Calzaghe v Berrio

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 06 Mar 2007, 08:25

Warren's looking for a possible 'unification' this year, apparently.

Are HBO going to approve this? How good is Berrio - hasn't he lost one to Stieglitz already?

Why haven't they called out Miranda for a US debut fight? Or te Mundine-Soliman 2 winner?

Roars Like Me · Post by **Roars Like Me** » 06 Mar 2007, 08:41

He is nearly as mighty as Mario Veit...
JC will probably fancy that one then

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 06 Mar 2007, 08:46

Amazing isn't it, that Calzaghe had zero interest in Kessler, who was 'unknown' yet is prepared to fight Berrio, who is also unknown, and is nothing more than a big puncher who managed to win a title.

Kessler whilst perhaps a little overrated (I don't see what all the fuss is personally about him), is at least someone who has defended the title several times, and seems to be a dangerous and hungry fighter.

I can see little justification for fighting Berrio, except that Calzaghe thinks it's an easy win, another belt, and he probably won't want that much money.

lvlarc · Post by **lvlarc** » 06 Mar 2007, 09:00

When has Calzaghe ever mentioned Barrio's name? He hasn't. This fight would be a complete waste of time and I doubt HBO would welcome it.

I think now that Hopkins & Taylor fights look unlikely, there is a good chance the Kessler fight gets made and after Kessler gets past his mandatory Andrade I see very few politics in the way. Joe has mentioned Kessler's name a few times recently but Calzaghe will only fight him at home.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 06 Mar 2007, 09:06

Sadly Warren doesn't seem to think it's a waste of time.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... boxx05.xml

Kessler's acting like a champion taking on Andrade but this is just silly. Calzaghe is capable of so much better than this. Why take the most meaningless path?

lvlarc · Post by **lvlarc** » 06 Mar 2007, 09:12

Oh ffs Warren, what an ass. I won't read too much into it tho since Sauderland will most likely have their own plans for Berrio.

jomothepure · Post by **jomothepure** » 06 Mar 2007, 09:13

What an absolute fornicating joke. This is a "unification" fight is it then, despite the fact Calzaghe already had the strap but dropped it because it didn't fit with his humungus plans. Would this also come under the "mega fight" definition? Stay tuned for CHristmas when we'll get a super-mega-atomic fight with Mendy

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:05

Probably won't happen, hoping anyway.

It says Hatton Is expected to meet Cotto too after Castillo so wonder If the Telegraph Is talking crap.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:08

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Amazing isn't it, that Calzaghe had zero interest in Kessler, who was 'unknown' yet is prepared to fight Berrio, who is also unknown, and is nothing more than a big puncher who managed to win a title.

Kessler whilst perhaps a little overrated (I don't see what all the fuss is personally about him), is at least someone who has defended the title several times, and seems to be a dangerous and hungry fighter.

I can see little justification for fighting Berrio, except that Calzaghe thinks it's an easy win, another belt, and he probably won't want that much money.

He does show some Interest In Kessler on this link but says It's up to Warren to make the fight.

http://tinyurl.com/3yp5lh

The Blade · Post by **The Blade** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:10

Max Molyneux wrote:Probably won't happen, hoping anyway.

It says Hatton Is expected to meet Cotto too after Castillo so wonder If the Telegraph Is talking crap.

Hardly the first time. They don't know their arse from the elbow since they binned Bob Mee

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:16

Amazing in it, Calzaghe reliquinshes his belt cause nobody wanted Steiglitz (hurrah we all thought) now TEAM Calzaghe (note, that might not include the boxer or his coach) wouldn't mind a "unification" with a guy who is 1-1 with Steiglitz.

Why didn't he fight Steiglitz instead of Manfredo.

overhand_right · Post by **overhand_right** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:50

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Amazing isn't it, that Calzaghe had zero interest in Kessler, who was 'unknown' yet is prepared to fight Berrio, who is also unknown, and is nothing more than a big puncher who managed to win a title.
.

And there you have the story of Calzaghes career.

And, even more so, allegedly. Allegedly.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 06 Mar 2007, 10:57

Well, here are two quotes from Calzahge, which prove to me that he is a legend in his own mind. On the one hand he says.

"There wouldn't be a massive gulf missing in my career if I didn't fight in the States. I had my career-defining fight against Jeff Lacy last year and I demolished him so when I finish my career, I will rest easy."

The on the other hand...

"If America wanted me to fight Kessler I'd do it."

"Kessler doesn't want to leave Denmark and I'm not fighting over there. If he'd come to Wales then maybe.

"Like me he's undefeated and a very good fighter but Kessler is not proving himself against top names.

"It's up to my promoter to make my dream fight in the States happen. Unfortunately I'm around at the wrong time.

So he doesn't care if he fights in America, because he beat Lacy, and Lacy apparently was 'the man' rather than a young promising guy with a belt who took Calzaghe on too soon! Good win Joe, but career defining fight, not by some way mate.

However, when it comes to Kessler, that fight can't happen unless they want it in the states, or if Kessler comes to Wales. Ok maybe he has a point, there's bugger all money in staging the fight in Denmark, but why is Joe mentioning America, if America doesn't matter?

This is very poor stuff, if he fights this Philipo 'Olive Oil' Berrio then I am afraid that is indefensible.

pundit · Post by **pundit** » 06 Mar 2007, 11:12

stujones wrote:Amazing in it, Calzaghe reliquinshes his belt cause nobody wanted Steiglitz (hurrah we all thought) now TEAM Calzaghe (note, that might not include the boxer or his coach) wouldn't mind a "unification" with a guy who is 1-1 with Steiglitz.

Why didn't he fight Steiglitz instead of Manfredo.

Because the IBF belt comes -- in contrast to the WBO belt -- with mandatories, and the mandatories may be more dangerous one day than Stieglit. Bute for example is within one fight of a title shot. If Calzaghe "unifies" with Berrio he will put down the IBF belt again immediately thereafter. Warren would never permit that his boy gets peppered with deserving mandatories as Ottke was when he held the IBF belt (Brewer before being shot, Tate, Johnson, Branco, etc. etc.)

Same old sad story about Warren and Calzaghe, even though -- incredibly -- some fols still refuse to realize. In a nutshell: the only real worthy fight out there is Kessler. All other opponents are old or small or unproven. Hence any talk of other fighters means Calzaghe (or his manager) is trying to duck Kessler.

Which, unfortunately but very obviously, is precisely what is happening.

pundit · Post by **pundit** » 06 Mar 2007, 11:14

jamesmcdonnell wrote: "Kessler doesn't want to leave Denmark and I'm not fighting over there. If he'd come to Wales then maybe.

That is a straight lie, of course. Kessler has made clear several times that he would fight Calzaghe in the UK. The problem is, Warren never made him an offer. He'll make on to Berrio now instead.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 06 Mar 2007, 11:20

This stinks. Good business it might be, but it's incredibly cynical and a real turn off.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 06 Mar 2007, 12:33

lvlarc_uk wrote:Oh ffs Warren, what an ass. I won't read too much into it tho since Sauderland will most likely have their own plans for Berrio.

Hmm, hopefully Sauersausage will keep that meaningless IBF title protected. Better for everyone.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 06 Mar 2007, 12:39

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Well, here are two quotes from Calzahge, which prove to me that he is a legend in his own mind. On the one hand he says.

"There wouldn't be a massive gulf missing in my career if I didn't fight in the States. I had my career-defining fight against Jeff Lacy last year and I demolished him so when I finish my career, I will rest easy."

The on the other hand...

"If America wanted me to fight Kessler I'd do it."

"Kessler doesn't want to leave Denmark and I'm not fighting over there. If he'd come to Wales then maybe.

"Like me he's undefeated and a very good fighter but Kessler is not proving himself against top names.

"It's up to my promoter to make my dream fight in the States happen. Unfortunately I'm around at the wrong time.

So he doesn't care if he fights in America, because he beat Lacy, and Lacy apparently was 'the man' rather than a young promising guy with a belt who took Calzaghe on too soon! Good win Joe, but career defining fight, not by some way mate.

However, when it comes to Kessler, that fight can't happen unless they want it in the states, or if Kessler comes to Wales. Ok maybe he has a point, there's bugger all money in staging the fight in Denmark, but why is Joe mentioning America, if America doesn't matter?

This is very poor stuff, if he fights this Philipo 'Olive Oil' Berrio then I am afraid that is indefensible.

It's just crazy. I thought they would be desperate to get Miranda and make a US debut.

People would get excited about 'Pantera' the way they got excited about Lacy. It'd be a big fight.

IMO the Manfredo bout is cynical enough. If Manfredo gets a sick beating, it may bring in a bigger audience only to turn them off boxing.

I can't see the point of fighting a paper champion for a title that he already vacated and will surely vacate again.

Frnk Warren will get away with anything he can.

Neri · Post by **Neri** » 06 Mar 2007, 23:04

If Calzaghe-Berrio happens I will finally have given up on the hope of Calzaghe defining his career. This really will be the final nail in the coffin.

What could possibly be the purpose for making a 'unification' fight involving a title that has already been vacated by Calzaghe?

This sucks and so does Berrio. He has a punch and thats it, he is nowhere near Calzaghe's class as I have said on other posts. He will be easily outboxed and there goes another half a year of Joe's career down the pan.

Bloody hell the Lacy victory was a good one but Calzaghe can't expect to ride out the rest of his career on that, he has to fight Kessler AND go to America. Ricky Hatton gets some stick but at least he took his career in his own hands and went where he needed to be.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 07 Mar 2007, 03:45

He'll only have 2 fights this year, so really that's another year written off.

I just love it how they consider the most meaingless matchup, when there's the potential for the winner of three major fights around this time (MIRANDA-Green and MUNDINE-SOLIMAN, KESSLER-ANDRADE)!

Bloody stupidity.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 07 Mar 2007, 06:58

Neri1983 wrote:If Calzaghe-Berrio happens I will finally have given up on the hope of Calzaghe defining his career. This really will be the final nail in the coffin.

What could possibly be the purpose for making a 'unification' fight involving a title that has already been vacated by Calzaghe?

This sucks and so does Berrio. He has a punch and thats it, he is nowhere near Calzaghe's class as I have said on other posts. He will be easily outboxed and there goes another half a year of Joe's career down the pan.

Bloody hell the Lacy victory was a good one but Calzaghe can't expect to ride out the rest of his career on that, he has to fight Kessler AND go to America. Ricky Hatton gets some stick but at least he took his career in his own hands and went where he needed to be.

Calzaghe is quite prepared to trade off of the Lacy win as his 'defining fight' he even says so in the article.

It's a crying shame that a man with as much talent as Calzaghe, has so little desire to prove anything to anyone. Calzaghe's problem appears to be that he has convinced himself he is the greatest Super Middleweight of all time, and has no desire to disprove the doubters.

Hatton by contrast is prepared to get on the plane, and go and fight on the big stage, we can criticise him, but he's fought Tszyu, and now he's going over and taking on Castillo, who has a better pedigree than anyone I can think of that Calzaghe has beaten to date, except maybe Eubank, and that win as we all know is tainted by the late notice.

All very dissapointing if you ask me, but this has been the story of Calzaghe's entire career, he had the opportunity to go and ply his trade years ago, but his attitude has always been 'why the hell should I?'

I don't blame Warren for any of this, I think Warren is happy as things are as it's better for him to keep hold of the promotional purse strings and stage fights nearer to home for Joe, but it's the fighter who has to have the ambition to prove themselves, not the promoter.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 07 Mar 2007, 07:09

Let's not forget, America hasn't always wanted him. For every pleasing performance / potential breakout win like Brewer or Mitchell, there have also been a Reid or Starie to make him look bad.

On the back of even Lacy, came the poor showing vs Bika.

After Calzaghe-Reid Jay Larkin said he's not ready for America, in other words 'you're a mess and who is going to want to watch this?'

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 07 Mar 2007, 07:35

The perfect time would have been after slamming Byron Mitchell, an explosive come off the floor win was just the tonic needed, that was the golden window of opportunity, but Calzaghe didn't take it, and went on a run of dismal competition following that.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 07 Mar 2007, 14:32

This is a joke.

Calzaghe says

"It's up to my promoter to make my dream fight in the States happen. Unfortunately I'm around at the wrong time.

So what time should you have been around in the Joe? And which fighters would you been screaming out to fight?

1950's? Ray Robinson? Jake Lamotta? Ezzard Charles? Archie Moore?
1960's? Dick Tiger? Harold Johnson? Rubin Carter? Gene Fullmer?
1970's? Carlos Monzon? Emille Griffith? Bob Foster? Nino Benvenuti?
1980's? Marvin Hagler? Michael Spinks? Tommy Hearns? Dwight Qawi?
1990's Bernard Hopkins? Roy Jones Jr? Virgil Hill? Nigel Benn? Mike McCallum?

??????

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 07 Mar 2007, 16:44

jamesmcdonnell wrote:The perfect time would have been after slamming Byron Mitchell, an explosive come off the floor win was just the tonic needed, that was the golden window of opportunity, but Calzaghe didn't take it, and went on a run of dismal competition following that.

Calzaghe should have fought the likes of Mitchell and Brewer in 1998/1999 when the two were at their prime and the fight would have meant something. Not that it didn't later on, but he was capable of beating them straight after the Eubank fight.

Brewer with the IBF title would have been a good one.