BoxRec

Joe Calzaghe is confident

Sunday November 2,2008
By Niall Hickman


Joe Calzaghe has finally admitted a ‘Battle of Britain’ could go ahead, if both he and Carl Froch win their respective fights before the New Year.

Calzaghe faces Roy Jones Jnr in the small hours of next Sunday morning at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The Welshman has promised to retire from boxing afterwards but now insists he could be willing to delay hanging up his gloves to fight Froch.

Nottingham hero Froch tackles Jean Pascal for the WBC super-middleweight title on December 6 and an impressive victory could trigger a massive all-British showdown, possibly in Cardiff.

“I don’t think there is anything out there for me to prove any longer, but I think you should never say never in boxing,” said Calzaghe. “If Froch wins then who knows? I don’t think he is in my league as a fighter but he would have the WBC title and that is an honour. He’s decent but he has a very stand-up style and he’s easy to hit. He would be beaten, just like every fighter I’ve ever faced.”

Until now Calzaghe has been adamant the Jones fight would be his last, but now the door is ajar for Froch to face the ‘Pride of Wales.’

Nottingham Forest fanatic Froch, 30, would not flinch at going to Cardiff to for the big clash. “I’d be there like a shot,” he said. “My style is made to beat Calzaghe. I’d end his unbeaten run and send him into retirement. Everyone gets old eventually and Calzaghe, as his last performance against Bernard Hopkins showed, is getting past it.”

Calzaghe is hoping for win No 46 against Jones, an American sporting icon, but now 39 years of age and past his absolute prime.

“It’s a huge fight for me and it’s the first time I’ve appeared at Madison Square Garden,” said Calzaghe. “That’s motivation enough. I’d have loved to have fought Jones many years ago but this is still unfinished business.

“He is the only opponent out there who can give me a battle at light-heavyweight and yet, after beating Bernard Hopkins after stepping up from super-middle, I’m even more confident in my ability.

“Roy Jones likes to be a showman and he likes to dazzle which will play right into my hands. At least he won’t bore to tears everyone like Hopkins does. Jones comes to win and so do I which means it is going to be a terrific match-up.”

Former middle, super-middle, light-heavy and heavyweight world champion Jones is in the twilight of his career.

But after three straight losses in 2004 and 2005 he has recovered with three straight wins and in his last outing he delivered a near-perfect display in beating the once-great Felix Trinidad on points in January.

And Jones is supremely confident that he has the weapons to beat Calzaghe.

“I don’t have to match Joe’s output. I just have to find the punch to knock him out. I’ll win the fight – no question. I’m not certainhow, but I’m going to win it.

“Hopkins was too cautious with Calzaghe and that was his goal, to stay upright. My job is to come out of there with a victory.”

every time he opens his mouth he loses credibility

Says Frank Warrens only fan

Maybe the 5 million offer is genuine then

Well, it's good to hear that Joe is open to it.

Calzaghe-Jones is a weak superfight because of how Hopkins spoiled Calzaghe (though you have to beat Hopkins ugly), and because of Jones' detereoration - but a nice payday. So if he were to fight a fresh guy like Froch afterward, that would be good.

Froch obviously has to beat Pascal. But if Calzaghe moves down to 168 I think he'll be weakened. With the bad hands as well. Don't want to get ahead of myself, but it could be the one fight too many. Then again, Joe was masterful v Lacy & Kessler. I would be intrigued if all goes well & it happens.

I can't wait to see how their respective fights turn out. I hope Joe retires after next weekend though.

I saw on Calzaghes official site that he was reconsidering retirement. Enzo has said whatever Joe decides he will back him. Fighting Froch would be a good thing for two reasons. 1To settle the arguement once and for all, that Joe is without question the best SM in Britain and the world.2 A competative fight for Joe in a Grand Finale in Cardiff for all his loyal fans to see. February/March looks likely for the clash to happen. Before that though Joe must win well against RJJ and Carl must do the same against Pascal, or it wont happen. If all goes well, as far as British fans are concerned, I think the fight would be on a par with Hatton/Mayweather. Joe loves upright come forward fighters and he would find Carl an easy target to hit. While Froch would be looking for the big load up, Calzaghe would be hitting him with combinations. You could never be certain that Carl wouldnt just get lucky so that makes the fight very interesting. Both Jones and Froch have a finishing punch so with some luck we should have two cracking fights to watch. Lets hope and pray Calzaghe/Froch happens.

Asterix wrote:I can't wait to see how their respective fights turn out. I hope Joe retires after next weekend though.

Yes, Part of me agrees with you, but think of the respect Joe would get taking on and beating Carl Froch. Joe is aware that many are critical of his record and if he was successful beating Froch it would do his reputation/legacy a lot of good. Mind, he cant afford to lose though, it would be a disaster for him, while Froch would become a superstar overnight.

If Calzaghe scraps through Jones then we won't see this fight happen - if it's a dominating performance then I think it will happen.

Chambers2 wrote:

I take you are happy then, Stuart.

WildWaylon wrote: I take you are happy then, Stuart.

It's still a long way off, but I've got alot more hope of seeing Froch-JC than I had yesterday It adds more interest to JC-RJJ and Froch-Pascal (like it needed any more)

COME ON JOE CALZAGHE!!!!!...... (against RJJ)

Chambers2 wrote:

WildWaylon wrote: I take you are happy then, Stuart.

It's still a long way off, but I've got alot more hope of seeing Froch-JC than I had yesterday It adds more interest to JC-RJJ and Froch-Pascal (like it needed any more)

COME ON JOE CALZAGHE!!!!!...... (against RJJ)

Then presumably you will swap horses LOL

Easy win for Calzaghe and Froch's people shouldn't be offering 5 mill before the Pascal fight.

WildWaylon wrote:

Chambers2 wrote:

WildWaylon wrote: I take you are happy then, Stuart.

It's still a long way off, but I've got alot more hope of seeing Froch-JC than I had yesterday It adds more interest to JC-RJJ and Froch-Pascal (like it needed any more)

COME ON JOE CALZAGHE!!!!!...... (against RJJ)

Then presumably you will swap horses LOL

Correct! I can't believe Froch-Pascal is still 5 weeks away, it was 7 weeks away about 2 months ago

COME ON FROCHY!

WildWaylon wrote:

Asterix wrote:I can't wait to see how their respective fights turn out. I hope Joe retires after next weekend though.

Yes, Part of me agrees with you, but think of the respect Joe would get taking on and beating Carl Froch. Joe is aware that many are critical of his record and if he was successful beating Froch it would do his reputation/legacy a lot of good. Mind, he cant afford to lose though, it would be a disaster for him, while Froch would become a superstar overnight.

I don't think it will do much for his legacy. Especially not where the Americans are concerned.

Asterix wrote:

WildWaylon wrote:

Asterix wrote:I can't wait to see how their respective fights turn out. I hope Joe retires after next weekend though.

Yes, Part of me agrees with you, but think of the respect Joe would get taking on and beating Carl Froch. Joe is aware that many are critical of his record and if he was successful beating Froch it would do his reputation/legacy a lot of good. Mind, he cant afford to lose though, it would be a disaster for him, while Froch would become a superstar overnight.

I don't think it will do much for his legacy. Especially not where the Americans are concerned.

Who gives a fcuk what them hillbillies think

Why does he not just fight a proper challenger, like Pavlik

Or maybe a rematch with Hopkins, especially since many feel Calzaghe lost that fight. a Dodgy SD is hardly anything to go by now is it.

He may aswell fight Winky or something.

Calzaghe v Froch will be just a fraud

observer1 wrote:

Why does he not just fight a proper challenger, like Pavlik

Or maybe a rematch with Hopkins, especially since many feel Calzaghe lost that fight. a Dodgy SD is hardly anything to go by now is it.

He may aswell fight Winky or something.

Calzaghe v Froch will be just a fraud

Absolute drivel! It's the best All-British fight out there IMO.

Pavliks just had a whooping from B-Hop. B-Hop VS JC was the most boring fight I can ever remember, however I fear Winky-JC could rival that

Froch is in his prime he's unbeaten he's BIG punching with fantastic fitness, it makes for a GREAT fight imo. It'll be the Benn-Eubank of our generation. Lets get it on!!

Chambers2 wrote:

observer1 wrote:

Why does he not just fight a proper challenger, like Pavlik

Or maybe a rematch with Hopkins, especially since many feel Calzaghe lost that fight. a Dodgy SD is hardly anything to go by now is it.

He may aswell fight Winky or something.

Calzaghe v Froch will be just a fraud

Absolute drivel! It's the best All-British fight out there IMO.

Pavliks just had a whooping from B-Hop. B-Hop VS JC was the most boring fight I can ever remember, however I fear Winky-JC could rival that

Froch is in his prime he's unbeaten he's BIG punching with fantastic fitness, it makes for a GREAT fight imo. It'll be the Benn-Eubank of our generation. Lets get it on!!

Calzaghe-Froch will be the same as Eubank-Benn ?

/Exits thread

I seriously give Carl Froch a big chance against Calzaghe. The majority of you lot have mocked me for stating it - you may well be proved right but I have always stated Carl Froch will prove himself as a major world class boxer and that alone gives him a chance against Calzaghe.

We will see - I honestly cannot ever see the fight happening - it would be fantastic if it did.

Asterix wrote:

WildWaylon wrote:

Asterix wrote:I can't wait to see how their respective fights turn out. I hope Joe retires after next weekend though.

Yes, Part of me agrees with you, but think of the respect Joe would get taking on and beating Carl Froch. Joe is aware that many are critical of his record and if he was successful beating Froch it would do his reputation/legacy a lot of good. Mind, he cant afford to lose though, it would be a disaster for him, while Froch would become a superstar overnight.

I don't think it will do much for his legacy. Especially not where the Americans are concerned.

Americans rate him for surprising Lacy & beating Hopkins, they also understand why he's cashing in vs Jones and if he's good next weekend, the Yanks will probably like him more just for fighting in the US again. Jones for the Yanks, and Froch for us Brits who can be more harsh on him.

Froch and Hennessy just make sure the money's there and the title's there.

Question - would Warren have entertained the idea of Calzaghe-Froch?

I think Warren tried to steal Froch away, but Froch wanted no part in it and is 100% loyal to Hennessy.

Plus Warren would never be allowed options on Froch's subsequent fights if he won, therefore scuppering it altogether.

If Calzaghe decides to carry on boxing after RJJ then all his fights will be against the big names over there .. Calzaghe is well and truly in the big time now .. Froch is very much on the outside looking in.

If Calzaghe were a woman what Calzaghe is doing would be equivalent to a c*cktease. So I think he is being a boxtease, flashing a little thigh to get Froch excited before covering up and moving on

FIGHT.WILL.NOT.HAPPEN!!

I actully think Froch would have a more than decent chance of winning but he should just concentrate on taking out Pscal, fighting the Lacy/Taylor winner and just moving on with his career.

Damn Hennessey if he allows Froch' career to be defined by one guy he couldnt get to fight, as it looks like thats how Witter will be remembered