Although Joe Calzaghe's opponent for his upcoming title defense on July 8 has yet to be announced, the "Pride of Wales" wastes no time in declaring just who he wants to face in the ring later this year. "Antonio Tarver is my main objective," said the WBO and IBF Super Middleweight Champion. "I'd also love to fight the winner of Winky Wright and Jermain Taylor. Those would be two massive opportunities out there for me, but obviously, they're all fighting in June so we're looking at the autumn as a possibility."

Arguably at his peak at age 34, with his judgement of timing and distance at a masterful level, Calzaghe has no concerns about going up in weight to face hard punching light heavyweights like Tarver, who must first get past Bernard Hopkins next month. Calzaghe's power if he fought at light heavy may again blossom as it did in his early career, before making weight became an increasing problem. "Tarver got himself on the pound for pound list when he's lost three fights," exclaimed the undefeated Welshman. "He hasn't fought any great fighters and as far as I'm concerned, he's overrated. He's beaten an old man in Roy Jones, who Tarver wouldn't have touched five years ago, struggled against another old man, Glen Johnson, in two fights and as far as I'm concerned, I'll knock him out. I don't really rate Tarver and I think that he's a boring fighter to watch."

Calzaghe looks to be possessing a lethal combination of natural ability, ring experience and maturity, and he's such a busy fighter in the ring that it looks difficult for anybody out there to better him. With the ability to continue as a super middle or campaign at light heavyweight, Calzaghe finds himself in a unique and potentially lucrative position. "When Markus Beyer first won the WBC title from Richie Woodhall in 1999, we tried to make a fight with him and it was impossible," recalled the sharp southpaw. "It may be easier to make now, Beyer's getting older and probably looking for a big payday, but there's bigger fish out there.

"Mikkel Kessler is a good fighter, he's undefeated and probably a better fighter than Beyer but then again, does Kessler mean that much outside of Denmark? These are the things that have to be looked at. Obviously, come November, if the fights can't be made with Tarver or one of the top middleweights, then maybe we'll go that route."

Such choices are the spoils of war for Calzaghe, currently the longest reigning world champion in boxing at over eight years, but the party will come crashing down if he doesn't prove victorious at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on July 8. "To be honest, I could stay at super middle the rest of my career if I wanted to but as I always said, I'd love to be a two weight world champion," he said. "I'm finally getting real recognition and the fight in Cardiff this July is going to be a great occasion."

This looks a very good read, but I need to go out now so I will return and read later.

ive stated before that Calzaghe vs Tarver would be a good match up. hope it materializes.

I would really look forward to that one if it happens.

I agree with JC alot about Tarver he ant that great every1 in american (including myself) would luv for JC to knock Tarver out, RJJ would have destoryd Tarver if they had faced each other a few years earlier like JC says tht true, when u think Tarvers record is 24-3 for a 37 year old fighter i know he came on late but still, when i hear Tarver on tv he thinks he is the Unisputed P4P number1 in boxing with a 50-0 record tarver need knockd out soon! COME ON HOPKINS! (we can dream can't we about HOPKINS knockin some1 out), JC need to face winner off Taylor v Winky myself 2 really be classed as a "great", i Belive Winky will beat Taylor, Winky v JC would be a awesome fight if he could beat WINKY "WOW" ppl would ave 2 take notice then, i believe Winkys the hardest fight out their 4 any1 at middleweight or super,

I dont know Calzaghe as good as ya'll, but is he ****y?

I dont know Calzaghe as good as ya'll, but is he ****y?

I used to think Calzaghe was not ****y ant all (from interviews & Press conferences) but after he beat Lacy i believe myself he has went v ****y, he been calling James Toney everythink under the sun and offering him a match at lightheavy or supermiddle (like toney ant tlkd **** himself ova the years :D )
also about Tarver & RJJ, :boxing:

i guess u become ****Y when urr the main man!

This just in, Calzaghe calls out Ray Leonard :rolleyes:

I like Joe,and think he is a great fighter.But I think the Lacy
fight was his one and only time really stepping up.I see him
returning to his shell now.

Well, he doesn't have the right to be THAT ****y right now(Neither does fat toney). I wanna see him beat another good fighter first.

Well, he doesn't have the right to be THAT ****y right now(Neither does fat toney). I wanna see him beat another good fighter first.

Toney had the right to be tht ****Y years ago tho, no1 can say he was not a great boxer, CalZAGHE will only get my full respect when he gets in the ring with the Other BIG boys, TAYLOR OR WINKY,
(Tarvers not in either off Taylor or Winkys leagues in my mind)
After Winky Beats Taylor (Yano its going the happen :D )

Winky v Calzaghe (If Calzaghe could pull off a win vs Winky "wow" he got 120% respect frm me, u could not say he dodged any1 then if he beat in my mind the number1 man at middleweight, (i can see winky beating Calsaghe tho :D )

finally a fight where Calzaghe would be an overwhelming favorite for me.. :)

Winky is way overrated, Just watch what Taylor does to him :cool:

Excellent article. Joe is the man. I'd love Joe to quieten another big name American just like he quietened Lacy. Preferably, big mouth Tarver.

although i think joe could KO tarver, he wont cuase hopkins will do it before joe gets a chance, i think the winner of tarver/hopkins will fight joe, i really hope its B-hop vs joe C that wouldnt be a bad fight at all

although i think joe could KO tarver, he wont cuase hopkins will do it before joe gets a chance, i think the winner of tarver/hopkins will fight joe, i really hope its B-hop vs joe C that wouldnt be a bad fight at all

Tarver will Ko BHOP then beat JOE, but he won't get any credit, because everyone will say that BHOP is old and Joe is smaller. so he can't win

Winky is way overrated, Just watch what Taylor does to him :cool:

Winkys Overrated? :eek:

Yeah sure Winkys overrated he has only beat the likes off Trinidad and Mosley twice :rolleyes:

Those of you saying Joe is a one hit wonder, you need to realize hes ben fighting over seas with the same skill for years. That fight with Lacy was nothing new, check out some of his downloads in the download thread.

Calzaghe has got balls, thats the kind of champions we need.

I dont know Calzaghe as good as ya'll, but is he ****y?
He used to be very ****y and that's why nobody liked him in Britain, he used to be abit over-confident lol. But he's nowhere near as ****y as he used to be, anymore.

I really hope Tarver/Calzaghe pops off later this year.Tarver has to avenge Lacys loss for Tampa area fans. :cool:

I really hope Tarver/Calzaghe pops off later this year.Tarver has to avenge Lacys loss for Tampa area fans. :cool:
Dont go banking on Tarver like you did Lacy way back when though. :D

Seriously when a fighter is outside of the US, people need to check him out. Obviously he gets no media coverage in the US if he hasnt fought there, so its plain to see that it would be common for the average man on the street to go for Tarver. But a real boxing fan would need to do his homework on a fighter to be able to make a conscientious decision about who is gonna win/lose.

Not taking a dig at you, just describing the general feel of these forums when a relative "unknown" steps on the scene thats all. :boxing:

Dont go banking on Tarver like you did Lacy way back when though. :D

Seriously when a fighter is outside of the US, people need to check him out. Obviously he gets no media coverage in the US if he hasnt fought there, so its plain to see that it would be common for the average man on the street to go for Tarver. But a real boxing fan would need to do his homework on a fighter to be able to make a conscientious decision about who is gonna win/lose.

Not taking a dig at you, just describing the general feel of these forums when a relative "unknown" steps on the scene thats all. :boxing:
I knew Calzaghe was good I just thought Lacy would pressure him and over power him.I think Tarver stands a much better chance because he has better over-all skills than Lacy.

I knew Calzaghe was good I just thought Lacy would pressure him and over power him.I think Tarver stands a much better chance because he has better over-all skills than Lacy.

I honestly think something was wrong that night, either lacy underestimated him...because he was he was just there for a knockout


my predicition was lacy by tko within 8rounds.. :mad:

Joe C is way too wild and unpredictable for Tarver to handle.

Tarver had alot of trouble with Johnson's pressure in the first fight...and he won't know what to do when he gets hit with quadruple right hooks.

When he gets attacked...he just covers up and tries to return with a jab, and that **** won't cut it. Because Calzaghe has maybe the fastest hands in boxing.

Joe C is way too wild and unpredictable for Tarver to handle.

Tarver had alot of trouble with Johnson's pressure in the first fight...and he won't know what to do when he gets hit with quadruple right hooks.

When he gets attacked...he just covers up and tries to return with a jab, and that **** won't cut it. Because Calzaghe has maybe the fastest hands in boxing.

True, but tarver is a great counterpuncher. Also, we know he can unleash brutal shots (a la Tarver Roy II) that could knock anybody out.

Joe is unpredictable but Tarver can be the same too, anywayz I think Joe would get a decision on Tarver, I doubt he would knock him out and he's right Antonio Tarver is a boringass fighter to watch...

i dont like the new ****y calzaghe but hey if he was like this 10 years ago he would of had a few big names on hes record

i dont like the new ****y calzaghe but hey if he was like this 10 years ago he would of had a few big names on hes record
Uhh, dude, Calzaghe was far ****ier 10 years ago than he is now. He used to say that he'd "knock Roy Jones clean out" when Roy Jones was #1 lb4lb and Calzaghe wasn't even British champion yet.

but when he became wbo champion he drifted into the comfert zone of mandatorys yah he may have had a few big fights break down but he could of called them out

but when he became wbo champion he drifted into the comfert zone of mandatorys yah he may have had a few big fights break down but he could of called them out
He was calling Jones Jr out all the time, and called Hopkins a "coward" after almost every fight he had between 02 and 04.

i would give calzaghe the benefit of the doubt, but no way he walks away with a knockout win over tarver.

imagine the fight from calzaghe's perspective. tarver's taller than you, bigger than you and he's not going for your feint. he's staying always exactly in middle range and you can't get him to lead. he's got his guard up and his chin down. all you can hope for is to use your own movement to initiate the action, steering and turning him. you have to keep moving and feinting so he'll open up that defensive shell of his.

tarver has both the tools for the job and the brain in his corner to come up with the right plan to beat calzaghe. it's not a sure fire win.

I hope this fight happens I ****ing hate Tarver and would love to see him get his ass kicked.

Calzaghe would definately be the favourite if he fought Tarver. Tarver is just not as good in my opinion.

Calzaghe would definately be the favourite if he fought Tarver. Tarver is just not as good in my opinion.

I'm just worried this fight wont happen. Joe's fights with big name americans almost always fall through as they are frightened out of their asses of Joe. Thats why you got give props to Lacy for being man enough to take up the challange. But after the beating Lacy took, who can blame RJJ or Tarver over-pricing themselves out of a fight???

Calzaghe would definately be the favourite if he fought Tarver. Tarver is just not as good in my opinion.

Yeah, one thing i found funny was after Tarver beat RJJ the second time he says, "I am one of the greatest fighters in the world, give me my credit". I was just like no your not.

tarver has a fight with hopkins if im not mistaken.

there's no way he could knock tarver out.
lacy's beating was pretty bad but not enough for the tKO
i doubt he would be able to hurt tarver

This just in, Calzaghe calls out up and comer Donald Hoskins.

Although Joe Calzaghe's opponent for his upcoming title defense on July 8 has yet to be announced, the "Pride of Wales" wastes no time in declaring just who he wants to face in the ring later this year. "Antonio Tarver is my main objective," said the WBO and IBF Super Middleweight Champion. "I'd also love to fight the winner of Winky Wright and Jermain Taylor. Those would be two massive opportunities out there for me, but obviously, they're all fighting in June so we're looking at the autumn as a possibility."

Arguably at his peak at age 34, with his judgement of timing and distance at a masterful level, Calzaghe has no concerns about going up in weight to face hard punching light heavyweights like Tarver, who must first get past Bernard Hopkins next month. Calzaghe's power if he fought at light heavy may again blossom as it did in his early career, before making weight became an increasing problem. "Tarver got himself on the pound for pound list when he's lost three fights," exclaimed the undefeated Welshman. "He hasn't fought any great fighters and as far as I'm concerned, he's overrated. He's beaten an old man in Roy Jones, who Tarver wouldn't have touched five years ago, struggled against another old man, Glen Johnson, in two fights and as far as I'm concerned, I'll knock him out. I don't really rate Tarver and I think that he's a boring fighter to watch."

Calzaghe looks to be possessing a lethal combination of natural ability, ring experience and maturity, and he's such a busy fighter in the ring that it looks difficult for anybody out there to better him. With the ability to continue as a super middle or campaign at light heavyweight, Calzaghe finds himself in a unique and potentially lucrative position. "When Markus Beyer first won the WBC title from Richie Woodhall in 1999, we tried to make a fight with him and it was impossible," recalled the sharp southpaw. "It may be easier to make now, Beyer's getting older and probably looking for a big payday, but there's bigger fish out there.

"Mikkel Kessler is a good fighter, he's undefeated and probably a better fighter than Beyer but then again, does Kessler mean that much outside of Denmark? These are the things that have to be looked at. Obviously, come November, if the fights can't be made with Tarver or one of the top middleweights, then maybe we'll go that route."

Such choices are the spoils of war for Calzaghe, currently the longest reigning world champion in boxing at over eight years, but the party will come crashing down if he doesn't prove victorious at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on July 8. "To be honest, I could stay at super middle the rest of my career if I wanted to but as I always said, I'd love to be a two weight world champion," he said. "I'm finally getting real recognition and the fight in Cardiff this July is going to be a great occasion."



Joe knows how to talk a lot of crap... but he just doesn't back it. Tarver is a great boxer and a great champion. Why? Because he does something you don't mister Calzaghie... Fight nothing but the best. He told the ABC's to stick it where to sun don't shine (as did Glenn Johnson) and that's why it doesn't matter if he holds a single belt, everyone knows he's the champ

Untill you BEAT Kessler , I don't think you can talk that much crap about him. He is one of the best SMW in the world

Bottom line... We all know Joe isn't going to fight anyone or step foot on American or Denmark soil. He's going to ride his victory over Lacy untill the day he retires. Yes, good job Joe. Great fight. Want to be a pound for pound champ? You're going to have to step up a few more times. Hint... Peter Manfredo Jr and Allen Green isn't a step up

Joe knows how to talk a lot of crap... but he just doesn't back it. Tarver is a great boxer and a great champion. Why? Because he does something you don't mister Calzaghie... Fight nothing but the best. He told the ABC's to stick it where to sun don't shine (as did Glenn Johnson) and that's why it doesn't matter if he holds a single belt, everyone knows he's the champ

Untill you BEAT Kessler , I don't think you can talk that much crap about him. He is one of the best SMW in the world

Bottom line... We all know Joe isn't going to fight anyone or step foot on American or Denmark soil. He's going to ride his victory over Lacy untill the day he retires. Yes, good job Joe. Great fight. Want to be a pound for pound champ? You're going to have to step up a few more times. Hint... Peter Manfredo Jr and Allen Green isn't a step up


another kessler post from jangeorg...NO WAY!!!

another kessler post from jangeorg...NOW WAY!!!



no,this time i a`m also talking about Tarver too

Joe knows how to talk a lot of crap... but he just doesn't back it. Tarver is a great boxer and a great champion. Why? Because he does something you don't mister Calzaghie... Fight nothing but the best. He told the ABC's to stick it where to sun don't shine (as did Glenn Johnson) and that's why it doesn't matter if he holds a single belt, everyone knows he's the champ

Untill you BEAT Kessler , I don't think you can talk that much crap about him. He is one of the best SMW in the world

Bottom line... We all know Joe isn't going to fight anyone or step foot on American or Denmark soil. He's going to ride his victory over Lacy untill the day he retires. Yes, good job Joe. Great fight. Want to be a pound for pound champ? You're going to have to step up a few more times. Hint... Peter Manfredo Jr and Allen Green isn't a step up


Damn. Your English has improved almost 100%. Very impressive.

Damn. Your English has improved almost 100%. Very impressive.



Thanks, :D

Joe knows how to talk a lot of crap... but he just doesn't back it. Tarver is a great boxer and a great champion. Why? Because he does something you don't mister Calzaghie... Fight nothing but the best. He told the ABC's to stick it where to sun don't shine (as did Glenn Johnson) and that's why it doesn't matter if he holds a single belt, everyone knows he's the champ

Untill you BEAT Kessler , I don't think you can talk that much crap about him. He is one of the best SMW in the world

Bottom line... We all know Joe isn't going to fight anyone or step foot on American or Denmark soil. He's going to ride his victory over Lacy untill the day he retires. Yes, good job Joe. Great fight. Want to be a pound for pound champ? You're going to have to step up a few more times. Hint... Peter Manfredo Jr and Allen Green isn't a step up

Who would wanna go 2 Denmark and fight 4 god sake :D

Who would wanna go 2 Denmark and fight 4 god sake :D



My intention was to say this, Joe isn't going to fight anyone or step foot on American or Denmark soil

Age is just a number.

If Roy Jones think he is outta his pick then he shouldnt have fought Traver in the second fight.

anyone saying about he is way of his prime is the fighters fault.

If you cant perfore retire!