So if hell freezes over and Kessler-Calzaghe happens...

dookus · Post by **dookus** » 10 Nov 2006, 06:26

What prediction would you put on it?

I'd go for Calzaghe MD - great as his footwork and head movement can be at times, Joe is wide open to fast, snappy, straight punches, and I can see Kessler's neat, powerful jab-jab-right hand causing nightmares for Joe. On the other hand, Kessler's never faced the kind of onslaught he can expect Joe to unleash in the course of his fight - all manner of angles, very fast hands, good power, and a LOT of shots. I see either: -

Calzaghe edging it down the stretch after a worrying first few rounds, drawing Kessler into a firefight by the end of the middle rounds and simply outlanding him over the last few rounds.

or

Calzaghe comes out blazing in the first few rounds trying to disorient and overwhelm Kessler, gets his head snapped back repeatedly as Kessler recovers in the middle rounds and the final result hinges on who can get the better of the other in frantic closing exchanges.

Loftgroov · Post by **Loftgroov** » 10 Nov 2006, 06:32

I don't know.

Though I suspect if Calzaghe wins then "Kessler has been exposed as a bum" (pundit et al).

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 10 Nov 2006, 06:39

Personally, I see Kessler taking command with the jab, an aggressive jab-as-offensive-weapon. Calzaghe comes in flailing and gets picked off, to lose on points.

Joe's hands are all messed up. You can just see it in his punching. It's been like this since the Salem fight, maybe earlier. He can't dig like he used to.

When you look at these fights, where one fighter really wants to take down the better known, and the better known one doesn't want it - well, I'd say the one who wants it more has the greater chance.

Twinkle Toes · Post by **Twinkle Toes** » 10 Nov 2006, 06:42

Calzaghe is more naturally gifted than Kessler, and for me as long as Calzaghe is anywhere near peak form he has more than enough to handle Kessler.

I'd predict a points finish, with Calzaghe winning a comfortable decision.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 07:08

Most likely a clear points decision for Calzaghe.

He could get Kessler on the ropes and overwhelm him like he does with most fighters and maybe score a stoppag there, he hasn't stopped many lately and I don't know how good Mikkel's chin is.

Like Maussa said he used to hit harder.

Calzaghe's open to the rights but Kessler doesn't throw a right as a single shot like Bika did and likes to start with the jab to wear them down. Kessler hasn't fought anyone recently with a fast pace either like Joe can do.

Kessler's style and guard is too typical as well and so is his stance, so will he be able to catch Joe , who is the quicker fighter?

Watching the Beyer fight too seemed to say Kessler is open to body shots too.

Kessler seems to go on the offensive more than who he fights as well so I'd like to see how he handles Joe's quick offense .

Kessler's jab is average, but how will he handle the much quicker southpaw jab? I can see Calzaghe not having much problems with Kessler's jab and thats all it seems Kessler has to be much talked about.

Deram · Post by **Deram** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:07

I believe Calzaghe would be pinned at the end of Kessler's jab untill at around the 6th round, Calzaghe would be bloodied and throw the last ressources into the fight... and either get KOed or TKO in one of the two next rounds.

However, when Kessler wins there will surely be some people saying "who has Calzaghe beat anyway? An hyped Lacy - that's it.. and then someone that got 15 seconds of fame because of a TV reality show". I don't care, I will regard it a defining win for Kessler. Not the last by far, but a great one none the less.

Calzaghe could win, but I highly doubt it.

Either way - I want the fight - and the winner will receive endless accolades. No matter who it is.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:13

Not to offend like but is their any other qualities anyone can mention about Kessler except for his jab?

Deram · Post by **Deram** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:21

Max Molyneux wrote:Not to offend like but is their any other qualities anyone can mention about Kessler except for his jab?

Many. Workrate, technique, precision, concentration etc.

How about Joe? Workrate? Speed? Well, Kessler has seen faster in Mundine.

If you think the Beyer fight showed Kessler was open to body shots because he received like 2 or 3 punches the entire fight to the body, then what does the Bika fight tell us Joe is open for? Virtually everything. Joe was hit by pretty much every kind of punch in that fight. I think it is fishing in the dark saying that Kessler is open to body shots.. without considering how Joe looked in comparison against Bika.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:31

Look at what Ike Quartey was able to do with his jab.

Quartey was subjected to some of the most unsympathetic judging I've ever seen in American boxing. Just because at certain points he could lose concentration. In fights he was dominating, a couple of knockdowns prevented him from getting W's vs de la Hoya and JL Lopez.

Kessler is equally an artist with the jab. He lacks Quartey's arrogance, and I doubt he will lose concentration against dangerous opponents.

I won't underestimate the jab. It's a bloody hard punch to get past. In theory, Siaca and Lucas should've been able to back him up and chop away a few times, but it never happened because the jab was a killer.

The Beyer fight showed that he doesn't just stand back & peck away. He went after Beyer, harrassed him with the jab, broke his rhythm, hurt him, & refused to let him settle.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:41

Kessler has faced nothing approaching the quality of Calzaghe, he's never faced an unbeaten fighter who doesn't know how to lose; nice win over Beyer, but let's be honest: Beyer was looking for a nice soft spot on the canvas: he barely threw a punch in there. And Calzaghe would be looking to take Kessler's head off - big difference.

He'd probably get off to a good start with that solid jab, but Joe has much more in his arsenal than Kessler, along with a bullet proof chin.
Can Kessler match the speed, heart and chin of Calzaghe? I doubt it.

JC would overwhelm him for a points win or late stopage.

Deram · Post by **Deram** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:50

MightyWarrior wrote:Kessler has faced nothing approaching the quality of Calzaghe, he's never faced an unbeaten fighter who doesn't know how to lose; nice win over Beyer, but let's be honest: Beyer was looking for a nice soft spot on the canvas: he barely threw a punch in there. And Calzaghe would be looking to take Kessler's head off - big difference.

He'd probably get off to a good start with that solid jab, but Joe has much more in his arsenal than Kessler, along with a bullet proof chin.
Can Kessler match the speed, heart and chin of Calzaghe? I doubt it.

JC would overwhelm him for a points win or late stopage.

Similarly, Calzaghe has never faced anything remotely like Kessler. Slow pluddering opponents have been the order of the day. Mundine is faster than Joe.

And talking about Beyer.. he was champion. How about Siaca.. he gave up.. some people say that that should be a problem for Kessler. Lucas gave up. Green gave up. Why do all these guys seems to loose spirits after just a couple of rounds with Kessler? I think that is the real question. Siaca surely didn't come to give up his belt neither did Beyer etc. but for some reason they just stop hoping after only a few minutes in the presence of Kessler.

Does Joe have the same effect? Nah.. even a no-name fighter like Bika had the hope for most of the fight, or how about little light-middle Ashira? Etc. etc.

I really don't think talking opponent quality and how either has looked against them.. is a very good argument for Calzaghe.

Joe is a good fighter. I believe that personally - but after 10 years with the belt his resume surely doesn't carry the weight it should. Even the biggest Joe-fan knows this - or he is kidding himself.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 10 Nov 2006, 08:55

Bika was a real animal though, three punch combinations: left, right and then his head - you think he'd give up v Kessler? Strong as an ox, he'd be a nightmare for any SM don't you think?

Deram · Post by **Deram** » 10 Nov 2006, 09:23

MightyWarrior wrote:Bika was a real animal though, three punch combinations: left, right and then his head - you think he'd give up v Kessler? Strong as an ox, he'd be a nightmare for any SM don't you think?

Not, at all. He wouldn';t last 2 rounds against Kessler. What is Bika? No. 15, no 25 in the world?

Joe would feel the same as all the rest if he got in the ring with Kessler. His spirits would fly away after a round or two.

Here - he can tell you himself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAozwTkz ... ed&search=

Smit · Post by **Smit** » 10 Nov 2006, 09:30

I'd pick Kessler to win (IMO) a very close fight but the judges in Wales giving Calzaghe a UD

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 10 Nov 2006, 09:31

Deram wrote:
Not, at all. He wouldn';t last 2 rounds against Kessler. What is Bika? No. 15, no 25 in the world?

No way would Kessler blow him away, the guy looks like he has an iron chin. And Joe does hit hard, as Kessler would find out pretty quick.

Ask Eubank the hardest he's ever been hit, and he'll tell you Joe Calzaghe. That's from a fighter who's been in with Nigel Benn. Twice.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 09:35

Not, at all. He wouldn';t last 2 rounds against Kessler.

Yet Beyer who is on the same level around lasted 3 and washed up Lucas lasted 10 and Siaca 8.

Come on that video didn't say shit at all except for comparing himself to De La Hoya and that he was going to beat their asses in Danish accent.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 09:41

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoEg8onMpys

A much more worthy video and mentions Kessler.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:04

I think its a close thing but I am leaning towards Kessler winning on points. I think Calzaghe peaked during the Lacy fight, he looked terrible against Bika. Granted Bika is a tough customer but you can bet your bottom dollar Kessler wouldn't have looked like garbage against him. I guess time will tell but I have a feeling Calzaghe will be slipping slowly from here on in. Lets not forget Calzaghe is 34 now by the time the fight happens he could be 35, while Kessler is in his physical prime. And his hands are a mess.

Kessler's piston-like jab would be key, he'd be able to keep Calzaghe off balance as he comes in to flurry then deliver the right hand down the pipe that we all know Calzaghe feasts on!

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:12

He did look bad against Bika but that was only when he showboated and got into a brawl.

When he stuck to his skills, he was much better.

Even reading anyone elses opinions, the only quality about Kessler anyone is mentioning is the jab.

You can;t just win on the jab it' could help to wear fighters down but what could he do afterwards?

Can't count Joe out for looking terrible against Bika, he's looked terrible in fights in the past before then has come to dominate.

The Durable Dane · Post by **The Durable Dane** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:13

Deram wrote:I believe Calzaghe would be pinned at the end of Kessler's jab untill at around the 6th round, Calzaghe would be bloodied and throw the last ressources into the fight... and either get KOed or TKO in one of the two next rounds.

However, when Kessler wins there will surely be some people saying "who has Calzaghe beat anyway? An hyped Lacy - that's it.. and then someone that got 15 seconds of fame because of a TV reality show". I don't care, I will regard it a defining win for Kessler. Not the last by far, but a great one none the less.

Calzaghe could win, but I highly doubt it.

Either way - I want the fight - and the winner will receive endless accolades. No matter who it is.

I Agree on this... Kessler is no. 1 in Super Middleweight!

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:16

Max Molyneux wrote:He did look bad against Bika but that was only when he showboated and got into a brawl.

When he stuck to his skills, he was much better.

Even reading anyone elses opinions, the only quality about Kessler anyone is mentioning is the jab.

You can;t just win on the jab it' could help to wear fighters down but what could he do afterwards?

Can't count Joe out for looking terrible against Bika, he's looked terrible in fights in the past before then has come to dominate.

No if you read properly, his jab is key to him winning but he has way more than a jab. He has good straight punches, good footwork and is great at judging distance. Have you seen any of his fights other than the Beyer fight? Watch Kessler v Mundine.

JC · Post by JC » 10 Nov 2006, 10:16

Max Molyneux wrote:You can;t just win on the jab it' could help to wear fighters down but what could he do afterwards?

Yes you can. I'm not saying Kessler would or not, but the Jab can definately win you a fight.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:27

nickd wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:He did look bad against Bika but that was only when he showboated and got into a brawl.

When he stuck to his skills, he was much better.

Even reading anyone elses opinions, the only quality about Kessler anyone is mentioning is the jab.

You can;t just win on the jab it' could help to wear fighters down but what could he do afterwards?

Can't count Joe out for looking terrible against Bika, he's looked terrible in fights in the past before then has come to dominate.
No if you read properly, his jab is key to him winning but he has way more than a jab. He has good straight punches, good footwork and is great at judging distance. Have you seen any of his fights other than the Beyer fight? Watch Kessler v Mundine.

I've seen Kessler Vs Lucas and have Siaca on disk.

He doesn't throw the straights in single shots though like Bika did when he landed his rights on Calzaghe.

He does move in and out of range like with Lucas. Calzaghe's footwork is good too though so moving in and out of range is one thing, but Joe's more known to move quicker on his feet.

Be interesting to see him handle Calzaghe's southpaw jab though as most people are mentioning Kessler's jab and Freiheit says Kessler is troubled by southpaws and Joe's a quick one at that.

Ain't seen Mundine but hearing Mundine's hand speed gave Kessler trouble and Joe's known for hand speed too.

Kessler's guard is just too typical European, which makes it harder for him against quick fighters.

I don't see how the jab will be the key to winning the fight though, the Southpaw jab would give his orthodox jab real problems.

As you said Calzaghe peaked too, what do you reckon about before that?

JC · Post by JC » 10 Nov 2006, 10:49

Deram wrote:Not, at all. He wouldn';t last 2 rounds against Kessler. What is Bika? No. 15, no 25 in the world?

Ha ha, Kessler is a good fighter, but a two round stoppage of Bika is a bit optomistic, being 15-25th in the world doesn't make you easy to KO Kessler would beat him handily though

hitman_hatton1 · Post by **hitman_hatton1** » 10 Nov 2006, 10:57

Deram wrote:Similarly, Calzaghe has never faced anything remotely like Kessler. Slow pluddering opponents have been the order of the day. Mundine is faster than Joe.

i disagree with that.

he's fought woodhall and veit.

those guys aren't a million miles away from what kessler is.

obviously kessler is better at what he does.

calzaghe pts.