Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd I suppose that not everybody can be satisfied (you will always get detractors) but hey, you can only beat what's put in front of you (however hand-selected they may be or whatever reputation they bring with them). I'd say the same thing about Lennox Lewis being that he too was far too good for everybody else in the division (apart from that one time when he tanked against that lucky no-mark Hasim Rahman in South Africa...Lennox didn't care, his preparation was shite ~ notoriously he was busy for his cameo for the first Ocean's 11 film over in Las Vegas ~ and some lucky punter managed to win $10 million from some hapless bookie when a $1 million bet was placed on Rahman to win at odds of 10/1!). The US fight fans usually complain about Joe being slap-happy and that he can't punch properly but from what I gather after this morning they were impressed that Joe was mostly standing toe-to-toe with Kessler and that he could take a punch (or eight!). Would a Bernard Hopkins versus Joe Calzaghe fight really be that much of a big deal? I don't think so but the hype would definitely be there as though it was because Bernard Hopkins is still considered to be the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. It's almost a half-empty/half-full type of affair. If Joe beats Bernard then the naysayers will say "Well, he beat a 43 year old!" (Hopkins will be at least 43 by the time the fight's arranged) and if Joe can't beat Bernard it'll be "He can't even beat a 43 year old!". Everybody wins...the naysayers and the supporters! :lol http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=1414&cat=boxer My one criticism which I have stated on here previously is that Joe Calzaghe has gotta fight the top guys in their own backyard to absolutely cement his legend and reputation (particularly in the US). Why? I think it's the only genuine criticism that can be levelled at Joe in that he's generally been steadfast in fighting in the UK and some critics will 'call' him out on that in suggesting that the only flaw that Joe Calzaghe has is that he didn't come to the US to fight. Joe can cite that he's fought in Denmark and Germany BUT he didn't go anywhere near the US (although to be fair he's been thwarted at least twice. Once, Joe was supposed to be on an undercard bout on the Felix Trinidad-Oscar De La Hoya fight back in 1999 and twice, by the Winter Olympics in a title defence against Charles Brewer back in 2001). I can't imagine Bernard Hopkins is that bothered in fighting Joe Calzaghe despite his bravado and if he is, he won't be going all the way to Cardiff to do so (but hey, money talks and all that). (CUE: Bernard Hopkins' management to announce on Monday that a fight against Joe has been set up for next June! In Cardiff! :lol)

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Today's Bettingzone Market News: 1300: Joe Calzaghe is even money with Ladbrokes to face legendary American Bernard Hopkins in his next fight - and William Hill say they'd make him odds-on at 8/13 to win that clash if it takes place. The Welshman, who unified the super middleweight division with a unanimous points win over Mikkel Kessler at the weekend, is 4/1 with Ladbrokes to take on Roy Jones Jnr next. A rematch with Kessler is a 5/1 chance whilst a domestic dust up with Carl Froch is available at 10/1. Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: "Calzaghe has nothing left to prove in the super middleweight division. "A rematch with Kessler would hold no appeal, given the Dane has lost his titles and unbeaten record, whilst Calzaghe has nothing to gain from taking on Froch. "In all likelihood Calzaghe will take advantage of his exposure to the stateside viewing public and square up to a big name American fighter at light heavyweight." Hills are also betting on how many more fights Calzaghe will have before he officially announces his retirement and offer 10/1 that he has fought his last contest, 2/1 that he has just one more fight, 6/4 that he fights twice more and 2/1 for three or more. "Old Father Time is catching up with Joe but as Evander Holyfield, George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins have shown, it is possible to box successfully at the highest level into one's forties," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe. Hills say that over £1million was gambled on the Calzaghe fight with over 20 four-figure bets - the largest being £7500 - placed on Calzaghe, who started the fight as 4/9 favourite but was as long as 5/6 to win during the contest at the start of round five. The Welshman is now 10/1 to win the BBC's sports personality of the year award with Ladbrokes, though Hills go 8/1 from 16s. Sharpe added: "Joe is a real winner on the world stage, and although hot favourite Lewis Hamilton has won races he failed to take the Formula One world title. "Joe has proved over 10 years that he is world class and to win the BBC Award would only be confirmation of that." ============= Hmmm. I don't see any of their 'Who will Joe Calzaghe fight next?' odds up on their website.

[mowgli77]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd The interviews after the fight gave an insight into the two boxers. Many people after a fight come out with the bravado bollox and say they were in control, they were never hurt by the others shots etc. Joe admitted he made mistakes, got hit by a few and admittedly said they rocked him a bit. He said it's boxing and you learn from your mistakes, he was worrying me when he kept dropping his hands and I think Frank Warren was a bit stressed. :lol Kessler came across as a really nice guy and mentioned throwing a big bomb, missing and getting hit with a body shot that had taken the wind out of him. He is a good boxer but he met a better boxer last night. He looked a bit one dimensional at times as he had no answer to Joe's box and move style when he started to hit and move and avoid that big right. His eye looked a mess too, think he'll be wearing shades for a few weeks. He gave plenty of respect to Calzaghe and that was clear at the final bell when they embraced each other. For all his other fights he has dominated the ring, gone forward and bullied people into defeat, he couldn't do that with Joe. Fantastic fight and evidence that age meant nothing last night, it was the experience that mattered more. I hope he goes to America for his final swansong, beats them in their back yard and finally rams the critics words down their throats.

[jackg99]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd fight To Go The Distance Was 6/4 With Ladbrokes fight Not To Go The Distance 6/5 With Coral easy Money

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Hmmm. I can probably see why Ladbrokes haven't bothered. Calzaghe Demands Hopkins Super-fight

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd OOOH!! :drums Hopkins Would Welcome Calzaghe Fight Yankee Stadium in New York!? It has a capacity to seat 57,545 people and probably even more for a boxing match. Announcement from Frank Warren today! The only two questions are 'When?' and 'Where?'. :loon

[jeffers]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Consider me there if it happens...thought it would be in Philly, but 70,000 in the bronx does me :clap

[Cassius Marcellus]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Too late for me at 1-30 a.m but some of my mates stayed up to punt and watch. After Kessler got the early rounds Joe went to a fraction over evens on Betfair. It was all snapped up sharpish according to them. And the only reason boxers go on into their 40s (as mentioned earlier) is that no boxer wants to retire. Only a severe beating or a completely one sided points humiliation will get them to even consider it. Boxing, imo, is still the greatest sport on earth. A lot of people don't share this view, as per the thread on Betfair chitchat this morning, asking which of 5 listed events you would like to achieve. Boxing never got a mention. :@ Score the winning goal in the F.A. Cup Final??? Nancyboys game :tongue2 I''d sooner lose a shot at the world heavyweight title (when I was younger).

[PAULM03]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd

Too late for me at 1-30 a.m but some of my mates stayed up to punt and watch. After Kessler got the early rounds Joe went to a fraction over evens on Betfair. It was all snapped up sharpish according to them. And the only reason boxers go on into their 40s (as mentioned earlier) is that no boxer wants to retire. Only a severe beating or a completely one sided points humiliation will get them to even consider it. Boxing, imo, is still the greatest sport on earth. A lot of people don't share this view, as per the thread on Betfair chitchat this morning, asking which of 5 listed events you would like to achieve. Boxing never got a mention. :@ Score the winning goal in the F.A. Cup Final??? Nancyboys game :tongue2 I''d sooner lose a shot at the world heavyweight title (when I was younger).

Aye, it's a shame. There was a time when the heavyweight champion of the world was one of the most famous men on the planet. Most people would struggle to name a single heavyweight contender now. I can't see Calzaghe going into his 40s. I think he's got 2 fights left. The Hopkins fight looks a goer, then I think he'll really clean up with another big stateside fight. On the topic of heavyweights it's the Haye/Mormeck fight this weekend which promises to be a cracker (Haye by knockout, hopefully). Haye will then have the choice to fight Cunningham and become undisputed cruiser champion or move up to heavy where he should clean up. Whatever happens I think Britain will have another heavyweight chapion within 18-24 months. A very marketable one too.

[Cassius Marcellus]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Strange when you think about it. When I started to watch boxing, Henry Cooper was a heavyweight. Today, in the heavyweight division, he would be giving away 4 or 5 stones. And years before that, French-Canadian Tommy Burns, who got absolutely slaughtered by Jack Johnson in Sydney, was world heavyweight champion.......at 5 feet 7 inches tall. :loon There's an excelent film called 'The Unforgivable Blackness' on YouTube in about 30 parts of about 7 minutes duration each, about the Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson. I was sent the link the other day. Here it is if you want it, it's fascinating stuff. A true predecessor to Muhammad Ali. When blacks were downtrodden a lot more than in Alis day. http://youtube.com/watch?v=MUo9gIp3cRg Note: 12 and 13 are out of sequence. You need to click on 13 after 11, then 12, then 14 and 15 are in the correct order.

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd

There was a time when the heavyweight champion of the world was one of the most famous men on the planet. Most people would struggle to name a single heavyweight contender now.

There are a few very good reasons why heavyweight boxing is not as respected as it used to be but it'd detract from this thread. Back on-topic...Frank Warren claims Bernard Hopkins is probably 'ducking' this fight as he'd know he'd lose to Joe Calzaghe. Sporting Life - Calzaghe On Brink Of Hopkins Fight Sporting Life - Hopkins Told To Back Up Trash Talk Sporting Life - Hopkins Doesn't Convince Calzaghe Sporting Life - Hopkins Restates Yankee Hopes As I thought Joe's critics aren going for the 'Calzaghe must fight in the US to prove himself' stance. It just happens to be that one of the critics in question is one Bernard Hopkins. The reverse could be said that if Bernard Hopkins is so good then why isn't he the one to go outside his comfort area and fight on foreign soil? The power of reputation eh? Frank Warren has a very, very good point in that ticket sales would be much, much bigger over here in the UK than in the US but hey, the power of US TV rights eh? A knighthood for Joe Calzaghe!? OOOH! I think that might be a a bit much but I suppose people have done far less to get such an award. I doubt it'll be on the forefront of Gordon Brown's mind. OT: Carl Froch fighting Robin Reid tonight. If Carl Froch doesn't beat Robin Reid convincingly, Carl won't be getting too much respect soon because most people are expecting Carl to beat Robin fairly easy (even if one's going only by the odds...Carl Froch is a best-priced 10/1 ON, Robin Reid 7/1 AGAINST). Carl Froch however is only coming back from an operation after sustaining a knee injury which has meant he's had an eight month layoff so it might be a surprisingly 'level' fight. Some critics are sniping Carl's got everything to lose if he doesn't win this fight. Froch Out To Prove His Mettle

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Bernard Hopkins has seemingly been the most vocal one of the two and apparently it'll be on April 12th, the second Saturday of April with the full details such as whether it'll be at the MGM Grand or the Mandalay Bay casino are due to be ironed out during next week. April 11th is a Friday which is just silly...this is definitely Saturday night Main Event material despite what I've previously said. This could be Joe Calzaghe's biggest ever payday as I assume dastardly Sky Sports are gonna make this a PPV event. Watch out for the referee, Joe! :unsure Calzaghe and Hopkins Set To Sign OT: If anyone's wondering Carl Froch won after Robin Reid retired in the fifth round after suffering a shoulder injury.

[SteveO]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd I'm more excited about the Macranelli Haye fight than I ever will be about this one. Hopkins is well past his prime the only thing that will interest him in this fight is a megabucks payday, not that he needs it

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Only time will tell. I can't say I'm that excited by Haye vs Maccarinelli although I should be. Meanwhile Roy Jones Jr is hoping to be the spoiler though as he and his manager are flying to Wales to try and arrange a fight against Calzaghe in Cardiff either after the Hopkins fight or as a replacement. Calzaghe Still A Target For Jones

[stereoman]

Re: Boxing: Calzaghe v Kessler - Nov 3rd Yesterday's Bettingzone Market Moves: 1700: Joe Calzaghe is odds-on with Betfred to gain a points decision against Bernard Hopkins when they meet in a blockbuster light-heavyweight bout in Las Vegas on April 19. After the fight was confirmed, Calzaghe was installed 2/5 favourite to extend his record to 45 wins out of 45 and 8/11 to be given the verdict on the judges' scorecards. The Welshman is 11/4 to inflict a first stoppage defeat on his 43-year-old opponent. Hopkins, nicknamed 'The Executioner', is 15/8 in the outright market, 7/2 to prevail on points and 8/1 to finish off Calzaghe inside the distance. Betfred boss Fred Done said: "Calzaghe may find it quite difficult stepping up from super-middleweight for the first time, as Ronald 'Winky' Wright did when losing to Hopkins last year. But I believe his greater fitness and work-rate will win the day. "Hopkins is past his prime and I can see it going to points, with Calzaghe getting the decision to set himself up for a monumental last career fight against Roy Jones Jnr or Jermaine Taylor." It's a similar story at Ladbrokes who also make Calzaghe their 2/5 favourite - and the Magic Sign say that over 90% of the bets they've taken so far have been on the Welshman. Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg explained: "Calzaghe has the opportunity to cement his legacy against B-Hop. Although Hopkins is getting on in years his name will represent a notable scalp on his record. "And punters are in no doubt that Calzaghe will do a job on the American." Weinberg added: "A victory, for Calzaghe, by virtue of the judges' scorecards is also proving very popular." Hills aren't quite so sure Calzaghe will have things all his own way and offer him at 8/15. Their spokesman Rupert Adams said: "With 44 wins to his name it will come as no great surprise to know that Calzaghe has cost us a fortune over the years, but we still expect a punt on Hopkins from fans who hope he will live up to his nickname 'The Executioner'."