BoxRec

Fantastic win by Calzaghe, however I feel bad for two reasons.

1) For ever doubting him and constantly criticising him.

2) Where has he been, looking at the opponents available now its probably too little too late to secure "all time great" status. Something obviously his ability deserves.

Now, with point 2 in mind ideally what 3 matches would you make for Joe to attempt to secure all time great status. Personally, I don't want to see Tarver vs Calzaghe - Tarver is overated and definately on the slide, I think stylistically Woods possess more problems to Joe than either Tarver or Johnson.

With that in mind, here would be the final three fights of Joe's career if I was managing him.

1) Mikkel Kessler - Dangerous WBA champion - looks now to be the real "next generation" successor to Joe.

2) Clinton Woods - Huge UK match up, Joe's final one in the UK.

and

Yes, I'm being serious here.

3) The winner of Toney vs Rahman. He's naturally bigger than Toney and I honestly think he could pull it off, with his chin and workrate.

Bang on. I'd fully agree with 1 + 2.

1) Kessler. I've just said this - Calzaghe is certainly the man. But whether it's his/Warren's fault, he has let guys like Lacy and Kessler - who are very good - don't get me wrong - be touted as roughly equals to him - eg. last night's fight was 50-50 going in. He shouldn't have let that happen - he's a class above - but he has. A win over Kessler would finish off the job at SM that he should have done years ago.

2) Woods. I fully agree about Tarver. I am not sold on him at all. In Johnson and RJJ he's beaten two guys who are both aging and, in the case of RJJ, on the slide. He's also shown a lack of commitment to making LHW his and instead is strutting around calling out Tyson. Woods on the other hand - all-uk match-up for a world title, Woods has shown an all-new resolve, workrate and ethic since beating Hoye, and whilst Calzaghe wins hands down on speed and style, it would be interesting to see what happens with the extra half-stone on him.

3) Well, I can see where you are coming from. If Toney, the 50-inch waisted walking donut advertising campaign can make it, maybe Joe could. An almighty achievement it certainly would be, although given his lack of time, and the big jump it would be, I don't think it would/should happen. Unlike Toney, I also can't see Joe being a fat fornicate, which is sort of a comlpiment there Perhaps a cruiserweight fight though? Perhaps Veit can be tempted up to 190lb to complete the trilogy? Seriously, I'm not a fan of jumping up in weight for the sake of it as if it magically makes you a great, but LHW is fairly lacking in big fights and names. See how Calzaghe gets on there. If he's A OK, maybe a fight with Bell may not be far-fetched to finish off

jomothepure wrote:Bang on. I'd fully agree with 1 + 2.

1) Kessler. I've just said this - Calzaghe is certainly the man. But whether it's his/Warren's fault, he has let guys like Lacy and Kessler - who are very good - don't get me wrong - be touted as roughly equals to him - eg. last night's fight was 50-50 going in. He shouldn't have let that happen - he's a class above - but he has. A win over Kessler would finish off the job at SM that he should have done years ago.

2) Woods. I fully agree about Tarver. I am not sold on him at all. In Johnson and RJJ he's beaten two guys who are both aging and, in the case of RJJ, on the slide. He's also shown a lack of commitment to making LHW his and instead is strutting around calling out Tyson. Woods on the other hand - all-uk match-up for a world title, Woods has shown an all-new resolve, workrate and ethic since beating Hoye, and whilst Calzaghe wins hands down on speed and style, it would be interesting to see what happens with the extra half-stone on him.

3) Well, I can see where you are coming from. If Toney, the 50-inch waisted walking donut advertising campaign can make it, maybe Joe could. An almighty achievement it certainly would be, although given his lack of time, and the big jump it would be, I don't think it would/should happen. Unlike Toney, I also can't see Joe being a fat smeg, which is sort of a comlpiment there Perhaps a cruiserweight fight though? Perhaps Veit can be tempted up to 190lb to complete the trilogy? Seriously, I'm not a fan of jumping up in weight for the sake of it as if it magically makes you a great, but LHW is fairly lacking in big fights and names. See how Calzaghe gets on there. If he's A OK, maybe a fight with Bell may not be far-fetched to finish off

Be carefull assuming that because Calzaghe absolutely dominated Lacy, that he would do the same against Kessler.
Or it could be that next time around it will be the Calzaghe fans eating the humble-pie. (though Kessler-Calzaghe most likely will never happen - so little reason not to be cocky)

dumdane wrote:

jomothepure wrote:Bang on. I'd fully agree with 1 + 2.

1) Kessler. I've just said this - Calzaghe is certainly the man. But whether it's his/Warren's fault, he has let guys like Lacy and Kessler - who are very good - don't get me wrong - be touted as roughly equals to him - eg. last night's fight was 50-50 going in. He shouldn't have let that happen - he's a class above - but he has. A win over Kessler would finish off the job at SM that he should have done years ago.

2) Woods. I fully agree about Tarver. I am not sold on him at all. In Johnson and RJJ he's beaten two guys who are both aging and, in the case of RJJ, on the slide. He's also shown a lack of commitment to making LHW his and instead is strutting around calling out Tyson. Woods on the other hand - all-uk match-up for a world title, Woods has shown an all-new resolve, workrate and ethic since beating Hoye, and whilst Calzaghe wins hands down on speed and style, it would be interesting to see what happens with the extra half-stone on him.

3) Well, I can see where you are coming from. If Toney, the 50-inch waisted walking donut advertising campaign can make it, maybe Joe could. An almighty achievement it certainly would be, although given his lack of time, and the big jump it would be, I don't think it would/should happen. Unlike Toney, I also can't see Joe being a fat smeg, which is sort of a comlpiment there Perhaps a cruiserweight fight though? Perhaps Veit can be tempted up to 190lb to complete the trilogy? Seriously, I'm not a fan of jumping up in weight for the sake of it as if it magically makes you a great, but LHW is fairly lacking in big fights and names. See how Calzaghe gets on there. If he's A OK, maybe a fight with Bell may not be far-fetched to finish off

Be carefull assuming that because Calzaghe absolutely dominated Lacy, that he would do the same against Kessler.
Or it could be that next time around it will be the Calzaghe fans eating the humble-pie. (though Kessler-Calzaghe most likely will never happen - so little reason not to be cocky)

Absolutely. Kessler is a different fighter to Lacy. And although I think Calzaghe is a class above both Lacy and Kessler, he has allowed the latters to be compared to himself, so that Calzaghe-Kessler would be probably recommended. Of course, if Kessler were to beat Calzaghe, an appropriate size of humble-pie would indeed be required.

Hmm

Toney? Not for me....

I would say any of the following:

Adamek
Tarver
Johnson
Erdei
Woods...
Jones Jr

The likes of Jones are a big name on his record and he would beat Jones at this point....

I would take Joe over any of the above...

HH

dumdane wrote:

jomothepure wrote:Bang on. I'd fully agree with 1 + 2.

1) Kessler. I've just said this - Calzaghe is certainly the man. But whether it's his/Warren's fault, he has let guys like Lacy and Kessler - who are very good - don't get me wrong - be touted as roughly equals to him - eg. last night's fight was 50-50 going in. He shouldn't have let that happen - he's a class above - but he has. A win over Kessler would finish off the job at SM that he should have done years ago.

2) Woods. I fully agree about Tarver. I am not sold on him at all. In Johnson and RJJ he's beaten two guys who are both aging and, in the case of RJJ, on the slide. He's also shown a lack of commitment to making LHW his and instead is strutting around calling out Tyson. Woods on the other hand - all-uk match-up for a world title, Woods has shown an all-new resolve, workrate and ethic since beating Hoye, and whilst Calzaghe wins hands down on speed and style, it would be interesting to see what happens with the extra half-stone on him.

3) Well, I can see where you are coming from. If Toney, the 50-inch waisted walking donut advertising campaign can make it, maybe Joe could. An almighty achievement it certainly would be, although given his lack of time, and the big jump it would be, I don't think it would/should happen. Unlike Toney, I also can't see Joe being a fat smeg, which is sort of a comlpiment there Perhaps a cruiserweight fight though? Perhaps Veit can be tempted up to 190lb to complete the trilogy? Seriously, I'm not a fan of jumping up in weight for the sake of it as if it magically makes you a great, but LHW is fairly lacking in big fights and names. See how Calzaghe gets on there. If he's A OK, maybe a fight with Bell may not be far-fetched to finish off

Be carefull assuming that because Calzaghe absolutely dominated Lacy, that he would do the same against Kessler.
Or it could be that next time around it will be the Calzaghe fans eating the humble-pie. (though Kessler-Calzaghe most likely will never happen - so little reason not to be cocky)

Bit premature to think much of Kessler yet although he can jab.

Am I right in thinking that if he moved upto light heavy he could demand a shot at Erdei under WBO rules or is that just nonsense that I have plucked out of nowhere?
A fight with Erdei then a unification with Woods then a massive money fight with Tarver in the states is what I'd love to see.

I think it's inevitable that he'll move up after this, so I'd like to see him fight Jones (should be an easy win at this point) or Tarver, and then the winner of Johnson vs. Woods. A fight against Kessler would be good, but I reckon that'll only be made if none of the big fights at light heavy can be agreed.

holyfields_ear wrote:Am I right in thinking that if he moved upto light heavy he could demand a shot at Erdei under WBO rules or is that just nonsense that I have plucked out of nowhere?
A fight with Erdei then a unification with Woods then a massive money fight with Tarver in the states is what I'd love to see.

Not sure on that. After all, wasn't Guzman made to fight in an eliminator for a shot at Scott Harrison ?

Don't know why no ones mentioning:

1. Jermaine Taylor - superfight, a very different proposition to Lacy. Great Jab, speed and combos and better defense/workrate. Would be a huge fight I think. Very tough fight and hard style match up.

2. Tarver - superfight 2. Maybe not worth as much money. This would prove hes the best at 175. His height/jab/speed and defense make him a tough match up.

Other Lesser fights (or won't happen):

3. Hopkins - fighting Tarver, but a huge name to beat (and hes all wrong for Hopkins now), albeit past his prime.

4. Adamek - huge hype but hes a very similar proposition to Lacy on many fronts. Calazage would win this 1 for sure.

5. Kessler - proves hes the best at 168 once and for all (Beyer doesn't count). Not the biggest money. Tough skilled opponent

6. Johnson/Woods winner - Think Calazage would be too much for both. Beating either doesn't prove greatness and isn't a real super fight but would be a decent 1.

Okay fights that wouldnt prove that much

7. Erdei - linear but lost to Garay twice

8. Beyer - huge money with the German market but not that good.

9. Winky Wright - big fight but Winkys not established above 154 really

Neri1983 wrote:

holyfields_ear wrote:Am I right in thinking that if he moved upto light heavy he could demand a shot at Erdei under WBO rules or is that just nonsense that I have plucked out of nowhere?
A fight with Erdei then a unification with Woods then a massive money fight with Tarver in the states is what I'd love to see.

Not sure on that. After all, wasn't Guzman made to fight in an eliminator for a shot at Scott Harrison ?

He didn't qualify for super champion status Calzaghe does I've just looked it up. IMO if he wants to clean up at Light Heavy he should take advantage of the mandatory ranking rule and take the linear title from Erdei first.

Tarver,Woods & Johnson (in any order)

If Taylor beats Wright then I would like Calzaghe Vs Taylor.

anyone actually seen mikkel kessler fight.

i've read a few conflicting opinions about him. some say he's the absolute real deal and others r not too high on him.

what's his style like????

outstanding jabber. maybe the best jab in boxing. a heavy, jolting punch and good razor sharp combinations to follow up. the guy looks brilliant and he'd give Joe a better fight than anyone. he's got a massive tatoo on his back that extends to his left arm - looks like the bionic man. his jab's so hard he probably is! if he and calzaghe fought it could be a truly great fight.

how much did Joe make for pummeling Lacy?

i'm thinking, if Calzaghe targets that IBF light heavyweight title, it could get him some top fights. if Woods would be persuaded to scrap the voluntary title defense vs Garay/Aurino/TBA, the winner could still face mandatory Glen Johnson late in the year.

also, Woods and Glen could surely be made in the UK, which we'd probably see at prime time on Big Fight Live! Joe has a bit of a history with both guys, having reneged on a fight with both when he didn't consider them serious threats.

as for Tarver, it would be very interesting. the man still has the class if not energy. but if Tarver wins an easy fight vs Hopkins, Tarver will surely say 'I beat 2 legends in Jones and Hopkins, fight by my terms.'

viciousmaussa wrote:outstanding jabber. maybe the best jab in boxing. a heavy, jolting punch and good razor sharp combinations to follow up. the guy looks brilliant and he'd give Joe a better fight than anyone. he's got a massive tatoo on his back that extends to his left arm - looks like the bionic man. his jab's so hard he probably is! if he and calzaghe fought it could be a truly great fight.

i think the boxers that lay off and counter calzaghe will give him the most problems.

however, calzaghe is generally good against most styles because of his speed and hand and good boxing ability.

he hasn't always looked good against other styles, but he has won clearly.

Next 3 fights for Joe that i'd like to see are: -
1. Clinton Woods
2. Antonio Tarver
3. The winner of Jermain Taylor / Winky Wright.

Joe should stay at SM long enough to take on Kessler or Beyer and then move up.

Light heavy is a bit of a desert to be honest, there's not many big fights there. Joe should call out the winner of Tarver v Hopkins, which will almost certainly be Tarver. Think Joe would outwork Tarver and win on points, tarver is a very lazy fighter.

The next move is difficult.

The logical steps in pure boxing would be to try and hoover up the 2 remaining belts. This would mean taking on Kessler and then Beyer, but realistically these fights are going to be difficult to make.

As a champion in his own right Kessler would want decent money but this fight has little US TV appeal so Joe may have to take a pay cut from his last purse. Not what he needs at this stage. This may be the toughest fight out there, for the least reward. Not the best equation I reckon.

The Beyer fight may carry more cash with boxing popular in Germany, but I can’t see him coming here and why should Joe go over there?

Surely JC should be looking to take advantage of his newly found status in the US and take on one of the big names in RJJ or Tarver.
Again these two might not want anything to do with him but if these fights can be made they will bring big $$ and a very probable victory.

The other option at light heavy is Clinton, which would gross good money over here for both men.
Can’t see any joy for Clinton though.

I really hope he doesn't fight Jones, I've little respect for anyone facing Jones now, the guy is compltely shot mentally, he's never gotten over that first KO by Tarver.

Kessler or if he moves up any one of the title holders at Light heavy.

Does anybody know when his mandatory defenses are due? (Stieglitz (IBF) and Markussen (WBO))

I don't think Jones would take that kind of risk. he's in serious danger of being hurt every fight. which makes him damaged goods, meaning no one will probably have faith in it being a lucrative bout. that has to be a non starter.

I keep thinking Joe will go up to light heavy, considering the weight making problems. Tarver's a more sensible possibility as it'd pit the best of s/m and the accepted best of light heavy. But Tarver is like Winky - he overestimates his own marketability, and could make his demands too high.

the most likely avenue has to be the IBF title belonging to Woods. either get a shot early, or face the Woods-G Johnson winner. Calzaghe would raise both men's profiles.