Joe has options before deciding what his next bout will be & at what weight class.
From a personal point of view, I'd most like to see Calzaghe-Pavlik @ 168lbs! As Joe has stated, he'll fight twice more, then retire, so I know he'll favour the whatever fight brings the most money.
As was mentioned in his interview after Kessler, Joe talked about moving up to LHW, & he was confident he would be even better at the higher weight class. If he moves to LHW, then for his legacy the choice will be B-Hop. There's always Chad Dawson who has talent, skills, & is young. I'd like to see that one.
You cannot rule anything out in boxing, so I guess there's a little possibility of a bout against Froch. However, would that bring in much of a purse for Calzaghe? I'd like to see this one, but I can't say I'm hopeful if it happening.
What next for Calzaghe?
we've had many of these threads before, some started by me, and they can be a bit of a waste of time. but when joe comes out with a great performance, it is tempting.
right, i think Hopkins WON'T happen. IMO bernard will make a demand too many. there will be a row over whom the draw is, etc, in my view
Looks like they either wait for Pavlik-Taylor II winner (a PPV fight in itself) or take an immediate light heavy shot. Woods is open to it, it seems (and maybe Setanta too) and I reckon Kohl would deliver Erdei (if Joe vacated his titles, giving Brahmer & inkin title shots).
If he doesn't go the light heavy route, he'll have to fight a top contender, though I wouldn't put it past them to vacate ALL the belts but the WBO. At this stage, when it's cash in time, you have to have control over whom you're fighting.
My preference is a top contender, like Froch and Inkin. Joe can beat champs, ex champs, fringe contenders, so how about a heavy hitting ambitoous "young" fighter.
right, i think Hopkins WON'T happen. IMO bernard will make a demand too many. there will be a row over whom the draw is, etc, in my view
Looks like they either wait for Pavlik-Taylor II winner (a PPV fight in itself) or take an immediate light heavy shot. Woods is open to it, it seems (and maybe Setanta too) and I reckon Kohl would deliver Erdei (if Joe vacated his titles, giving Brahmer & inkin title shots).
If he doesn't go the light heavy route, he'll have to fight a top contender, though I wouldn't put it past them to vacate ALL the belts but the WBO. At this stage, when it's cash in time, you have to have control over whom you're fighting.
My preference is a top contender, like Froch and Inkin. Joe can beat champs, ex champs, fringe contenders, so how about a heavy hitting ambitoous "young" fighter.
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pundit
- Heavyweight
Hopkins would be a shit fight from a boxing perspective. There is no doubt in my mind that Calzaghe would massacre the 42-year old Hopkins. For boxing's sake, Calzaghe should take on the best remaining 168 figther -- Mundine -- or the most dangerous 175 titleholder -- Dawson. If Taylor beats Pavlik convincingly in the re-fight he might be interesting too.
However, in contrast to before the Kessler fight, I reckon one can forgive Calzaghe now it he takes a shit fight in between two classy ones that brings lots of dollars. So beat up Hopkins for christ's sake, and then look for a real challenge for your final bout.
However, in contrast to before the Kessler fight, I reckon one can forgive Calzaghe now it he takes a shit fight in between two classy ones that brings lots of dollars. So beat up Hopkins for christ's sake, and then look for a real challenge for your final bout.
I'd like to see Calzaghe Froch - not going to happen though. Wouldn't make sense for Calzaghe and Froch hasn't earned his shot yet, but from a the clash of styles and showboating in the ring would make this a quality fight.
Pavlik would be ideal, but wouldn't happen until late mid 08 (isn't Taylor/Pavlik 2 in Feb?).
Hopkins would be an event, I'm not that bothered as Calzaghe would beat him easily if he fights like he did against Kessler.
Pavlik would be ideal, but wouldn't happen until late mid 08 (isn't Taylor/Pavlik 2 in Feb?).
Hopkins would be an event, I'm not that bothered as Calzaghe would beat him easily if he fights like he did against Kessler.
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the patriot
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 640
- Joined: 06 Aug 2005, 08:44
I hope this can happen although Hopkin's is already saying he is the name that Calzaghe needs. However if they do have a fight at Yankee stadium there may be enough money for both of them (although with what could be a cagey fight and a difficult and ugly clash of styles fo the main event please god don't let warren sort out the undercard!)espn.com wrote:http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing ... id=3094912
Wish granted: Hopkins open to fight with Calzaghe
By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: November 4, 2007, 9:04 PM ET
Comment
Less than 10 minutes after dominating Denmark's Mikkel Kessler to win a decision Saturday night before a mammoth hometown crowd of 50,000-plus in Cardiff, Wales, super middleweight world champion Joe Calzaghe was already looking ahead to the man he hopes to fight next.
"Bernard Hopkins. Let's do it," Calzaghe said of the light heavyweight champion during his interview with HBO. "He wants a big fight. Fight me. I'm here, man. At 168 I beat everyone. [If I] step up to 175, with the extra seven pounds, I will be a different animal altogether."
allegedly, Calzaghe's longtime promoter, is also eyeing Hopkins.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Bernard Hopkins has no qualms about facing Joe Calzaghe, but the Welshman will have to cross the pond to make it happen.
"He can pick the weight. He can pick the date. He can pick the site," Warren said during the postfight news conference. "We don't care. We want this fight. We'll fight him in his backyard, if that's where he wants it. Joe Calzaghe wants that fight and he deserves it."
On Sunday, Hopkins was licking his chops while thinking about the prospect of the mega fight.
"The best fights are happening and being put together so hopefully, in 2008, we can get in the ring," Hopkins told ESPN.com from his home in Delaware.
"I would love to entertain his request to fight Bernard Hopkins. I think he understands now and [promoter] allegedly understands that he needs that final stamp of approval from the American boxing writers and the fans. He doesn't have that name of that elite opponent from America on his resume. Jeff Lacy wasn't a veteran fighter who had achieved a lot before he beat him.
"Bernard Hopkins is the guy that Calzaghe and allegedly believe they have to defeat to get that stamp of approval over here in America. Even though Joe had a great performance and took Kessler's game plan away, nobody here knows Kessler. They know Bernard Hopkins."
Hopkins, coming off a July 21 decision win against Winky Wright in his first defense, said he hopes the fight can take place as soon as possible, preferably in the spring.
Hopkins' proposed venue?
"He said after the fight that he would fight me anywhere, even in my backyard, but I'm not asking him to come to Philadelphia," Hopkins said. "I wouldn't ask him to come to anywhere but Yankee Stadium. Hopefully for boxing, and for our legacy, it will happen."
Hopkins is keenly aware of the storied boxing history of the fabled building that will close in 2008. Legends Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, among others, all fought at Yankee Stadium, and Hopkins wants to be part of a final fight there.
"How great would it be," Hopkins said. "This is a big fight. What a great promotion. The Brits will come. They got a direct flight from there to New York City. So am I interested in the fight? Absolutely. Do I feel I can give him his first loss? Yes. Can I neutralize the best weapon my opponent has and use it against him? Yes. His best weapon is that he throws a lot of punches. I know how to adjust to any style out there."
Calzaghe, 35, has held his title for more than 10 years and made his 21st defense against Kessler, adding the two alphabet belts that Kessler held to his own.
Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs) said he has great respect for Calzaghe because he understands how hard it is continually get up for fights. Hopkins made 20 defenses at middleweight and also had a reign that last just over 10 years.
"He's made 21 title defenses, and I don't care if it was against 21 Charlie Browns or Donald Ducks. I know what it is to get up for defense after defense after defense," Hopkins said. "I know what it takes to maintain that mental strength. I'd be a fool to not respect a guy who made all those defenses. I know what he had to do within himself to get up for those fights."
With his career winding down and having accomplished all he can at 168 pounds, Calzaghe is looking to move up in weight to challenge Hopkins, who jumped over super middleweight and easily outpointed Antonio Tarver to win the light heavyweight title in June 2006.
Calzaghe (44-0, 32 KOs), who has fought all but two of his fights in the UK, has said he hopes to come to the United States for a major fight before his career is over. It's a good thing, because Hopkins has no plans to go to Europe to fight him.
"That's impossible. It won't happen because I don't have to go there," said Hopkins, who has fought twice outside the United States, in Ecuador and France. "He said he would fight me anywhere. I have no interest in going there. Why do I have to go? He has to bring his butt here to fight the living legend Bernard Hopkins. We know he can do well in Britain, but step out of your neighborhood."
That's fine with Calzaghe and Warren.
"Joe Calzaghe will go to the States. He will fight Mr. Hopkins in his hometown," Warren said at the postfight news conference. "He'll go to Philadelphia to fight him. He will fight him anywhere it takes to get the fight on. If Bernard Hopkins is the warrior he says he is, then make the fight. Make that fight with Joe Calzaghe."
Hopkins, notorious for tough deal-making, said he won't be an impediment to making the fight.
"This thing can be easy. No stress," Hopkins, 42, said. "We ain't got to tease the public or go back and forth. My thing is, Joe is a respectful champion and fighter, but you cannot deny that Bernard Hopkins is the guy he needs on his resume. So let's sit down and talk like we all have business sense, and we can get it done.
"If it doesn't happen, I believe the problem at the end of the day will be allegedly. I believe Joe wants to fight me. I believe the only person who can stop this is Frank, because he's got one bullet in the chamber, one horse to ride in Joe."
This is not the first time there has been talk about a Hopkins-Calzaghe fight. In July 2002, Hopkins, who was then with promoter Don King, was on the verge of signing a three-fight deal with Showtime, which was televising Calzaghe bouts at the time. In the second fight of the proposed deal, Hopkins would have moved up from middleweight to super middleweight to challenge Calzaghe in early 2003. But the deal imploded when Hopkins, who had initially agreed, backed out.
"That's water under the bridge, and I don't want to go back over it," Hopkins said. "This is a new time, and my thing is, his career is where it is and my career is where it is. We should fight."
Dan Rafael covers boxing for ESPN.com.
I'd be dribbling from the chin if Joe fought Pavlik or Inkin. Some hard hitting young guy with destructive abilities. If Taylor KOs Pavlik in a rematch, I would be all for Taylor as well. Taylor beat Hops and what else would he want if he's a super middle, but a super middle title shot vs the champ for massive $$?
It all sounds rosy on the Calzaghe-Hopkins front. But we've been here before where Hopkins and Joe have negotiated themselves out of meaningful, lucrative bouts. I will remain sceptical.
On warren's post fight comments, he did say "provided they pay Joe well." I believe they want anice US name to go down in history. I know Enzo C will have all angles covered for a tricky assignment and more (in retrospect, he deserved the attention from Setanta, especially if Kessler wasn't doing much publicity work). But negotiations are like a house of cards when it comes to big money.
Both sides pretty much say there's no obstacles (Frank: "We'll fight him in Philadelphia", Hopkins: "Nothing will stop this from happening"), but I can see them arguing over whom the draw is.
Also, Hopkins has WRECKED so many stars and made them look bad, so will the suits at HBO really be so enthusiastic?
It all sounds rosy on the Calzaghe-Hopkins front. But we've been here before where Hopkins and Joe have negotiated themselves out of meaningful, lucrative bouts. I will remain sceptical.
On warren's post fight comments, he did say "provided they pay Joe well." I believe they want anice US name to go down in history. I know Enzo C will have all angles covered for a tricky assignment and more (in retrospect, he deserved the attention from Setanta, especially if Kessler wasn't doing much publicity work). But negotiations are like a house of cards when it comes to big money.
Both sides pretty much say there's no obstacles (Frank: "We'll fight him in Philadelphia", Hopkins: "Nothing will stop this from happening"), but I can see them arguing over whom the draw is.
Also, Hopkins has WRECKED so many stars and made them look bad, so will the suits at HBO really be so enthusiastic?
A golden boy promotions show at Yankee stadium with two "modern grates" at the end of there carrers they could get there and ball room dance and HBO would probably be able to sell it.Autobarn wrote:I'd be dribbling from the chin if Joe fought Pavlik or Inkin. Some hard hitting young guy with destructive abilities. If Taylor KOs Pavlik in a rematch, I would be all for Taylor as well. Taylor beat Hops and what else would he want if he's a super middle, but a super middle title shot vs the champ for massive $$?
It all sounds rosy on the Calzaghe-Hopkins front. But we've been here before where Hopkins and Joe have negotiated themselves out of meaningful, lucrative bouts. I will remain sceptical.
On warren's post fight comments, he did say "provided they pay Joe well." I believe they want anice US name to go down in history. I know Enzo C will have all angles covered for a tricky assignment and more (in retrospect, he deserved the attention from Setanta, especially if Kessler wasn't doing much publicity work). But negotiations are like a house of cards when it comes to big money.
Both sides pretty much say there's no obstacles (Frank: "We'll fight him in Philadelphia", Hopkins: "Nothing will stop this from happening"), but I can see them arguing over whom the draw is.
Also, Hopkins has WRECKED so many stars and made them look bad, so will the suits at HBO really be so enthusiastic?
Call it something like Legacy, or hold it on July 4th and use the Britain vs America angle. The fight sells its self but all this bollocks about who is the biggest draw could get in the way.
Dude not allowed to be a dyslexic on this forum?josh fg wrote:I hate those modern grates. I once lost a packet of yoglos down one.Matt W wrote:[quote="josh fg
A golden boy promotions show at Yankee stadium with two "modern grates"
Anyone think Calzaghe may be retiring?[/quote]
That was my initial thought, as they can't have done a deal on his next fight yet. Would be a shame as there's probably 10 mill to be made from 2 big fights next year.
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Roars Like Me
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1763
- Joined: 14 Feb 2006, 10:43
I think he should go for Woods first. He would have a genuine title if he beat Woods to start with. It would give Joe a gauge as to the extra power LHs' have and to a certain extent it would 'ease' him into the division.
Then BHOP and Joe can fight for a decent recognised belt instead of that 'nothing' belt Hopkins has. I suppose it should not matter but when Hopkins fought Tarver/Wright it had a little less gloss due to them fighting for a non entity title. For me it makes it the whole package when fighters fight for the belt aswell. Anyway I digress, there is another thread for me at another time there
I think an old Hopkins is still going to be a really tough fight for Joe.
It seems that the majority are saying that Joe will embarass Hopkins etc etc.
I can't see that at all, Hopkins is still a superb boxer and would still edge the fight for me.
I agree with another poster that if JC does any 'hands down' showboating, he will put put on his arse. Hopkins is too accurate and won't stand for that.
Then BHOP and Joe can fight for a decent recognised belt instead of that 'nothing' belt Hopkins has. I suppose it should not matter but when Hopkins fought Tarver/Wright it had a little less gloss due to them fighting for a non entity title. For me it makes it the whole package when fighters fight for the belt aswell. Anyway I digress, there is another thread for me at another time there
I think an old Hopkins is still going to be a really tough fight for Joe.
It seems that the majority are saying that Joe will embarass Hopkins etc etc.
I can't see that at all, Hopkins is still a superb boxer and would still edge the fight for me.
I agree with another poster that if JC does any 'hands down' showboating, he will put put on his arse. Hopkins is too accurate and won't stand for that.
Calzaghe's whole thing is that he's the first ever super middleweight to be awarded Ring Mag's title.
But Ring mag titles do get cheapened when fighters don't have to fight mandatory contenders or when Ring Mag show favoritism. Up at light heavy, the Ring belt just adds confusion. Because Tarver just kept on fighting Roy Jones and Glencoffee, and Hopkins fought a really fat and cumbersome Wright (and looked messy doing so).
Like Terry said, Hopkins can't counter speed. Look how he was trapped on the backfoot, his counters out of synch/not even coming vs Taylor. Ok, Hopkins knows how to fight a southpaw, but a fast, determined southpaw who will be even stronger at light heavyweight?
This will be like Pac-Barrera, though I'm not sure whether it'd be like the 1st or 2nd.
But Ring mag titles do get cheapened when fighters don't have to fight mandatory contenders or when Ring Mag show favoritism. Up at light heavy, the Ring belt just adds confusion. Because Tarver just kept on fighting Roy Jones and Glencoffee, and Hopkins fought a really fat and cumbersome Wright (and looked messy doing so).
Like Terry said, Hopkins can't counter speed. Look how he was trapped on the backfoot, his counters out of synch/not even coming vs Taylor. Ok, Hopkins knows how to fight a southpaw, but a fast, determined southpaw who will be even stronger at light heavyweight?
This will be like Pac-Barrera, though I'm not sure whether it'd be like the 1st or 2nd.
I think Woods then Hopkins isn't a bad idea, although woods isn't exactly a gimmy and if those are his only two fights then I'd be dissapointed no dissrespect to woods. However it would make the Hopkins fight even more lucrative should he win.
Hopkin's has the IBO belt which is as food as any as was discussed elsewhere on the thread.
Hopkin's has the IBO belt which is as food as any as was discussed elsewhere on the thread.
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Max Molyneux
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 7084
- Joined: 16 Aug 2004, 16:53
I'd prefer Dawson.pundit wrote:Hopkins would be a shit fight from a boxing perspective. There is no doubt in my mind that Calzaghe would massacre the 42-year old Hopkins. For boxing's sake, Calzaghe should take on the best remaining 168 figther -- Mundine -- or the most dangerous 175 titleholder -- Dawson. If Taylor beats Pavlik convincingly in the re-fight he might be interesting too.
However, in contrast to before the Kessler fight, I reckon one can forgive Calzaghe now it he takes a shit fight in between two classy ones that brings lots of dollars. So beat up Hopkins for christ's sake, and then look for a real challenge for your final bout.
Mundine has eye problems and Kessler already beat him.
Any news from this press conference yet??steve689 wrote:URGENT: PRESS CONFERENCE
Promoter allegedly allegedly invites all media to attend a press conference where a major anouncement regarding Joe Calzaghe will be made:
TUESDAY 6th NOVEMEBER
LANDMARK HOTEL - DRAWING ROOM
222 MARYLEBONE ROAD, NW1 6JQ
12 for a 12.30pm start
ALL MEDIA MUST ATTEND!
The plot thickens!