Calzaghe vs. Kessler

Tommysixfingers · 07-08-2007, 01:58 PM

I read the following on fightnews.com

"Unbeaten WBO 168 pound champion Joe Calzaghe (43-0) looks set for a unification match with Danish WBC/WBA champion Mikkel Kessler (39-0) in the UK on November 3rd. The venue is pencilled to be the Millenium Stadium subject to final negotiations. The fight is one of the most eagerly awaited in the super middleweight division between two outstanding and unbeaten fighters with over 82 wins and no losses between them. In his last defense the unbeaten Calzaghe drew over 35,000 fans to see his third round stoppage of Peter Manfredo Jr and a bigger crowd is anticipated for this unification bout. Sports Network promoter Frank Warren confirmed the details in his column in the UK tabloid The Sun on Saturday. He stated, "With Kessler bringing his WBA and WBC titles to the party, I expect at least 60,000 to be in attendance. As a result, both fighters will be getting career-high purses."

I guess Kessler has to knock Calzaghe out to ensure that the result is going to be fair.

mh2365 · 07-08-2007, 02:19 PM

Hopefully his handlers were smart enough to ban Calzaghe's relatives from reffing the bout.

My "opinion" is Kessler takes him out but I've been dead wrong about Calzaghe before.

mh2365 · 07-08-2007, 03:57 PM

Of course we should never believe a press release from Frank Warren ...

Now it looks like Calzaghe won't fight Kessler next as he moved back to showtime.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...dan&id=2927585

editing becaue this was posted by Dan Rafael on Friday, so I don't know if the fightnews comments are more recent. .... still it's hard to ever believe Warren

Mr Big · 07-08-2007, 09:07 PM

I think that Kessler beats Calzaghe at this point. Good fight for boxing fans. Potentially good money fight for Joe. Bad fight for him to take if he wants to remain undefeated IMO.

mh2365 · 07-08-2007, 10:39 PM

ESPN was saying that the interim fight Joe would have would be against Chad Dawson. That is beyond stupid. If you want a big $$ fight against Kessler ... Chad Dawson would be the last person you should fight. Dawson is young and green and while I think Calzaghe beats him at this point in Dawson's career. Real risky fight for Joe with that $$ on the table for Kessler.

Mr Big · 07-08-2007, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh2365

ESPN was saying that the interim fight Joe would have would be against Chad Dawson. That is beyond stupid. If you want a big $$ fight against Kessler ... Chad Dawson would be the last person you should fight. Dawson is young and green and while I think Calzaghe beats him at this point in Dawson's career. Real risky fight for Joe with that $$ on the table for Kessler.

Agree completely. No way Calzaghe risks a big payday against Kessler by taking on the likes of Dawson. If he does take an interim fight, it will most likely be against much lesser competition. Personally, I would just concentrate on Kessler right now. Toughest opponent to date for Joe IMO.

mh2365 · 07-08-2007, 11:52 PM

Yeah but I can understand if Showtime has him on a two fight contract saving Kessler for the second fight. I see him fighting someone like Beyer or Tsypko someone who is highly ranked but poses little threat to him.

Ian Lord · 07-09-2007, 04:35 PM

This is a fight that I've been hoping for and I just hope it gets made. I'm a big fan of Calzaghe and have followed him from early in his career, but I see him losing this one.

mh2365 · 07-09-2007, 04:37 PM

It would be no shame at this point in his career if he lost a close hard fought battle to Kessler .. it would hurt his legacy if he got blown out.

Ian Lord · 07-09-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh2365

It would be no shame at this point in his career if he lost a close hard fought battle to Kessler .. it would hurt his legacy if he got blown out.

Totally agree. I don't see Kessler blowing him away, but I do see him getting a hard earned victory.

mh2365 · 07-09-2007, 04:41 PM

I don't either but I was just saying that is the only way Joe comes out looking bad. Still think a "prelim" fight with Dawson is a very bad idea. One good thing about Joe signing with Showtime is if Taylor wins against Pavlik at least we know Joe won't put off a fight with Kessler for Taylor because Jermain is all HBO.

Jim_Kidd · 07-09-2007, 05:05 PM

Would Calzaghe be going for Dawson's Lightheavyweight title? If so, he's not endangering his Super-Middleweight belt. He'd be fighting a guy who's a boxer, not a big bomber... it's a payday, plus another belt added to the trophy case. If he loses a decision, it wouldn't affect his standing as the Super-Middleweight champ. Although, having two undefeated fighters putting their records on the line looks a lot nicer on paper.

I think it's a decent risk, if they're that intent on getting another title. Winning that fight might be a lot easier before a fight with Kessler, than after. Because if he adds the Lt. Heavyweight title to his name, his final match could be another big money fight with a Winky Wright or Bernard Hopkins.

I'm just guessing how they might be thinking.

mh2365 · 07-09-2007, 06:56 PM

The talk was Dawson coming down to 168

mrchallenge · 07-10-2007, 12:55 PM

I think Kessler does to Calzaghe what Calzaghe did to Eubank a decade ago. At age 35, it looks like Calzaghe will pass the torch. Its a fight that he could win had he been a few years younger but at 35, I don't think he can do it. Than again, he still fights well at his age.

Mr Big · 07-11-2007, 04:15 PM

Fightnews.com is reporting that Calzaghe-Kessler is a "go", and is scheduled to take place November 3 at Millineum Stadium in CARDIFF, WALES! Can't believe that Mikkel agreed to fight Joe in his own backyard. Hope that Calzaghe's uncle and three cousins aren't the ones refereeing and judging the fight.

Should be a good one!

Tommysixfingers · 07-11-2007, 04:59 PM

I have to pick my fellow scandinavian as a winner in this matchup. I honestly believe that Kessler is the stronger of the two at this point in their careers.

I wouldn't dare to underestimate Calzaghe after the Lacy fight though. He took Lacy to school that night and if the same Calzaghe shows up he could very well beat Kessler.

Still, Kessler in 8.

meade95 · 07-11-2007, 05:03 PM

Definitely going to be an interesting fight - Both guys are very solid - Is age finally going to catch up with Joe C??

Kessler certainly looks the part......But speed kills and Joe C has speed to burn (even at 35). Kessler power is also overrated to a point (IMO). But his size and jab could cause Joe C all sorts of difficulties....

Glad they agreed to get it on....

hamed · 07-11-2007, 05:41 PM

Yeah, Joe fighting Chad or anyone before that fight is crazy. Even if he had an easy win, his hand problems of late could postpone the Kessler fight.

Didn't he hurt his hand in the Manfredo bout? In that fight, you have to ask: how?

mh2365 · 07-11-2007, 11:52 PM

Funny ESPN is announcing a fight between the two in November on HBO, yet HBO is not commenting on it nor is the Kessler camp.

Seems ESPN is dumb enough to report on Frank Warren's Press releases which have always been 95% lies.

Supposively the fight is taking place in Calzaghe's home town. Seriously???

I've been proven wrong about Joe before but as long as he is with Warren (who makes Don King look like the Pope) I will hate on him.

Can't believe ESPN took a press report from Warren as the truth

Lee · 07-12-2007, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh2365

Funny ESPN is announcing a fight between the two in November on HBO, yet HBO is not commenting on it nor is the Kessler camp.

Seems ESPN is dumb enough to report on Frank Warren's Press releases which have always been 95% lies.

Supposively the fight is taking place in Calzaghe's home town. Seriously???

I've been proven wrong about Joe before but as long as he is with Warren (who makes Don King look like the Pope) I will hate on him.

Can't believe ESPN took a press report from Warren as the truth

I want to believe it......but I am with you.

07-08-2007, 01:58 PM	#1
Tommysixfingers All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,500	Calzaghe vs. Kessler I read the following on fightnews.com "Unbeaten WBO 168 pound champion Joe Calzaghe (43-0) looks set for a unification match with Danish WBC/WBA champion Mikkel Kessler (39-0) in the UK on November 3rd. The venue is pencilled to be the Millenium Stadium subject to final negotiations. The fight is one of the most eagerly awaited in the super middleweight division between two outstanding and unbeaten fighters with over 82 wins and no losses between them. In his last defense the unbeaten Calzaghe drew over 35,000 fans to see his third round stoppage of Peter Manfredo Jr and a bigger crowd is anticipated for this unification bout. Sports Network promoter Frank Warren confirmed the details in his column in the UK tabloid The Sun on Saturday. He stated, "With Kessler bringing his WBA and WBC titles to the party, I expect at least 60,000 to be in attendance. As a result, both fighters will be getting career-high purses." I guess Kessler has to knock Calzaghe out to ensure that the result is going to be fair.

07-08-2007, 03:57 PM	#3
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	Of course we should never believe a press release from Frank Warren ... Now it looks like Calzaghe won't fight Kessler next as he moved back to showtime. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...dan&id=2927585 editing becaue this was posted by Dan Rafael on Friday, so I don't know if the fightnews comments are more recent. .... still it's hard to ever believe Warren Last edited by mh2365; 07-08-2007 at 03:58 PM.

07-08-2007, 09:07 PM	#4
Mr Big All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,238	I think that Kessler beats Calzaghe at this point. Good fight for boxing fans. Potentially good money fight for Joe. Bad fight for him to take if he wants to remain undefeated IMO. __________________ The M.O.B. Isaiah 54:17

07-11-2007, 04:15 PM	#15
Mr Big All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,238	Fightnews.com is reporting that Calzaghe-Kessler is a "go", and is scheduled to take place November 3 at Millineum Stadium in CARDIFF, WALES! Can't believe that Mikkel agreed to fight Joe in his own backyard. Hope that Calzaghe's uncle and three cousins aren't the ones refereeing and judging the fight. Should be a good one! __________________ The M.O.B. Isaiah 54:17

07-11-2007, 04:59 PM	#16
Tommysixfingers All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,500	I have to pick my fellow scandinavian as a winner in this matchup. I honestly believe that Kessler is the stronger of the two at this point in their careers. I wouldn't dare to underestimate Calzaghe after the Lacy fight though. He took Lacy to school that night and if the same Calzaghe shows up he could very well beat Kessler. Still, Kessler in 8. Last edited by Tommysixfingers; 07-11-2007 at 05:03 PM.

07-08-2007, 02:19 PM	#2
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	Hopefully his handlers were smart enough to ban Calzaghe's relatives from reffing the bout. My "opinion" is Kessler takes him out but I've been dead wrong about Calzaghe before.

07-08-2007, 10:39 PM	#5
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	ESPN was saying that the interim fight Joe would have would be against Chad Dawson. That is beyond stupid. If you want a big $$ fight against Kessler ... Chad Dawson would be the last person you should fight. Dawson is young and green and while I think Calzaghe beats him at this point in Dawson's career. Real risky fight for Joe with that $$ on the table for Kessler.

07-08-2007, 11:52 PM	#7
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	Yeah but I can understand if Showtime has him on a two fight contract saving Kessler for the second fight. I see him fighting someone like Beyer or Tsypko someone who is highly ranked but poses little threat to him.

07-09-2007, 04:35 PM	#8
Ian Lord All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Coventry, England. Posts: 1,814	This is a fight that I've been hoping for and I just hope it gets made. I'm a big fan of Calzaghe and have followed him from early in his career, but I see him losing this one.

07-09-2007, 04:37 PM	#9
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	It would be no shame at this point in his career if he lost a close hard fought battle to Kessler .. it would hurt his legacy if he got blown out.

07-09-2007, 04:41 PM	#11
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	I don't either but I was just saying that is the only way Joe comes out looking bad. Still think a "prelim" fight with Dawson is a very bad idea. One good thing about Joe signing with Showtime is if Taylor wins against Pavlik at least we know Joe won't put off a fight with Kessler for Taylor because Jermain is all HBO.

07-09-2007, 05:05 PM	#12
Jim_Kidd All Star Reserve Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Florida, West Coast Posts: 578	Would Calzaghe be going for Dawson's Lightheavyweight title? If so, he's not endangering his Super-Middleweight belt. He'd be fighting a guy who's a boxer, not a big bomber... it's a payday, plus another belt added to the trophy case. If he loses a decision, it wouldn't affect his standing as the Super-Middleweight champ. Although, having two undefeated fighters putting their records on the line looks a lot nicer on paper. I think it's a decent risk, if they're that intent on getting another title. Winning that fight might be a lot easier before a fight with Kessler, than after. Because if he adds the Lt. Heavyweight title to his name, his final match could be another big money fight with a Winky Wright or Bernard Hopkins. I'm just guessing how they might be thinking.

07-09-2007, 06:56 PM	#13
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	The talk was Dawson coming down to 168

07-10-2007, 12:55 PM	#14
mrchallenge Minors (Double A) Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 167	I think Kessler does to Calzaghe what Calzaghe did to Eubank a decade ago. At age 35, it looks like Calzaghe will pass the torch. Its a fight that he could win had he been a few years younger but at 35, I don't think he can do it. Than again, he still fights well at his age.

07-11-2007, 05:03 PM	#17
meade95 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,095	Definitely going to be an interesting fight - Both guys are very solid - Is age finally going to catch up with Joe C?? Kessler certainly looks the part......But speed kills and Joe C has speed to burn (even at 35). Kessler power is also overrated to a point (IMO). But his size and jab could cause Joe C all sorts of difficulties.... Glad they agreed to get it on....

07-11-2007, 05:41 PM	#18
hamed Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,073	Yeah, Joe fighting Chad or anyone before that fight is crazy. Even if he had an easy win, his hand problems of late could postpone the Kessler fight. Didn't he hurt his hand in the Manfredo bout? In that fight, you have to ask: how?

07-11-2007, 11:52 PM	#19
mh2365 Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: louisville Posts: 14,941 Infractions: 0/2 (101)	Funny ESPN is announcing a fight between the two in November on HBO, yet HBO is not commenting on it nor is the Kessler camp. Seems ESPN is dumb enough to report on Frank Warren's Press releases which have always been 95% lies. Supposively the fight is taking place in Calzaghe's home town. Seriously??? I've been proven wrong about Joe before but as long as he is with Warren (who makes Don King look like the Pope) I will hate on him. Can't believe ESPN took a press report from Warren as the truth