BoxRec

I'm on Calzaghe to win by decision, Joe has not stopped anyone for 3 years and I can see him boxing his way to a convincing points victory.

It seems Joe's had a good preparation. There have been no reports of bad hands (although you always hear about that AFTER...) and he'll be fired up if not by the opponent but at least the stage (30,000 plus fans), big TV audience as well with HBO showing as part of a free HBO preview to non subscribers...

Manfredo doesn't seem unorthodox or dirty in any way so I don't see a messy maul like last time. Joe should be able to outjab the smaller man, surprise him with straight lefts, flurry when he's hurt & maybe force a late stoppage.

Joe might not be able to stop super middles any more, but Manfredo looks like a middle to me.

One concern - Joe looked old last time out. Had a beaten up look on his face, punches lacked snap late on, couldn't keep his jab & concentration going. Having made cases for Urango and Bika to put up formidable showings vs Cal and Hatton, I won't bother doing this with Manfredo, however.

BTW, if Evans Ashira beats Eastman for the Commonwealth, and Bika beats Bute and Berrio - that's a neat little boost for the Calzaghe body of work!

Ashira is a very good fighter. I expect him to give Eastman all the trouble he can handle. I expect him to beat Howard.

As far as Manfredo is concerned I reckon Calzaghe stops him in 5 or 6.

However, If Joe damages his hand its Calzaghe on points.

If Calzaghe can`t get Manfredo out of there by the 6th then he has no chance with the livelier types in his division.

I expect Manfredo to fight his best ever fight...but if Calzaghe is still the top 168lb guy then he is too much for the likes of Manfredo.

Calzaghe RSF 5