Calzaghe 'still a US unknown'

Neri · Post by **Neri** » 15 Dec 2006, 02:29

http://www.icliverpool.co.uk

PETER MANFREDO Jr says Joe Calzaghe is still a virtual unknown in the United States - despite his stunning demolition of Jeff Lacy last March.

Calzaghe will defend his WBO title against Manfredo at the Millennium Stadium on April 7.

"Back in America they ask me who I'm fighting and I say 'Joe Calzaghe for the title' and they say 'who, is he good?'," said Manfredo.

"Not many people know who Joe is outside boxing, I'm not surprised."

Manfredo finished as runner-up on US reality TV series The Contender and holds a record of 26-3 (12 KOs).

The 26-year-old admits the British public might not rate him either as a boxer, but warned that it would be a mistake to underestimate him.

He said: "I'm fighting the best guy in the world but I'm ready for this level."

shoutout · Post by **shoutout** » 15 Dec 2006, 04:14

Neri1983 wrote:www.icliverpool.co.uk

PETER MANFREDO Jr says Joe Calzaghe is still a virtual unknown in the United States - despite his stunning demolition of Jeff Lacy last March.

Calzaghe will defend his WBO title against Manfredo at the Millennium Stadium on April 7.

"Back in America they ask me who I'm fighting and I say 'Joe Calzaghe for the title' and they say 'who, is he good?'," said Manfredo.

"Not many people know who Joe is outside boxing, I'm not surprised."

Manfredo finished as runner-up on US reality TV series The Contender and holds a record of 26-3 (12 KOs).

The 26-year-old admits the British public might not rate him either as a boxer, but warned that it would be a mistake to underestimate him.

He said: "I'm fighting the best guy in the world but I'm ready for this level."

manfredo is correct, in the sense that basically hardcore american fans are the only americans that really know much about joe...

joe's lone fight on HBO was not particularly impressive & HBO has a much larger subcriber base than showtime, so far fewer americans saw joe's domination than saw the bika fight...maybe totally destroying the no-hoper manfredo on HBO will help joe get a little more good press!!

jimglen · Post by **jimglen** » 15 Dec 2006, 05:58

Serves him & British boxing right, should have been there 4-6 years ago...

if British boxing has any pride for it's once rich past it has to let go the value of these WBO titles and go after more respected title and recognition 'right away!'

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 15 Dec 2006, 08:44

jimglen wrote:Serves him & British boxing right, should have been there 4-6 years ago...

if British boxing has any pride for it's once rich past it has to let go the value of these WBO titles and go after more respected title and recognition 'right away!'

Americans are liking the WBO title now and latins like Margarito and Cotto. Barrera even started out as WBO champ.

I'm hearing Manfredo isn't a huge name in America either though.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 15 Dec 2006, 09:23

jimglen wrote:Serves him & British boxing right, should have been there 4-6 years ago...

if British boxing has any pride for it's once rich past it has to let go the value of these WBO titles and go after more respected title and recognition 'right away!'

What do you mean "him and british boxing"?

Don't you mean "him and allegedly"?

"British boxing" does not equate Joe Calzaghe. & only two brits have WBO titles, Enzo Macca & Calzaghe. Hatton, Witter, Woods have got/had titles belonging to either the WBA/WBC/IBF. In fact, Hatton is still the lineal light welterweight champion, and David haye is gunning for the WBC cruiser belt next year.

Joe has been slagged off by everyone - from fans to rival camps, because of the letdown that his career has been at times. Promoters like Fight Academy and Hennessy have a policy of going the 'traditional' route, i.e. having their fighters gun for British, Commonwealth & Euro titles rather than WBU; and having them go for 'big three' rather than an extended WBO reign.

Boxers from all different nations hold the WBO crown. The WBO title can be a valuable tool for fighters who are avoided like the plague, for instance Winky (mid '90s) and currently Margarito.

Look at this for a list: Jermain Taylor, Sergei Dzinziruk, Antonio Margarito, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joan Guzman, Miguel Cotto (recently vacated), Jhonny Gonzalez, Fernado Montiel. Add to that calzaghe, & you can MAKE A CASE for each of these as being the best in their weight classes.

pundit · Post by **pundit** » 15 Dec 2006, 10:55

Sure he doesn't have the name recognition of Mike Tyosn, but a super-middlweight never will. Among boxing fans Calzaghe is well known, as an exciting fighter with some promise but a strangely muddled career.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 15 Dec 2006, 11:02

pundit wrote:Sure he doesn't have the name recognition of Mike Tyosn, but a super-middlweight never will. Among boxing fans Calzaghe is well known, as an exciting fighter with some promise but a strangely muddled career.

A Pundit post I agree with!

pundit · Post by **pundit** » 15 Dec 2006, 17:45

Max Molyneux wrote:
pundit wrote:Sure he doesn't have the name recognition of Mike Tyosn, but a super-middlweight never will. Among boxing fans Calzaghe is well known, as an exciting fighter with some promise but a strangely muddled career.
A Pundit post I agree with!

Maybe even you are growing up...

How' your T-shirt rip-off training going?

Calzaghe 'still a US unknown'

Calzaghe 'still a US unknown'

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