Calzaghe v Kessler weigh in

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 01 Nov 2007, 03:54

The official weigh-in for Joe Calzaghe's historic fight against Mikkel Kessler will be held at the prestigious St David's Hall in Cardiff this Friday. It is open for the public to attend and there is no entry fee. Please collect your tickets from St. David's Hall Box Office.
DATE: Friday 2nd November
WHERE: St David's Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1SH
TIME: 1.30pm entry. The weigh-in will start at 2pm

G-man · Post by **G-man** » 01 Nov 2007, 09:01

They're showing it on Setanta tomorrow night at 9.30 too.

Setanta are also showing re-runs of the Brewer and Lacy fights today and tomorrow.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 01 Nov 2007, 10:01

G-man wrote:They're showing it on Setanta tomorrow night at 9.30 too.

Setanta are also showing re-runs of the Brewer and Lacy fights today and tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip!

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 02 Nov 2007, 12:13

Great photos of the weigh in over at Gettyimages.com

Kessler looks bloody confident no doubt about it.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 02 Nov 2007, 12:28

According to the BBC Kessler was 2 ounces over and had ro re-scale while the Guardian claim he is feeling the strain of the publicity. A bit of meaningless propoganda? Can't believe Kessler was over for any other reason than psychological. He has been training for bloody ages.

Asterix · Post by **Asterix** » 02 Nov 2007, 12:56

MightyWarrior wrote:Great photos of the weigh in over at Gettyimages.com

Kessler looks bloody confident no doubt about it.

It's nice to give a link: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Searc ... d=77616022

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 02 Nov 2007, 13:04

Well, well, all the talk about Joe struggling desperately to make weight & he appears to make weight comfortably! You have to give credit where credit's due & I salute Enzo Calzaghe for his sadist training regime. Calzaghe comes in great shape everytime out.

Although Kessler was initially over 168lbs, Calzaghe looked to more drained fighter. Both boxerS look very confident & focused. Kessler appears to be relaxed & sure of himself, contrary to the mood of Lacy when he fought Joe.

This is a very even fight in my view. Kessler is a serious threat to Calzaghe & Joe knows this. Kessler has youth on his side, is very hungry for the victory.

However, I just feel Joe's experience has got to tell at some stage! I hope the actual fight lives up to the hype. It'll be rather disappointing if it doesn't!

Calzaghe UD.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 02 Nov 2007, 13:11

Is it me, or is Kessler wearing a wrap on his hand in one of the close ups. It certainly looks like that and obviously took it to weigh - or put it on after the weighing.

Perhaps someone there can just confirm its me eyesight playing up.

5th picture in the link.

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 02 Nov 2007, 13:32

stujones wrote:Is it me, or is Kessler wearing a wrap on his hand in one of the close ups. It certainly looks like that and obviously took it to weigh - or put it on after the weighing.

Perhaps someone there can just confirm its me eyesight playing up.

5th picture in the link.

No need to worry, Kessler is not wearing anythnig on his hand/s. It's just the reflection of the person standing to Kessler's left side, the colour of his tracksuit.

Twinkle Toes · Post by **Twinkle Toes** » 02 Nov 2007, 14:30

They both look weight drained to me - Kessler in particular looks terrible down around the hip line.

KO Artist · Post by **KO Artist** » 02 Nov 2007, 14:47

Getting tense now. The countdown has started. There is NOTHING like a big big truly world class fight, particularly in the UK. I actually think that this is the biggest fight ever in this country. In terms of evenness of the match, and the calibre of BOTH fighters.

I have been following boxing since the age of 6 or 7 (almost 30 years) and I feel thst Joe is the best British fighter I ever seen, and up there with the very best in history worldwide. He is pure class. There is hardly a mark on him after most fights. Lovely boxer, so gifted. When you talk about fottballers, great ones like Puskas in the 50's, Pele and Best in the 60's, Cruyff in the 70's and Gullit, Riykard and Van Basten in the 80's, Calzaghe is on their level as a boxer.

I was not at all nervous before the Lacy fight as I thought it would be one of the easiest fights of Joe's career.

I am getting a bit nervous now, its gonna be cat and mouse for a while, but as long as he hasnt aged overnight, which can happen at 35, I expect Joe to win, but he may have to come off the floor, to win 7 - 5 in rounds.

COME ON JOE

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 02 Nov 2007, 14:55

Overall, I've not completely liked Joe's career, even though I like him at his best & respect his achievements.

But at the weigh in, he has real presence. He looks lean and mean to me. For events like this, he is a hard guy to root against.

On the whole I like Kessler better though. This will be Kessler's hardest. But Joe's never really had an equal stare him in the face. You got the impression that Lacy realised the task was too big sometime before the fight.

Another reason I want Kessler to win is to shit all over the British newspaper coverage which is only good for wiping arses with or wanking on. I've read barely a productive point on Kessler. If the papers don't have an "American monster" coming over, they don't know anything.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:03

I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35

Cannibal · Post by **Cannibal** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:08

Speaking of propaganda. Hit the info button on Setanta and see them describe Joe as WBO and "IBF" champion and Kessler as only a promising up and comer.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:12

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35

I don't think he can either. I tend to believe in Joe close to big fights (the week leading to Lacy in particular), but I don't think Joe's style or age will suit him vs Kessler.

I see this like a Sahaprom-Hasegawa I fight. The old fierce light hitting guy not quite being able to edge a hard fight vs a young, hungry, fierce fighter of a cleaner punch.

Also, Mario Veit nearly dropped Joe in round 1 of their rematch. Veit timed him with a long right and a big shock went through his legs. No one ever mentions this. I think Kessler's straighter shots spell the difference.

Hopefully it will be so good that there will be a big money sequel.

This could be a real epic. Long, gruelling, lots of plot twists, fought at a ery high standard & a draining experience for the fighters and the fans.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:21

Calzaghe's age could well be a factor. As such I couldn't resist a punt on Kessler to win in rounds 11, 12 and by decision.

KO Artist · Post by **KO Artist** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:34

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35

Granted Kesslers shots are straight down the pipe, and they do get through, but from what I have seen of him, Mikkel is right their to be hit back. He does not move off to one side or the other after punching, and this I feel will be pivotal. He might catch Joe with one, but Joe will catch him with two in return.

As for Joe's performance against BIKA, I felt it was a good one, particularly against such a tough and awkward guy like Sakio. I feel Joe boxed well

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:36

A good performance against Bika? What fight were you watching?

pundit · Post by **pundit** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:36

KO Artist wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35
Granted Kesslers shots are straight down the pipe, and they do get through, but from what I have seen of him, Mikkel is right their to be hit back. He does not move off to one side or the other after punching, and this I feel will be pivotal. He might catch Joe with one, but Joe will catch him with two in return.

As for Joe's performance against BIKA, I felt it was a good one, particularly against such a tough and awkward guy like Sakio. I feel Joe boxed well

Hmmmm..... Markus Beyer, an excellent counter-puncher, tried for three runds to get past Kessler's defense and jab, but couldn't -- and when he tried to force it he duly got KOed.

Kessler is not easy to hit. He is no Lacy. Calzaghe must outmaneuvre and wrongfoot Kessler to get inside, something Beyer and even the blistering quick Anthony Mundine could not do.

KO Artist · Post by **KO Artist** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:40

nickd wrote:A good performance against Bika? What fight were you watching?

Bika was very awkward, strong and very rough. Have you ever tried to fight someone like that? It completely fucks up your gameplan.

Joe did very well in that fight, prticularly with the cut

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:40

KO Artist wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35
Granted Kesslers shots are straight down the pipe, and they do get through, but from what I have seen of him, Mikkel is right their to be hit back. He does not move off to one side or the other after punching, and this I feel will be pivotal. He might catch Joe with one, but Joe will catch him with two in return.

As for Joe's performance against BIKA, I felt it was a good one, particularly against such a tough and awkward guy like Sakio. I feel Joe boxed well

I was drunk and talking on the phone during the Bika match but from what I saw (not that much) I had Bika winning with his lead right that kept landing. Bika just couldnt miss with his right hand

Calazages use of angles, speed and pressure could be too daunting for Kessler although Mundine gave similar angles/speed

I'm not a Kessler fan I see him as predictable and boring but he has better foundamentals for me. And the long sharp 1-2 could undo Calazage who may be picked off at range. Calazage is the more talented more varied fighter with better movement, speed and combinations

This is a fight I can't make my mind up on and is hard to judge.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:42

nickd wrote:A good performance against Bika? What fight were you watching?

It was diabolical

KO Artist · Post by **KO Artist** » 02 Nov 2007, 15:44

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
KO Artist wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35
Granted Kesslers shots are straight down the pipe, and they do get through, but from what I have seen of him, Mikkel is right their to be hit back. He does not move off to one side or the other after punching, and this I feel will be pivotal. He might catch Joe with one, but Joe will catch him with two in return.

As for Joe's performance against BIKA, I felt it was a good one, particularly against such a tough and awkward guy like Sakio. I feel Joe boxed well
I was drunk and talking on the phone during the Bika match but from what I saw (not that much) I had Bika winning with his lead right that kept landing. Bika just couldnt miss with his right hand

Calazages use of angles, speed and pressure could be too daunting for Kessler although Mundine gave similar angles/speed

I'm not a Kessler fan I see him as predictable and boring but he has better foundamentals for me. And the long sharp 1-2 could undo Calazage who may be picked off at range. Calazage is the more talented more varied fighter with better movement, speed and combinations

This is a fight I can't make my mind up on and is hard to judge.

I was speaking to a WBU champion on the phone yesterday, nd he really rates Kessler, having sparred with him.

I think Joe will have enough, barring overnight ageing and bad hands.

I think it will be cat and mouse, but I would not be surprised with a Hagler - Hearns type start, partciularly with the size of the crowd.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 02 Nov 2007, 16:27

I think I read Kessler saying he was really impressed with Joe in the Bika fight - ugly fight but Bika would make it difficult for anyone.
Terrible match to have made for Joe at such a late stage in his career, like he really needed such a no win fight where's he's got to hammer the guy for 12 rounds with damaged hands.

Should have been big fights only after the Lacy win, making the most of it while he can. And let's hope no messing up by the ref, after the last debacle.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 02 Nov 2007, 16:38

pundit wrote:
KO Artist wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I wonder if Calazage will 'get old over night' Hes 35 and hasn't looked that hot since he fought Lacey. His performance against Bika was poor. He needs to raise his game tomorrow and he may not be quite young enough to do so. Kessler is 1 of the toughest proporsitions of Joes career and Joes already talking retirement and about other fighters. KEssler maybe the more focused, primed, younger sharper man. Plus Kessler has much more direct punches.

Ordinarilly I'd edge towards Calazage but I'm not sure if he can do it at 35
Granted Kesslers shots are straight down the pipe, and they do get through, but from what I have seen of him, Mikkel is right their to be hit back. He does not move off to one side or the other after punching, and this I feel will be pivotal. He might catch Joe with one, but Joe will catch him with two in return.

As for Joe's performance against BIKA, I felt it was a good one, particularly against such a tough and awkward guy like Sakio. I feel Joe boxed well
Hmmmm..... Markus Beyer, an excellent counter-puncher, tried for three runds to get past Kessler's defense and jab, but couldn't -- and when he tried to force it he duly got KOed.

Kessler is not easy to hit. He is no Lacy. Calzaghe must outmaneuvre and wrongfoot Kessler to get inside, something Beyer and even the blistering quick Anthony Mundine could not do.

Beyer was shot to pieces though, he was so tentative and reluctant to come forward. Calzaghe is a hell of a lot quicker and won't be waiting for opportunites.

No doubt this is going to be a hard fight for Joe, win or lose, Kessler is no pushover whatsoever, but I think Joe can rally in the late rounds to take the decision. I think the middle rounds could be very hard fought.