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Jermain Taylor vs. Carl Froch Ordered By The WBC
Carl Froch has now got his hard-earned shot at the vacant WBC super-middleweight title against Jermain Taylor later this year but hopes his co-challenger doesn't bottle out of it.
Undefeated British champion Froch has been elected to fight American Taylor, the former undisputed middleweight champion, for the prestigious vacant WBC title after Joe Calzaghe vacated the belt rather than fight mandatory challenger Froch.
The WBC have ordered a private negotiating period between Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy and Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella. If there is no agreement then a purse bid will be held on Friday July 25, 2008, at the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City.
‘Cobra’ Froch has challenged Taylor not to duck out of facing him in one of 2008's biggest global fights and also launched a stinging attack on Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella after his recent comments on The Fight Network.
“I’m delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight,” said Froch, who has stopped 19 opponents in 23 fights.
“I’ve heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion.
“I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn’t squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn’t allow him to either.
“I heard Lou DiBella has said ‘who the f*** is Carl Froch to American television', but he will know who the f*** the ‘Cobra’ is when his fighter is laying horizontal in front of him. Then I will ask him what does he know about boxing?
“In my opinion doing Taylor versus Lacy is just as bad as doing Kelly Pavlik versus Gary Lockett. It’s a mismatch and anyone who buys into that has got to be nuts in my opinion.
“Lacy seems scared of his own shadow at the moment and Taylor will also be a chicken if he swerves me.
“DiBella says American TV isn’t interested in me but believe me they are. Once I knock out Taylor, I will do the same to Kelly Pavlik.”
Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy has been in talks with DiBella and is confident the ‘Cobra’ will be the new undisputed No 1 of the super-middleweight division.
“Carl would have taken out Calzaghe in style but now he will do it to Jermain Taylor instead. He is the new star of world boxing,” said Hennessy.
“I’ve been speaking with Lou DiBella for a while now and I just hope they don’t start opting for easier fights for Jermain. This could be a massive fight.”
Carl Froch has now got his hard-earned shot at the vacant WBC super-middleweight title against Jermain Taylor later this year but hopes his co-challenger doesn't bottle out of it.
Undefeated British champion Froch has been elected to fight American Taylor, the former undisputed middleweight champion, for the prestigious vacant WBC title after Joe Calzaghe vacated the belt rather than fight mandatory challenger Froch.
The WBC have ordered a private negotiating period between Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy and Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella. If there is no agreement then a purse bid will be held on Friday July 25, 2008, at the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City.
‘Cobra’ Froch has challenged Taylor not to duck out of facing him in one of 2008's biggest global fights and also launched a stinging attack on Taylor’s promoter Lou DiBella after his recent comments on The Fight Network.
“I’m delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight,” said Froch, who has stopped 19 opponents in 23 fights.
“I’ve heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion.
“I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn’t squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn’t allow him to either.
“I heard Lou DiBella has said ‘who the f*** is Carl Froch to American television', but he will know who the f*** the ‘Cobra’ is when his fighter is laying horizontal in front of him. Then I will ask him what does he know about boxing?
“In my opinion doing Taylor versus Lacy is just as bad as doing Kelly Pavlik versus Gary Lockett. It’s a mismatch and anyone who buys into that has got to be nuts in my opinion.
“Lacy seems scared of his own shadow at the moment and Taylor will also be a chicken if he swerves me.
“DiBella says American TV isn’t interested in me but believe me they are. Once I knock out Taylor, I will do the same to Kelly Pavlik.”
Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy has been in talks with DiBella and is confident the ‘Cobra’ will be the new undisputed No 1 of the super-middleweight division.
“Carl would have taken out Calzaghe in style but now he will do it to Jermain Taylor instead. He is the new star of world boxing,” said Hennessy.
“I’ve been speaking with Lou DiBella for a while now and I just hope they don’t start opting for easier fights for Jermain. This could be a massive fight.”
Joel Casamayor: "I Will Retire Juan Manuel Marquez"
LOS ANGELES – Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain on the historic date of September 16, 1810 and over the years, this day has grown to become a special day of celebration, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. This year, the boxing world will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day when reigning Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor meets former two-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. in a 12-round championship bout that celebrates the best of the sweet science and two of its greatest practitioners.
In professional boxing, this day or the celebrated weekend has always been home to the largest boxing events in the history of the sport. Some of the most memorable Mexican Independence Day fights were: Sept. 18, 1998 when the “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya faced Mexican icon, Julio Caesar Chavez; Sept. 18, 1999 when the “Golden Boy” faced Puerto Rico’s Felix “Tito” Trinidad; and Sept. 14, 2002 when De La Hoya faced Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas.
Casamayor vs. Marquez, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, will headline a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Cazadores Tequila. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 go on sale Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
“I’m very excited for this great fight and I’m happy that Golden Boy gave me this opportunity,” said Casamayor. “It is going to be a war between two legends but one of us will be finished after this and I know I’m going to retire Juan Manuel Marquez on September 13.”
Marquez commented, “This is the most important fight of my life because I’m putting my career on the line to go up in weight to fight Joel. He is the best at 135 and a very dangerous fighter. It’s a huge fight for me and I’m very excited to fight in front of all of my loyal fans in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day weekend.”
De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “This match-up continues the great tradition in boxing to hold championship bouts on Mexican Independence Day weekend. When Joel Casamayor, a legendary Cuban fighter and an Olympic Gold Medalist, meets a very dangerous two-division World Champion and future hall of famer in Juan Manuel Marquez, the fans will get their money’s worth of skill, heart and action. This fight is an exciting way to kick off the Fall boxing season and there is no doubt that this will be one of the best fights of 2008 as both fighters are looking to win after coming off dramatic battles.”
Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment of MGM MIRAGE, said, “The fans in the Grand Garden Arena will be treated to a sensational event. We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend with Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay-Per-View.”
HBO PPV's Mark Taffet said, “Casamayor-Marquez is a marquee matchup in a division that continues to turn out one great fight after another. It's the kind of 'best vs. best' battle that boxing fans love.”
The greatest Cuban fighter of the last 30 years, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and current Ring Magazine Lightweight World Champion Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KOs) has unquestionably stamped himself as a future Hall of Famer with world titles in two weight classes, along with a resume that many experts believe should contain no losses. Owner of wins over Nate Campbell, Diego Corrales (twice) and Roberto Garcia, Casamayor’s only defeats have come via highly disputed decisions against Acelino Freitas, Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo, fights most believe “El Cepillo” deserved to win. In his last fight in March though, Casamayor refused to leave things in the hands of the judges and knocked out the previously unbeaten Australian warrior Michael Katsidis in the 10th round.
A wizard of the ring who mixes technical prowess with a warrior’s heart and a willingness to go to war, Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KOs) already has secured his legacy as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all-time. However, he is not satisfied – thus his pursuit of a world title in a third weight class. A former Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion, Marquez has fought the best of this era including Manny Pacquiao (twice), Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez and Manuel Medina. With his only loss in the last two years being a controversial split decision at the hands of Pacquiao in their classic rematch in March, it is clear that like a fine wine, the 34-year-old Marquez is getting better with age.
LOS ANGELES – Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain on the historic date of September 16, 1810 and over the years, this day has grown to become a special day of celebration, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. This year, the boxing world will celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day when reigning Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor meets former two-division World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. in a 12-round championship bout that celebrates the best of the sweet science and two of its greatest practitioners.
In professional boxing, this day or the celebrated weekend has always been home to the largest boxing events in the history of the sport. Some of the most memorable Mexican Independence Day fights were: Sept. 18, 1998 when the “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya faced Mexican icon, Julio Caesar Chavez; Sept. 18, 1999 when the “Golden Boy” faced Puerto Rico’s Felix “Tito” Trinidad; and Sept. 14, 2002 when De La Hoya faced Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas.
Casamayor vs. Marquez, a 12-round bout for Casamayor’s Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship, will headline a night of world-class professional boxing presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Cazadores Tequila. The world title bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 go on sale Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased at any MGM Grand box office outlet and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
“I’m very excited for this great fight and I’m happy that Golden Boy gave me this opportunity,” said Casamayor. “It is going to be a war between two legends but one of us will be finished after this and I know I’m going to retire Juan Manuel Marquez on September 13.”
Marquez commented, “This is the most important fight of my life because I’m putting my career on the line to go up in weight to fight Joel. He is the best at 135 and a very dangerous fighter. It’s a huge fight for me and I’m very excited to fight in front of all of my loyal fans in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day weekend.”
De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “This match-up continues the great tradition in boxing to hold championship bouts on Mexican Independence Day weekend. When Joel Casamayor, a legendary Cuban fighter and an Olympic Gold Medalist, meets a very dangerous two-division World Champion and future hall of famer in Juan Manuel Marquez, the fans will get their money’s worth of skill, heart and action. This fight is an exciting way to kick off the Fall boxing season and there is no doubt that this will be one of the best fights of 2008 as both fighters are looking to win after coming off dramatic battles.”
Richard Sturm, president of Sports and Entertainment of MGM MIRAGE, said, “The fans in the Grand Garden Arena will be treated to a sensational event. We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend with Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay-Per-View.”
HBO PPV's Mark Taffet said, “Casamayor-Marquez is a marquee matchup in a division that continues to turn out one great fight after another. It's the kind of 'best vs. best' battle that boxing fans love.”
The greatest Cuban fighter of the last 30 years, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and current Ring Magazine Lightweight World Champion Casamayor (36-3-1, 22 KOs) has unquestionably stamped himself as a future Hall of Famer with world titles in two weight classes, along with a resume that many experts believe should contain no losses. Owner of wins over Nate Campbell, Diego Corrales (twice) and Roberto Garcia, Casamayor’s only defeats have come via highly disputed decisions against Acelino Freitas, Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo, fights most believe “El Cepillo” deserved to win. In his last fight in March though, Casamayor refused to leave things in the hands of the judges and knocked out the previously unbeaten Australian warrior Michael Katsidis in the 10th round.
A wizard of the ring who mixes technical prowess with a warrior’s heart and a willingness to go to war, Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KOs) already has secured his legacy as one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all-time. However, he is not satisfied – thus his pursuit of a world title in a third weight class. A former Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion, Marquez has fought the best of this era including Manny Pacquiao (twice), Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez and Manuel Medina. With his only loss in the last two years being a controversial split decision at the hands of Pacquiao in their classic rematch in March, it is clear that like a fine wine, the 34-year-old Marquez is getting better with age.
Is HBO at Fault For The "Golden" Eye on Calzaghe-Jones
By Rick Reeno
In a minor follow-up to a story posted last night, several individuals involved in the industry spoke candidly with BoxingScene.com about the possibility of HBO maneuvering to get Golden Boy Promotions involved with the Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones pay-per-view, tentative for September 20. Last night I touched on the rumors of such a move being circulated within the industry.
Some say the rumors first began in the UK, which had several media outlets, including The Sun , report that Golden Boy would co-promote Calzaghe-Jones. The impression among some is that Golden Boy may have been acting on its own accord. Some blame HBO's ongoing talks with Golden Boy for a long-term output deal, which basically guarantees Golden Boy that HBO will buy a certain number of fights for a certain number of dates. A deal that has many insiders and promotional rivals concerned.
Lou DiBella, who deals with HBO on a regular basis, doesn't believe the network is trying to steer the Calzaghe-Jones card to Golden Boy.
“I simply don't believe that anyone at HBO is trying to pressure Square Ring [Jones' promotional company]. I don’t believe they would do that. I do believe that Golden Boy is a powerful promoter and they are trying to get involved, but I don’t believe that HBO is actively assisting," DiBella said.
Another industry source agrees with DiBella as to the level of HBO's involvement in the situation, but he says the rumors are due to Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy, allegedly representing to other individuals within the industry that HBO would like to see Golden Boy's involvement with the show.
"HBO is not really at fault in this situation. Richard is trying insert Golden Boy into this fight and representing that he has the blessing of HBO. This is why an output deal for Golden Boy is so dangerous. Also, the lawyer for Calzaghe [Gareth Williams] is also the lawyer for Ricky Hatton, so Richard already has a business relationship with Calzaghe's attorney and is using that relationship to position Golden Boy into the fight."
John Wirt, CEO for Square Ring, denied any pressure coming from HBO to bring in Golden Boy, but he didn't deny Golden Boy trying to get involved.
"Richard Schaefer did call and asked if there was anything that he can do to help out, but so have other promoters. Roy Jones has made it categorically clear that Square Ring and Joe Calzaghe Enterprises will be the sole promoters of the event," Wirt said.
Jones' statement on the topic was a bit stronger. In a recent interview, he made sure to mention that he and Calzaghe did not want Golden Boy involved. One has to assume that Golden Boy made a decent play to get involved since Jones mentioned their name first, and then voiced off the names of Warren and King.
"We didn't want nobody like Golden Boy, or Frank Warren or Don King involved and we're fortunate enough to get this done our way," Jones said.
One has to ask themselves, if HBO did make a suggestion to Jones (or other parties) to have Golden Boy come on as a promotional partner, does it make the network wrong? There are people in the industry who feel that Calzaghe and Jones will need some help with a fight of this magnitude. Would we be having this discussion if HBO suggested the use of someone like DiBella? Probably not, but DiBella is not involved in any negotiations for an output deal on the network. The fact that HBO turned down Arturo Gatti vs. Dmitriy Salita, but contemplated spending millions on a De La Hoya vs. Salita tuneup, gives some of their business decisions with Golden Boy an aura of favoritism.
There is nothing wrong, or illegal, with Golden Boy trying to involve themselves with the Calzaghe-Jones card. But it's strange that Golden Boy would want to get involved with a show that might possibly land a week apart from their Joel Casamayor-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view, officially announced for September 13.
Hypothetically speaking, if the promotional giant was given the green light to get involved with Calzaghe-Jones, who are not contractually tied to Golden Boy, wouldn't they be doing a disservice to their own fighters, Casamayor and Marquez, who are contractually bound to their company. By helping promote Calzaghe-Jones, wouldn't they hurt the Casamayor-Marquez pay-per-view in the process? There is no question that Calzaghe-Jones is the bigger pay-per-view event, and if it manages to land on the September 20 date, it will certainly hurt the Casamayor-Marquez numbers, with or without Golden Boy.
By Rick Reeno
In a minor follow-up to a story posted last night, several individuals involved in the industry spoke candidly with BoxingScene.com about the possibility of HBO maneuvering to get Golden Boy Promotions involved with the Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones pay-per-view, tentative for September 20. Last night I touched on the rumors of such a move being circulated within the industry.
Some say the rumors first began in the UK, which had several media outlets, including The Sun , report that Golden Boy would co-promote Calzaghe-Jones. The impression among some is that Golden Boy may have been acting on its own accord. Some blame HBO's ongoing talks with Golden Boy for a long-term output deal, which basically guarantees Golden Boy that HBO will buy a certain number of fights for a certain number of dates. A deal that has many insiders and promotional rivals concerned.
Lou DiBella, who deals with HBO on a regular basis, doesn't believe the network is trying to steer the Calzaghe-Jones card to Golden Boy.
“I simply don't believe that anyone at HBO is trying to pressure Square Ring [Jones' promotional company]. I don’t believe they would do that. I do believe that Golden Boy is a powerful promoter and they are trying to get involved, but I don’t believe that HBO is actively assisting," DiBella said.
Another industry source agrees with DiBella as to the level of HBO's involvement in the situation, but he says the rumors are due to Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy, allegedly representing to other individuals within the industry that HBO would like to see Golden Boy's involvement with the show.
"HBO is not really at fault in this situation. Richard is trying insert Golden Boy into this fight and representing that he has the blessing of HBO. This is why an output deal for Golden Boy is so dangerous. Also, the lawyer for Calzaghe [Gareth Williams] is also the lawyer for Ricky Hatton, so Richard already has a business relationship with Calzaghe's attorney and is using that relationship to position Golden Boy into the fight."
John Wirt, CEO for Square Ring, denied any pressure coming from HBO to bring in Golden Boy, but he didn't deny Golden Boy trying to get involved.
"Richard Schaefer did call and asked if there was anything that he can do to help out, but so have other promoters. Roy Jones has made it categorically clear that Square Ring and Joe Calzaghe Enterprises will be the sole promoters of the event," Wirt said.
Jones' statement on the topic was a bit stronger. In a recent interview, he made sure to mention that he and Calzaghe did not want Golden Boy involved. One has to assume that Golden Boy made a decent play to get involved since Jones mentioned their name first, and then voiced off the names of Warren and King.
"We didn't want nobody like Golden Boy, or Frank Warren or Don King involved and we're fortunate enough to get this done our way," Jones said.
One has to ask themselves, if HBO did make a suggestion to Jones (or other parties) to have Golden Boy come on as a promotional partner, does it make the network wrong? There are people in the industry who feel that Calzaghe and Jones will need some help with a fight of this magnitude. Would we be having this discussion if HBO suggested the use of someone like DiBella? Probably not, but DiBella is not involved in any negotiations for an output deal on the network. The fact that HBO turned down Arturo Gatti vs. Dmitriy Salita, but contemplated spending millions on a De La Hoya vs. Salita tuneup, gives some of their business decisions with Golden Boy an aura of favoritism.
There is nothing wrong, or illegal, with Golden Boy trying to involve themselves with the Calzaghe-Jones card. But it's strange that Golden Boy would want to get involved with a show that might possibly land a week apart from their Joel Casamayor-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view, officially announced for September 13.
Hypothetically speaking, if the promotional giant was given the green light to get involved with Calzaghe-Jones, who are not contractually tied to Golden Boy, wouldn't they be doing a disservice to their own fighters, Casamayor and Marquez, who are contractually bound to their company. By helping promote Calzaghe-Jones, wouldn't they hurt the Casamayor-Marquez pay-per-view in the process? There is no question that Calzaghe-Jones is the bigger pay-per-view event, and if it manages to land on the September 20 date, it will certainly hurt the Casamayor-Marquez numbers, with or without Golden Boy.
Calzaghe is Afraid of Ghosts
" In the great trade of boxing journalism, informed scribes search for elaborate, creative ways to begin their stories. Sometimes, they refer to great philosophers. Other times, they create literary scenes that dance like Ali in readers’ heads. The folks that cover the sweet science look for ways to lure in an audience much like a boxer jabs his way in on an opponent. Ultimately, they hope that the set up gets you hooked.
Today, I am just going to get right to the point. Like a doctor choosing to operate on a patient without the use of anesthesia, I have decided to cut right to the core.
Ladies and gentlemen, super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe took the easy way out. By turning down a fight with middleweight king Kelly Pavlik in favor of a bout with a fading Roy Jones Jr., the Welshman proved that he has no desire to be considered pound-for-pound champion. Instead of facing the rising stud from Youngstown, OH, Calzaghe fired his promoter Frank Warren and began the “Bring on Roy” campaign. At a time when he had the opportunity to secure his spot as the number one fighter in the world, Calzaghe opted to chase a fight that wasn’t good enough to be made a decade ago.
While we will not offend the legacy of Jones Jr., what point does it serve an undefeated Calzaghe to face a 39-year-old who is 3-3 since 2004? For what reason should the Cardiff native, who has already stated he may only have one bout left, face a fighter who has clearly diminished skills?
With apologies to my friends in the United Kingdom, I’m going to be honest. Joe Calzaghe fears Kelly Pavlik. He won’t say it, but Calzaghe is afraid of “The Ghost.” No matter how hard his father/trainer Enzo Calzaghe tries to spin Pavlik as “undeserving” or “not on Joe’s level,” the fact of the matter is that Pavlik poses the greatest risk to the overhyped Calzaghe dynasty. He is young. He punches hard. He smells blood and finishes fights. Simply put, he’s everything Calzaghe wishes he could be.
What’s more, the likelihood that Calzaghe is exposed by Pavlik is far greater than if he moves forward with the Jones bout. Yes, I said it. Go ahead. Read that sentence again. Pavlik would expose Calzaghe. The kid from Ohio would prove that Calzaghe’s fast-handed, high output approach is no match for a power-punching, Paul Bunyan-like, chop-ya-down style fighter.
Opponents to these claims may point to Calzaghe’s performance against Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, or Bernard Hopkins. In fairness to Joe, he outboxed and outclassed Lacy. There is really no other way to put it. But against Kessler and Hopkins, he unveiled some major flaws. At times, his two-handed approach has left him squared up, unsteady, and vulnerable.
Kessler caught Calzaghe with some quality shots during this time of weakness, but “The Viking Warrior” didn’t display the pedigree necessary to truly capitalize. The 43-year-old Hopkins – who won the fight 114-113 on this writer’s scorecard – knocked Calzaghe down in the first round and consistently landed the heavier, stiffer punches. The Philadelphian recognized some wrinkles in Joe’s game, but Father Time and two judges who score activity over productivity prevented Hopkins from securing the win.
There would be no judge’s decision if Pavlik fought Calzaghe. Kelly is far too much for Calzaghe to handle. Unlike Kessler, Pavlik has yet to be frustrated or taken off his game plan. Heck, Jermain Taylor nearly buried him in the mat at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City last year, yet “The Ghost” rose from the dead. Calzaghe gets off on frustrating opponents. But what if Pavlik just kept pawing through the Calzaghe bee hive? What if Pavlik, nearly two decades younger than Hopkins, caught Calzaghe flush with a punch? Could the fighting pride of Wales rise from the dead? Doubtful.
Clearly, Calzaghe sees Jones as an easy sell and less hassle. I wish he would just say it. Instead of firing promoters or having your daddy badmouth one of the sport’s brightest, promising stars, just tell the truth. Tell all of the fans that protecting the zero on your record is much more important. Remind them that the amount of zeros on your paycheck (Jones is still a cash cow) determines your opponents and that the pound-for-pound ranking means nothing to you.
Tell them the truth Joe. Tell them you’re afraid of ghosts." - Dave Sholler
" In the great trade of boxing journalism, informed scribes search for elaborate, creative ways to begin their stories. Sometimes, they refer to great philosophers. Other times, they create literary scenes that dance like Ali in readers’ heads. The folks that cover the sweet science look for ways to lure in an audience much like a boxer jabs his way in on an opponent. Ultimately, they hope that the set up gets you hooked.
Today, I am just going to get right to the point. Like a doctor choosing to operate on a patient without the use of anesthesia, I have decided to cut right to the core.
Ladies and gentlemen, super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe took the easy way out. By turning down a fight with middleweight king Kelly Pavlik in favor of a bout with a fading Roy Jones Jr., the Welshman proved that he has no desire to be considered pound-for-pound champion. Instead of facing the rising stud from Youngstown, OH, Calzaghe fired his promoter Frank Warren and began the “Bring on Roy” campaign. At a time when he had the opportunity to secure his spot as the number one fighter in the world, Calzaghe opted to chase a fight that wasn’t good enough to be made a decade ago.
While we will not offend the legacy of Jones Jr., what point does it serve an undefeated Calzaghe to face a 39-year-old who is 3-3 since 2004? For what reason should the Cardiff native, who has already stated he may only have one bout left, face a fighter who has clearly diminished skills?
With apologies to my friends in the United Kingdom, I’m going to be honest. Joe Calzaghe fears Kelly Pavlik. He won’t say it, but Calzaghe is afraid of “The Ghost.” No matter how hard his father/trainer Enzo Calzaghe tries to spin Pavlik as “undeserving” or “not on Joe’s level,” the fact of the matter is that Pavlik poses the greatest risk to the overhyped Calzaghe dynasty. He is young. He punches hard. He smells blood and finishes fights. Simply put, he’s everything Calzaghe wishes he could be.
What’s more, the likelihood that Calzaghe is exposed by Pavlik is far greater than if he moves forward with the Jones bout. Yes, I said it. Go ahead. Read that sentence again. Pavlik would expose Calzaghe. The kid from Ohio would prove that Calzaghe’s fast-handed, high output approach is no match for a power-punching, Paul Bunyan-like, chop-ya-down style fighter.
Opponents to these claims may point to Calzaghe’s performance against Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, or Bernard Hopkins. In fairness to Joe, he outboxed and outclassed Lacy. There is really no other way to put it. But against Kessler and Hopkins, he unveiled some major flaws. At times, his two-handed approach has left him squared up, unsteady, and vulnerable.
Kessler caught Calzaghe with some quality shots during this time of weakness, but “The Viking Warrior” didn’t display the pedigree necessary to truly capitalize. The 43-year-old Hopkins – who won the fight 114-113 on this writer’s scorecard – knocked Calzaghe down in the first round and consistently landed the heavier, stiffer punches. The Philadelphian recognized some wrinkles in Joe’s game, but Father Time and two judges who score activity over productivity prevented Hopkins from securing the win.
There would be no judge’s decision if Pavlik fought Calzaghe. Kelly is far too much for Calzaghe to handle. Unlike Kessler, Pavlik has yet to be frustrated or taken off his game plan. Heck, Jermain Taylor nearly buried him in the mat at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City last year, yet “The Ghost” rose from the dead. Calzaghe gets off on frustrating opponents. But what if Pavlik just kept pawing through the Calzaghe bee hive? What if Pavlik, nearly two decades younger than Hopkins, caught Calzaghe flush with a punch? Could the fighting pride of Wales rise from the dead? Doubtful.
Clearly, Calzaghe sees Jones as an easy sell and less hassle. I wish he would just say it. Instead of firing promoters or having your daddy badmouth one of the sport’s brightest, promising stars, just tell the truth. Tell all of the fans that protecting the zero on your record is much more important. Remind them that the amount of zeros on your paycheck (Jones is still a cash cow) determines your opponents and that the pound-for-pound ranking means nothing to you.
Tell them the truth Joe. Tell them you’re afraid of ghosts." - Dave Sholler
^ Great write up...and I couldn't agree more.
A fight with Kelly poses too much of a risk for Calzaghe...and in his eyes...not enough of a benefit.
In my opinion...the benefit of him beating the UNDISPUTED UNDEFEATED middleweight Champ would help solidify his claims to greatness. I don't know many casual fans who even know who the hell Joe is.
This guy is a pussy and I don't even put him in the top 5 P4P...he's a coward and his resume is shit. Beating Roy Jones ain't gonna do shit for him...and would be even worse if he lost.
A fight with Kelly poses too much of a risk for Calzaghe...and in his eyes...not enough of a benefit.
In my opinion...the benefit of him beating the UNDISPUTED UNDEFEATED middleweight Champ would help solidify his claims to greatness. I don't know many casual fans who even know who the hell Joe is.
This guy is a pussy and I don't even put him in the top 5 P4P...he's a coward and his resume is shit. Beating Roy Jones ain't gonna do shit for him...and would be even worse if he lost.
David Haye To Possibly Face Monte Barrett in October?
By Rick Reeno
Sources close to the situation have informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com that former cruiserweight champion David Haye (21-1, 20KOs) may possibly face veteran Monte Barrett (34-6, 20KOs) on October 18 at the O2 Arena in London.
On the undercard of Saturday's Pacquiao-Diaz pay-per-view in Las Vegas, it only took Barrett 57-seconds to blow out the giant-sized Tye Fields. Haye is moving up from cruiserweight and plans to makes the heavyweight division his new home.
Golden Boy Promotions had dicusssions with Barrett's promoter Lou DiBella prior to the Fields bout. Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, was going to seriously consider Barrett - if he beat Fields. Well, Barrett's win over Fields could not have been more impressive. Talks will continue.
Another of option for Haye is Hasim Rahman, who takes part in a scheduled rematch with James Toney on July 16.
By Rick Reeno
Sources close to the situation have informed MaxBoxing/BoxingScene.com that former cruiserweight champion David Haye (21-1, 20KOs) may possibly face veteran Monte Barrett (34-6, 20KOs) on October 18 at the O2 Arena in London.
On the undercard of Saturday's Pacquiao-Diaz pay-per-view in Las Vegas, it only took Barrett 57-seconds to blow out the giant-sized Tye Fields. Haye is moving up from cruiserweight and plans to makes the heavyweight division his new home.
Golden Boy Promotions had dicusssions with Barrett's promoter Lou DiBella prior to the Fields bout. Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, was going to seriously consider Barrett - if he beat Fields. Well, Barrett's win over Fields could not have been more impressive. Talks will continue.
Another of option for Haye is Hasim Rahman, who takes part in a scheduled rematch with James Toney on July 16.
Team Jermain Taylor Responds To Carl Froch's Challenge
By Rick Reeno
In a press release issued earlier today, undefeated super middleweight Carl Froch issued some harsh words in the direction of promoter Lou DiBella and former champion Jermain Taylor. With Joe Calzaghe moving forward with Roy Jones Jr. fight, the WBC super middleweight title has been declared vacant and the sanctioning body has ordered a bout between Froch and Taylor for the vacant title. Froch and his promoter Mick Hennessy are upset over Taylor's possible selection of Jeff Lacy for his next slated ring appearance in November.
“I’m delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight,” said Froch. “I’ve heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion. I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn’t squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn’t allow him to either.
“I heard Lou DiBella has said ‘who the f*** is Carl Froch to American television', but he will know who the f*** the ‘Cobra’ is when his fighter is laying horizontal in front of him. Then I will ask him what does he know about boxing? In my opinion doing Taylor versus Lacy is just as bad as doing Kelly Pavlik versus Gary Lockett. It’s a mismatch and anyone who buys into that has got to be nuts in my opinion. DiBella says American TV isn’t interested in me but believe me they are. Once I knock out Taylor, I will do the same to Kelly Pavlik.”
As far as American television goes, Froch is not entirely correct. While nobody doubts his talents in the ring, industry insiders tell BoxingScene.com that HBO is more interested in seeing Taylor fight Lacy. DiBella is not overlooking a possible bout with Froch, but it has to make money to make sense.
"With all due respect to Mick and Carl, but in America people are saying 'who the Froch is Froch.' We are interested in the fight but we have to take a look at our alternatives and assess the commodity of it. I believe that Froch is worthy guy, but his only TV appearance was against a fighter he looked mediocre against and it took place in Europe and was televised on ShoBox. I'm not taking shots at his ability, I'm making point. The network paying the majority of the money is in the United States and he is an unknown commodity. Lacy fought his whole career in America, was a former Olympian, a former champion and has a lot more name recognition," DiBella said.
DiBella says he is not surprised with Froch's outbursts because it's a regular occurrence when it comes to British fighters who are planning to debut in America.
"Here is my problem with British fighters. They beat these stooges in Britain for these Commonwealth titles, these UK titles and these Euro titles and then they want to come to America for the huge money and want to get treated like the hometown guys. They can't have it both ways," DiBella said.
"We are interested and we are looking at it. Me and Mick have to establish the economics of it. There is more network interest and general interest in a Lacy fight than a Froch fight because Carl Froch in not known here. He's doing the right thing to build interest in the fight, I hope he keeps talking because the fight needs to have interest."
By Rick Reeno
In a press release issued earlier today, undefeated super middleweight Carl Froch issued some harsh words in the direction of promoter Lou DiBella and former champion Jermain Taylor. With Joe Calzaghe moving forward with Roy Jones Jr. fight, the WBC super middleweight title has been declared vacant and the sanctioning body has ordered a bout between Froch and Taylor for the vacant title. Froch and his promoter Mick Hennessy are upset over Taylor's possible selection of Jeff Lacy for his next slated ring appearance in November.
“I’m delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight,” said Froch. “I’ve heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion. I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn’t squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn’t allow him to either.
“I heard Lou DiBella has said ‘who the f*** is Carl Froch to American television', but he will know who the f*** the ‘Cobra’ is when his fighter is laying horizontal in front of him. Then I will ask him what does he know about boxing? In my opinion doing Taylor versus Lacy is just as bad as doing Kelly Pavlik versus Gary Lockett. It’s a mismatch and anyone who buys into that has got to be nuts in my opinion. DiBella says American TV isn’t interested in me but believe me they are. Once I knock out Taylor, I will do the same to Kelly Pavlik.”
As far as American television goes, Froch is not entirely correct. While nobody doubts his talents in the ring, industry insiders tell BoxingScene.com that HBO is more interested in seeing Taylor fight Lacy. DiBella is not overlooking a possible bout with Froch, but it has to make money to make sense.
"With all due respect to Mick and Carl, but in America people are saying 'who the Froch is Froch.' We are interested in the fight but we have to take a look at our alternatives and assess the commodity of it. I believe that Froch is worthy guy, but his only TV appearance was against a fighter he looked mediocre against and it took place in Europe and was televised on ShoBox. I'm not taking shots at his ability, I'm making point. The network paying the majority of the money is in the United States and he is an unknown commodity. Lacy fought his whole career in America, was a former Olympian, a former champion and has a lot more name recognition," DiBella said.
DiBella says he is not surprised with Froch's outbursts because it's a regular occurrence when it comes to British fighters who are planning to debut in America.
"Here is my problem with British fighters. They beat these stooges in Britain for these Commonwealth titles, these UK titles and these Euro titles and then they want to come to America for the huge money and want to get treated like the hometown guys. They can't have it both ways," DiBella said.
"We are interested and we are looking at it. Me and Mick have to establish the economics of it. There is more network interest and general interest in a Lacy fight than a Froch fight because Carl Froch in not known here. He's doing the right thing to build interest in the fight, I hope he keeps talking because the fight needs to have interest."
Could This Welterweight Sized Performance By Pacquiao Lead To More 'Money'?
By Vivek Wallace: If playing pool until midnight and being a constant spectacle among skeptics results in the destruction fight fans saw Saturday night at the hands of Manny Pacquiao, a lot of other fighters had better chalk a stick and pull out the cue ball because there's a new training regimen about to take effect in the world of Boxing..
Coming into the fight, many wondered whether Manny Pacquiao would be able to sustain his greatness and carry his power with him as he traveled north to the Lightweight division and that question was answered in a mighty way as he showed great strength and power, knocking the very durable David Diaz out in 9 rounds.
This is a true testament to Manny Pacquiao, as never before has a fighter been known to carry his power up from such a small weight class (light flyweight - 106 lbs) to lightweight (130 lbs), and still remain this effective from a KO standpoint.
When considering accomplishments, it's hard to overlook the Champion tenure of Joe Calzaghe, and the fact that he has remained undefeated after so many years in the sport, but based on excitement, heart, and a skillset that has vastly improved, it's impossible not to consider Pacquiao the new heir apparent to the sports mythical Pound for Pound title. Every component fight fans look for in a fighter is embodied somewhere within that 135 lb frame that entered the ring by way of the Philippines Saturday night.
Trainer Freddie Roach said that there would be a concerted effort given to make sure that Pacquiao elevated his speed level to keep a potential shortage of power at the higher division nullified. Not only was the great speed present, but for a fighter who was once a predictable but talented force, it seems the Pacquiao camp has clearly opened the playbook and began exercising skills at a very advanced level. There was alot of movement, alot of traps, and a lot of simple execution that resulted in fireworks in the end.
As 'game' as Diaz was, the skeptical view about this fight was very clear. Despite the great work performed, those who see things in an unbiased manner know full well that Pacquiao fought a guy who would make Carlos Baldomir look like Roy Jones Jr. It's unclear whether Diaz was being overly methodical and thinking too much, or if his needle simply failed to reach that optimal level on this night, but his 'slow-as-molasses' rendition was hardly the best that the lightweight division has to offer.
Heavy conversation is expected to commence as early as Monday when dialogue will convene regarding a possible showdown with Ricky Hatton. Many - (myself included) - would like to see Pacquiao face other great lightweights, namely Nate Campbell. Such a fight would truly show Pacquiao's worth against a member of the division who's size, speed, and skills are actually comparable, but listening to Arum and Roach, it seems that chance may not be possible.
Aside from Ricky Hatton, considering that Pacquiao is comfortable in his heavier armor, one can't help but wonder if he does go on to successfully defend against 140 lb'er Hatton, could the future hold a battle for "Pound for Pound" supremacy, enticing Mayweather to lace them up again at some point in the future which would work well for his desired "year or two from the sport". Lets be real fight fans, it isn't exactly unlike him to consider a mega fight with a smaller guy. To his credit, he went up to 150 lbs to face a legendary bigger one too, but this could be a fight in the future that would be too easy to make to leave off the negotiation table.
Although that seems a very improbable proposition, we learn everyday and saw once again on the undercard of the Pacquiao/Diaz fight, anythings possible in this sport.
Talk is cheap but when the feet hit the pavement and dialogue breaks open with 10-figure potentials, in the end, more money could very well mean more 'Money'. Stay tuned
By Vivek Wallace: If playing pool until midnight and being a constant spectacle among skeptics results in the destruction fight fans saw Saturday night at the hands of Manny Pacquiao, a lot of other fighters had better chalk a stick and pull out the cue ball because there's a new training regimen about to take effect in the world of Boxing..
Coming into the fight, many wondered whether Manny Pacquiao would be able to sustain his greatness and carry his power with him as he traveled north to the Lightweight division and that question was answered in a mighty way as he showed great strength and power, knocking the very durable David Diaz out in 9 rounds.
This is a true testament to Manny Pacquiao, as never before has a fighter been known to carry his power up from such a small weight class (light flyweight - 106 lbs) to lightweight (130 lbs), and still remain this effective from a KO standpoint.
When considering accomplishments, it's hard to overlook the Champion tenure of Joe Calzaghe, and the fact that he has remained undefeated after so many years in the sport, but based on excitement, heart, and a skillset that has vastly improved, it's impossible not to consider Pacquiao the new heir apparent to the sports mythical Pound for Pound title. Every component fight fans look for in a fighter is embodied somewhere within that 135 lb frame that entered the ring by way of the Philippines Saturday night.
Trainer Freddie Roach said that there would be a concerted effort given to make sure that Pacquiao elevated his speed level to keep a potential shortage of power at the higher division nullified. Not only was the great speed present, but for a fighter who was once a predictable but talented force, it seems the Pacquiao camp has clearly opened the playbook and began exercising skills at a very advanced level. There was alot of movement, alot of traps, and a lot of simple execution that resulted in fireworks in the end.
As 'game' as Diaz was, the skeptical view about this fight was very clear. Despite the great work performed, those who see things in an unbiased manner know full well that Pacquiao fought a guy who would make Carlos Baldomir look like Roy Jones Jr. It's unclear whether Diaz was being overly methodical and thinking too much, or if his needle simply failed to reach that optimal level on this night, but his 'slow-as-molasses' rendition was hardly the best that the lightweight division has to offer.
Heavy conversation is expected to commence as early as Monday when dialogue will convene regarding a possible showdown with Ricky Hatton. Many - (myself included) - would like to see Pacquiao face other great lightweights, namely Nate Campbell. Such a fight would truly show Pacquiao's worth against a member of the division who's size, speed, and skills are actually comparable, but listening to Arum and Roach, it seems that chance may not be possible.
Aside from Ricky Hatton, considering that Pacquiao is comfortable in his heavier armor, one can't help but wonder if he does go on to successfully defend against 140 lb'er Hatton, could the future hold a battle for "Pound for Pound" supremacy, enticing Mayweather to lace them up again at some point in the future which would work well for his desired "year or two from the sport". Lets be real fight fans, it isn't exactly unlike him to consider a mega fight with a smaller guy. To his credit, he went up to 150 lbs to face a legendary bigger one too, but this could be a fight in the future that would be too easy to make to leave off the negotiation table.
Although that seems a very improbable proposition, we learn everyday and saw once again on the undercard of the Pacquiao/Diaz fight, anythings possible in this sport.
Talk is cheap but when the feet hit the pavement and dialogue breaks open with 10-figure potentials, in the end, more money could very well mean more 'Money'. Stay tuned
