a heap vs Reid (although, scoring the fight according to the ref's views then Ottke won IMO). Even David Starie looked better than Ottke at times, but I still thought the correct hand was raised.

Ottke won the WBA title to go with his more prestigious (than the WBO) IBF belt. Yet Ring magazine apparently commented (I don't subcribe but was told by people who do) that they wouldn't recognise Ottke as the Ring champ becuase it didn't involve the WBC. In its original format the ring champion was a dual champion of two of the THREE big formation but had to include the WBC..... Therefore only WBC/WBA and WBC/IBF champions.

Yet Joe gets one for beating up on an hyped up (by the likes of Ring) IBF champion..... along with his WBO belt. In a fight watched prime time in the states.

Now I wonder if it was the coverage of Lacy vs Calzaghe that was the REAL reason why Joe was the first winner of the belt. Technically, Ottke held two more prestigious belts (no one can deny his result vs Mitchell) and made many defences.

The Ring awarding the championship belt to Vitali Klitchsko also spoke volumes. Its as about as corrupt as the official sanctioning bodies, its just going on who can shift the most magazines.

The ring are affiliated with HBO who use their rankings, which makes it strange they have recognised Calzaghe. Lacy isn't a HBO fighter is he?

[Max Molyneux]

Lacy's usally on Showtime.

[harrygreb]

calzaghes hands will force the issue - two more fights only imo