How exactly is Joe-Kessler a 'superfight' ??

[Chambers2]

not a superfight level fight though.

Rubbish

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

I suppose its how you define a 'super fight'. Is it just celebrity/popular fighters suaring off and being seemingly unbeatable? Was Pacman-Marquez/Morales superfights? I think so but others may disagree. What about Mosley-Winky Wright, which is historically similar?

[hitman_hatton1]

not a superfight level fight though.

Rubbish

it's a big fight no question.

but a superfight is for major league honours.

p4p no1 position.

fights in vegas.

who the hell has heard of kessler???

except for the hardcore trainspotters like u lot on here.

[pundit]

Calzaghe vs Hopkins at this moment would be a Super Fight.

Are you serious? Calzaghe against a semi-retired 43 year old overblown middleweight who is 1-2 in his past 3 bouts would be more important than Calzaghe against the unified WBC/WBA champ who has routed the cream of the division bar Calzaghe (Mundine, Beyer) and who, at 30 years, is at the height of his powers?

Calzaghe vs. Hopkins would be a super celebrity fight, perhaps, due to higher name recognition in the US. But in terms of what it means for the sport there is no doubt in my mind that Calzaghe vs. Kessler ranks two categories higher.

[stujones]

yeah but with Toney, what stopped it being a super fight was that he wasn't willing to turn up. He seemed to be beaten mentally. While it was a super event, it became a dull domination by Jones, who basically carried him.


Re Hopkins - I've been a Hopkins supporter for a long time. What he does now is footnote stuff. His next fight v Wright is basically a super middle match between ageing guys who can't make middleweight anymore. It's also a 'marriage of convenience' - they only got an HBO date vs each other because of their promoter GBP.

I have Kessler above Pong Wong - until he goes for Kameda & Sakata he isn't proven enough; Taylor - not p4p material, he does just enough to LOSE each fight; Spinks; Mosley - good win over Collazo & shot Vargas only goes so far; Mijares - terrific fighter based on 2006 and 07 wins but a bit young/raw.

In terms of skill and achievement, Kessler is SOLID. Not spectacular, but consistent, accomplished, reliable, respectable and because he's been excellent since then end of '03 and beaten either former/current titlists and a hard mandatory. Not that many fighters can jab with such authority, hold the middle of the ring, adapt to different styles (slick defensive - Mundine; precise southpaw - Beyer; rugged slugger - Andrade; big, if basic, sluggers Lucas/Siaca).

I generally agree with what you are saying, but I think he just disagree on Kessler's achievements (not ability) and the definition of a Super Fight. For me the reason why Jones vs Toney was NOT a Super Fight is that Jones had only in 3 title fights at the time, none of which at a Middle. Some people will argue that Hagler fought such an bad tactical fight vs Leonard that he practically gave him the contest.... I have heard more people call that fight a fix than for pretty much any other (Liston vs Ali excluded).... It was still a Super Fight though.

Holyfield vs Tyson.... No it was a Super Fight, because too many people percieved Holyfield to be shot for it too be considered 50:50 enough (a bit like DLH vs Chavez). Holyfield vs Lewis was a Super Fight, cause the perception of Holyfield had changed in the 3 years between these fights.

As for Hopkins vs Wright.... I don't think either have been active enough for it too warrant a Super Fight status in its own right. However, I think these are both in the "Super Fight" level (which Hitman Hatton mentioned) and I think should the winner continue, then their next fight with the "Super Fighter" level opponent would be a Super Fight. I might be a "marriage of convience" - it seems that both Wright and Hopkins have been too big headed to negotate fights with anyone else, so might aswell fight themselves. However, I do Wright especially is still ambitious and could easily make Middle.

As for Taylor, I too am far from convinced..... Kessler and Calzaghe would beat them easily. However, whether we agree or not Taylor has had enough "wins" against excellent fighters (Wright and Hopkins) to warrant a high P4P ranking.... although he has fought his way out of "Super Fighter" level since (although Warrants a P4P ranking above Kessler). So I don't think Calzaghe vs Taylor would be quite a Super Fight and I would put it on a par with this one in terms of magnitude and Legacy.... but a much easier option... so well done Joe.

For me the only true Super Fight for Joe is Hopkins, or if Wright beats Hopkins. Kessler would need to beat Froch/Bute (both need a -1 on their resume), Taylor needs to just look impressive again.

[WildWaylon]

It's an important fight. A title unification that will get huge ticket sales. An evenly matched fight between p4p talents. Kessler is not a poor man's Ottke. He takes on tough comp, he's won a landslide fight v a dangerous mandatory on HBO, and he has the best jab in the sport not to mention a fine all round game. As annoying as Calzaghe has been, he's won Ring man and lineal world titles and got himself onto US p4p lists. Calzaghe and Kessler are maybe the best fighters between 160 and 175.

Lacy wasn't garbage. He was well regarded and then anihilated. You can't just rewrite the book. There have been the joke fights, there have been the real fights and this is an outstanding match.

I ask, even among hardcore fans who gives a damn about Taylor, or the Wright-Hopkins fight?

None of my mates have heard of Kessler , and HBO have come out and said that this is purely a 'european thing' and how the winner could meet Hopkins

not quite. HBO have shown both men on Boxing After Dark. If it was purely a Euro thing then why would they bother, duh?

Have to agree entirely Mr Autobarn, Calzaghe v Kessler is the one most of us want - I also agree totally with all your other points.

[Max Molyneux]

Calzaghe vs Hopkins at this moment would be a Super Fight.

Are you serious? Calzaghe against a semi-retired 43 year old overblown middleweight who is 1-2 in his past 3 bouts would be more important than Calzaghe against the unified WBC/WBA champ who has routed the cream of the division bar Calzaghe (Mundine, Beyer) and who, at 30 years, is at the height of his powers?

Calzaghe vs. Hopkins would be a super celebrity fight, perhaps, due to higher name recognition in the US. But in terms of what it means for the sport there is no doubt in my mind that Calzaghe vs. Kessler ranks two categories higher.

I agree.

Hopkins might become a Holyfield and be too stubborn to retire.

Beating Tarver Is not a big feat.

I'd much prefer the thought of Calzaghe becoming WBC/WBA and WBO champion just like Haye might be but without the WBO. 8)

[chris s]

not a superfight level fight though.

Rubbish

it's a big fight no question.

but a superfight is for major league honours.

p4p no1 position.

fights in vegas.

who the hell has heard of kessler???

except for the hardcore trainspotters like u lot on here.

Why the big deal about having to fight in Vegas?

Would it be bigger then if Kessler was from Nevada?

It can be a superfight involving Europeans.

It is a bigger and better fight than Hatton-Castillo.

Bigger live gate and bigger TV audience.

[jangeorg]

This is as close to a superfight as the division has had since Jones Jr. fought James Toney, and neither man exactly had a hugely deep resume at 168 at the time did they?

This is a great fight, Kessler if he loses will probably suddenly become 'overrated' and 'overhyped' by the self same people who were trumpeting him as the Calzaghe's conqueror and the best thing to come along in a generation.

.

I like Kessler alot, but for Kessler to be at the level above where Lacy was before March 2006 - he needed to have past Bute and Froch before fighting Joe. At the moment, he's in a similar bracket to Lacy - although technically I think can give Joe more problems.

Who the F*** should Bika and Manfredo needed to have past,before fighting Joe,Sergio Mora perhaps ,you most be a moron

[earsjohn]

This is as close to a superfight as the division has had since Jones Jr. fought James Toney, and neither man exactly had a hugely deep resume at 168 at the time did they?

This is a great fight, Kessler if he loses will probably suddenly become 'overrated' and 'overhyped' by the self same people who were trumpeting him as the Calzaghe's conqueror and the best thing to come along in a generation.

.

I like Kessler alot, but for Kessler to be at the level above where Lacy was before March 2006 - he needed to have past Bute and Froch before fighting Joe. At the moment, he's in a similar bracket to Lacy - although technically I think can give Joe more problems.

Who the F*** should Bika and Manfredo needed to have past,before fighting Joe,Sergio Mora perhaps ,you most be a moron

Well said (apart from the moron bit). Calzaghe is universally regarded as the No 1 SM with Kessler No 2. They hold 3 of the 4 alphabelts and the fight will be for the Ring championship. Whoever wins will be undisputed No 1 in the division. No question. If Kessler wins, it will matter diddley sqaut that he hasn't fought Froch or Bute. Calzaghe hasn't fought them either!!!

Whether it's a Super Fight or not is too subjective - there are no specific guidelines over what is or isn't. I think for the American audience you can pretty much assume that anything on PPV is regarded as a Super Fight - DLH v Mayweather and Hopkins v Wright, but not Hatton v Castillo.

This is one of the biggest fights in Europe for a long, long time - they're expecting 60k fans ffs - if it's not a Super Fight, it's certainly a super fight.

[Autobarn]

yeah but with Toney, what stopped it being a super fight was that he wasn't willing to turn up. He seemed to be beaten mentally. While it was a super event, it became a dull domination by Jones, who basically carried him.


Re Hopkins - I've been a Hopkins supporter for a long time. What he does now is footnote stuff. His next fight v Wright is basically a super middle match between ageing guys who can't make middleweight anymore. It's also a 'marriage of convenience' - they only got an HBO date vs each other because of their promoter GBP.

I have Kessler above Pong Wong - until he goes for Kameda & Sakata he isn't proven enough; Taylor - not p4p material, he does just enough to LOSE each fight; Spinks; Mosley - good win over Collazo & shot Vargas only goes so far; Mijares - terrific fighter based on 2006 and 07 wins but a bit young/raw.

In terms of skill and achievement, Kessler is SOLID. Not spectacular, but consistent, accomplished, reliable, respectable and because he's been excellent since then end of '03 and beaten either former/current titlists and a hard mandatory. Not that many fighters can jab with such authority, hold the middle of the ring, adapt to different styles (slick defensive - Mundine; precise southpaw - Beyer; rugged slugger - Andrade; big, if basic, sluggers Lucas/Siaca).

I generally agree with what you are saying, but I think he just disagree on Kessler's achievements (not ability) and the definition of a Super Fight. For me the reason why Jones vs Toney was NOT a Super Fight is that Jones had only in 3 title fights at the time, none of which at a Middle. Some people will argue that Hagler fought such an bad tactical fight vs Leonard that he practically gave him the contest.... I have heard more people call that fight a fix than for pretty much any other (Liston vs Ali excluded).... It was still a Super Fight though.

Holyfield vs Tyson.... No it was a Super Fight, because too many people percieved Holyfield to be shot for it too be considered 50:50 enough (a bit like DLH vs Chavez). Holyfield vs Lewis was a Super Fight, cause the perception of Holyfield had changed in the 3 years between these fights.

As for Hopkins vs Wright.... I don't think either have been active enough for it too warrant a Super Fight status in its own right. However, I think these are both in the "Super Fight" level (which Hitman Hatton mentioned) and I think should the winner continue, then their next fight with the "Super Fighter" level opponent would be a Super Fight. I might be a "marriage of convience" - it seems that both Wright and Hopkins have been too big headed to negotate fights with anyone else, so might aswell fight themselves. However, I do Wright especially is still ambitious and could easily make Middle.

As for Taylor, I too am far from convinced..... Kessler and Calzaghe would beat them easily. However, whether we agree or not Taylor has had enough "wins" against excellent fighters (Wright and Hopkins) to warrant a high P4P ranking.... although he has fought his way out of "Super Fighter" level since (although Warrants a P4P ranking above Kessler). So I don't think Calzaghe vs Taylor would be quite a Super Fight and I would put it on a par with this one in terms of magnitude and Legacy.... but a much easier option... so well done Joe.

For me the only true Super Fight for Joe is Hopkins, or if Wright beats Hopkins. Kessler would need to beat Froch/Bute (both need a -1 on their resume), Taylor needs to just look impressive again.

i think this thread reveals that there is a gulf between 'big names' and 'great matchups.' You have on 1 side DLH and his legendary handicapping and his flawed 8 round stamina. Whenever he fights a p4p level fighter or a big name, it's a superfight - but Mosley 2, Hopkins, Mayweather didn't come across as particularly worthwhile. In addition, when a fighter finally get acknowledged as true elite, he is almost always log in the tooth & either in dull safety first fights or cruising for a loss.

By these criteria, no two fighters in their primes or near, even if they can draw, make superfight criteria. Calzaghe isn't the Name he should be, but the good thing is, he has saved something for when the fights that matter (Lacy - Kessler) came along. Kessler hasn't been around long enough to be old, stale, and hugely recognised - ironically that means he has a lot of fight in him.

For a well matched fight, it's hard to top this fight ANYWHERE in boxing. If all this 60,000 crowd talk isn't fantasy, then this goes some way to qualifying it as a super fight. This is a fight that is crossing borders - UK, Denmark, America (it should be on HBO) - that most fights won't cross.

If the fight draws well and turns out to be an epic, then IMO it is a superfight.

In terms of middle divisions significance, it could already be one.


re Kessler p4p - Hopkins was, believe it or not, a top 10 p4p from 1998 onward. Because of his skills, because of his consistency. & his wins of that time, Echols, Johnson, Lipsey, even a shot Simon Brown -hardly ground breaking. Skill, ring generalship, a command of craft from one fight to the next is, and should be, rewarded.

[Max Molyneux]

If America doesn't view It as a superfight, generally some boxing fans get brainwashed Into thinking the same as Americans.

[bennie]

Unbeaten Calzaghe vs unbeaten Kessler is a fabulous showdown of major world champions (and pretty boys). At stake are three world titles: Kessler's WBC and WBA; Calzaghe's WBO. The real prize is the mantle of best super-middleweight in the world.
Joe currently holds the spot after his brilliant win over Florida's Jeff Lacy in March 2006 but his two wins since have been disappointing and Kessler stole a march destroying WBC champion Markus Beyer in three rounds last October. On that very same night, Calzaghe looked surprisingly ragged outscoring Cameroon Sakio Bika over 12 hard-fought rounds in Manchester, and finished banged up. He then halted Pete Manfredo Jnr in three rounds in Cardiff, a celebrity fight spoiled by an obscure referee and his horribly premature stoppage.
"Mikkel Kessler could tie up his left hand and still defeat Joe Calzaghe," reckons WBC president Jose Sulaiman.
Strong words, but Kessler, a pro nine years, spreadeagled most of his early opponents and was 29-0 (22 early) when he outboxed former WBC champion Dingaan Thobela to show his skill and stamina. He won all 12 rounds. He reverted to hard-hitting type with victories over men such as former world middleweight champion Julio Cesar Green (one round), Craig Cummings (three), Henry Porras (nine) and Andre Thysse (11)... The "Viking Warrior" looked more and more the complete boxer-puncher and proved it when he thumped Puerto Rico's Manny Siaca (eight) to win the WBA super-middleweight title in Copenhagen in 2004. Siaca took a battering.
In his first defence, Kessler made the journey to Sydney to tackle Anthony "The Man" Mundine in 2005 and used all his underrated boxing skills to outpoint the aggressive former rugby league star (unanimous). Kessler kept the punches coming as Mundine loaded up in front of an 8,000 home crowd. One judge gave the great Dane every round.
It was more of the same against Montreal's Eric Lucas, outclassed and stopped in 10 by Kessler. The rugged Canadian announced his retirement.
Then came that big unification clash with Beyer in Copenhagen's 42,000-seater Parken Stadium (where Tyson stopped blubbery local man Brian Nielsen). Beyer left his German sanctuary for the biggest purse of his career (1½ million euros, plus German-TV rights) and paid with a crushing Kessler right hand. Ominously, he went in a 35-year-old southpaw, just like Calzaghe.
Last time out in March, Kessler routed previously unbeaten Mexican Librado Andrade in a mandatory defence, winning all 12 rounds on all three cards.
Calzaghe, in contrast, comes off that bizarre third-round stoppage of the overmatched Manfredo in April, a stoppage even his promoter F rank Warren disagreed with, from his reaction at ringside. The quick, heavy-handed Welshman showed his ability to unload punches in bunches. He threw around 30 unanswered shots to have Manfredo thinking only of defence (a classic Enzo Calzaghe ploy; Joe's father and trainer knows referees will intervene if fighters aren't throwing back under sustained pressure). But not all the shots landed, nor did they seem particularly hard, nor was Manfredo hurt. "Joe gave Jeff Lacy a beating for 12 rounds and hit him with a million shots and they never stopped it," demanded American Manfredo.
He and the 35,018 paying customers deserved more.
At least the stoppage spared Calzaghe's fragile left hand, broken yet again in the 'fight'. The injury-prone southpaw has a real problem with the hand. If it goes in the Kessler fight, how will a one-handed Calzaghe hold off such a rival? Kessler has seven years on Calzaghe at 28 and yet around the same number of fights: a flawless 39-0 (29) to Joe's equally exquisite 43-0 (32). But Calzaghe has made an astonishing 20 world title defences compared to Kessler's measly four. And he's the longest-reigning current world champion: 10 years in October. He was already world champ when Kessler turned pro in 1998.
BOTH are big and strong for the weight (six footers).
So there we have it. Calzaghe, you could say, faces another "Left Hook" Lacy - also unbeaten and much-feared when he trudged into 1006 punches from the slick Welsh star (whose hand held up, amazingly) and dropped every round. Joe has been there and done it. But now he has to do it at 35 against a man who has shown consistent and ruthless efficiency, home and away.
No real weaknesses.
But on home soil, Calzaghe's speed, movement, cleverness, power and experience probably give him the edge.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Decent assessment as usual, however, I disagree on one point.

I think Kessler does have a weakness, which is that he is a little mechanical, and tends to fight on rails. He's not a natural mover like Calzaghe, and doesn't seem to be able to turn very quickly.

They may well work on that in the gym before the Calzaghe fight, as they know that Calzaghe likes to work the angles.

[101boxing]

What effing retarded thread this was!

"My mates haven't heard of Kessler"

"My mates haven't heard of Mayweather"

Never mind your mates what do you think?!

It's the biggest fight in the super middle division for years, even bigger than Lacy v Joe, and I can't wait for it.....

bang on!!!!!

[stujones]

yeah but with Toney, what stopped it being a super fight was that he wasn't willing to turn up. He seemed to be beaten mentally. While it was a super event, it became a dull domination by Jones, who basically carried him.


Re Hopkins - I've been a Hopkins supporter for a long time. What he does now is footnote stuff. His next fight v Wright is basically a super middle match between ageing guys who can't make middleweight anymore. It's also a 'marriage of convenience' - they only got an HBO date vs each other because of their promoter GBP.

I have Kessler above Pong Wong - until he goes for Kameda & Sakata he isn't proven enough; Taylor - not p4p material, he does just enough to LOSE each fight; Spinks; Mosley - good win over Collazo & shot Vargas only goes so far; Mijares - terrific fighter based on 2006 and 07 wins but a bit young/raw.

In terms of skill and achievement, Kessler is SOLID. Not spectacular, but consistent, accomplished, reliable, respectable and because he's been excellent since then end of '03 and beaten either former/current titlists and a hard mandatory. Not that many fighters can jab with such authority, hold the middle of the ring, adapt to different styles (slick defensive - Mundine; precise southpaw - Beyer; rugged slugger - Andrade; big, if basic, sluggers Lucas/Siaca).

I generally agree with what you are saying, but I think he just disagree on Kessler's achievements (not ability) and the definition of a Super Fight. For me the reason why Jones vs Toney was NOT a Super Fight is that Jones had only in 3 title fights at the time, none of which at a Middle. Some people will argue that Hagler fought such an bad tactical fight vs Leonard that he practically gave him the contest.... I have heard more people call that fight a fix than for pretty much any other (Liston vs Ali excluded).... It was still a Super Fight though.

Holyfield vs Tyson.... No it was a Super Fight, because too many people percieved Holyfield to be shot for it too be considered 50:50 enough (a bit like DLH vs Chavez). Holyfield vs Lewis was a Super Fight, cause the perception of Holyfield had changed in the 3 years between these fights.

As for Hopkins vs Wright.... I don't think either have been active enough for it too warrant a Super Fight status in its own right. However, I think these are both in the "Super Fight" level (which Hitman Hatton mentioned) and I think should the winner continue, then their next fight with the "Super Fighter" level opponent would be a Super Fight. I might be a "marriage of convience" - it seems that both Wright and Hopkins have been too big headed to negotate fights with anyone else, so might aswell fight themselves. However, I do Wright especially is still ambitious and could easily make Middle.

As for Taylor, I too am far from convinced..... Kessler and Calzaghe would beat them easily. However, whether we agree or not Taylor has had enough "wins" against excellent fighters (Wright and Hopkins) to warrant a high P4P ranking.... although he has fought his way out of "Super Fighter" level since (although Warrants a P4P ranking above Kessler). So I don't think Calzaghe vs Taylor would be quite a Super Fight and I would put it on a par with this one in terms of magnitude and Legacy.... but a much easier option... so well done Joe.

For me the only true Super Fight for Joe is Hopkins, or if Wright beats Hopkins. Kessler would need to beat Froch/Bute (both need a -1 on their resume), Taylor needs to just look impressive again.

i think this thread reveals that there is a gulf between 'big names' and 'great matchups.' You have on 1 side DLH and his legendary handicapping and his flawed 8 round stamina. Whenever he fights a p4p level fighter or a big name, it's a superfight - but Mosley 2, Hopkins, Mayweather didn't come across as particularly worthwhile. In addition, when a fighter finally get acknowledged as true elite, he is almost always log in the tooth & either in dull safety first fights or cruising for a loss.

By these criteria, no two fighters in their primes or near, even if they can draw, make superfight criteria. Calzaghe isn't the Name he should be, but the good thing is, he has saved something for when the fights that matter (Lacy - Kessler) came along. Kessler hasn't been around long enough to be old, stale, and hugely recognised - ironically that means he has a lot of fight in him.

For a well matched fight, it's hard to top this fight ANYWHERE in boxing. If all this 60,000 crowd talk isn't fantasy, then this goes some way to qualifying it as a super fight. This is a fight that is crossing borders - UK, Denmark, America (it should be on HBO) - that most fights won't cross.

If the fight draws well and turns out to be an epic, then IMO it is a superfight.

In terms of middle divisions significance, it could already be one.


re Kessler p4p - Hopkins was, believe it or not, a top 10 p4p from 1998 onward. Because of his skills, because of his consistency. & his wins of that time, Echols, Johnson, Lipsey, even a shot Simon Brown -hardly ground breaking. Skill, ring generalship, a command of craft from one fight to the next is, and should be, rewarded.

I generally agree with what you are saying. However, that is why important match making is so important early in a fighters career. Hatton vs Mayweather - two elite, proven fighters at the peak of their power. Super Fight. DLH vs Trinidad 1 - Super Fight. Hopkins vs Trinidad - Long time partially unified champion, against electric 3 weight champion - Super Fight. Hopkins vs Jones, Toney vs Jones = no super fight.

Calzaghe vs Kessler - Critical for Calzaghe's legacy, critical for his Hall of Fame status... But not a Super Fight.

[stujones]

.

I like Kessler alot, but for Kessler to be at the level above where Lacy was before March 2006 - he needed to have past Bute and Froch before fighting Joe. At the moment, he's in a similar bracket to Lacy - although technically I think can give Joe more problems.

Who the F*** should Bika and Manfredo needed to have past,before fighting Joe,Sergio Mora perhaps ,you most be a moron

Well said (apart from the moron bit). Calzaghe is universally regarded as the No 1 SM with Kessler No 2. They hold 3 of the 4 alphabelts and the fight will be for the Ring championship. Whoever wins will be undisputed No 1 in the division. No question. If Kessler wins, it will matter diddley sqaut that he hasn't fought Froch or Bute. Calzaghe hasn't fought them either!!!

Whether it's a Super Fight or not is too subjective - there are no specific guidelines over what is or isn't. I think for the American audience you can pretty much assume that anything on PPV is regarded as a Super Fight - DLH v Mayweather and Hopkins v Wright, but not Hatton v Castillo.

This is one of the biggest fights in Europe for a long, long time - they're expecting 60k fans ffs - if it's not a Super Fight, it's certainly a super fight.

I agree Ears John, I am not trying to diss this match at all. Just giving my view on whether it is a Super Fight or not. Jeff Lacy looked very impressive in 2005 was the betting favourite and most pundits thought he was going to win. When Calzaghe did a number of all numbers on him. After a day of "wow, that was impressive" on the forum, there then came the "who has Lacy fought", "completely exposed" "EVERYONE knows Kessler is the real #1 contender to Calzaghe" (the same people who were saying Lacy was the real deal two days before).

Now, if the same happens again... and it could do cause Kessler hasn't fought anyone with the workrate of Joe, or the power. Then I think the same will be said, but this time with Froch/Bute replacing Kessler.

I wouldn't be surprised that if there was a poll on who would win between Froch and Kessler now... there would be 100% supporting Kessler... However, I think similar figures would have been said with a mythical Lacy vs Kessler fight (had the poll been done in Feb 2005).

[The Durable Dane]

I agree. Only among the most die-hard boxing fans is this a big fight and it's only because they both showed some good skills against Lacy/Manfredo and Beyer/Andrade. Kessler has never been on British TV (and has only been live on American TV once) and if there was a poll on if Calzaghe should fight this Kessler guy or Hopkins/Taylor/Winky it would be the latter by landslide. Kessler is a poor man's Ottke, he just throws jabs and straight rights and moves to one side and back and throws jabs and straight rights again, and more jabs. It's boring.

Joe Calzaghe was the joke of boxing in Britain and America before the Lacy fight, remember? Seen as an absolute joke. And the general public only tune in or buy tickets to see Amir Khan (Joe has about zero personality), not Joe Calzaghe. Joe is Hated in the States, btw. So no, there's no way this fight is big anywhere, only maybe, just maybe, in Denmark.

You are kidding, right.
This is maybe the biggest fight between two european fighters ever.

[jeej]

I don't know anything about say Netball for instance, so wouldn't appreciate the importance of two particular teams facing each other. However, I do know about Boxing, hence I do know who the fook Kessler is and hence this is a BIG fight!

Like many have said before me, claiming your mates are deeply into boxing and then saying they've never heard of the #2 ranked SMW in the world is bloody ridiculous. I'd be willing to bet that your mates just like to occasionally see a couple of fellas batter each other and couldn't point out most of today's champs in a police style line-up.

[Autobarn]

Decent assessment as usual, however, I disagree on one point.

I think Kessler does have a weakness, which is that he is a little mechanical, and tends to fight on rails. He's not a natural mover like Calzaghe, and doesn't seem to be able to turn very quickly.

They may well work on that in the gym before the Calzaghe fight, as they know that Calzaghe likes to work the angles.

speaking of gym work - can Joe actually spar properly anymore with his chronic hand problems?

Interestingly, Kessler has major hangups about lefties - I heard he sparred some 300 rds for Beyer which could have worn him out a bit.

[m1kee50]

Decent assessment as usual, however, I disagree on one point.

I think Kessler does have a weakness, which is that he is a little mechanical, and tends to fight on rails. He's not a natural mover like Calzaghe, and doesn't seem to be able to turn very quickly.

They may well work on that in the gym before the Calzaghe fight, as they know that Calzaghe likes to work the angles.

speaking of gym work - can Joe actually spar properly anymore with his chronic hand problems?

Interestingly, Kessler has major hangups about lefties - I heard he sparred some 300 rds for Beyer which could have worn him out a bit.

Joe has been sparring Enzo