Calzaghe Approaches Ten-Years as Champion

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

CARDIFF, WALES – Boxing’s current longest-reigning world champion JOE CALZAGHE will mark the 10th year of his monarchy on Thursday, October 11. Calzaghe captured the vacant WBO title, October 11, 1997, knocking down two-time world champion and British boxing legend Chris Eubank twice en route to a dominating unanimous decision on scores of 118-109, 118-111 and 116-111. His impressive résumé boasts victories over former world champions Charles Brewer, Byron Mitchell, Robin Reid, and Richie Woodhall. He unified the title last year when he fought a masterclass against the previously undefeated IBF/IBO champion Jeff Lacy, the first 2000 U.S. Olympian to win a world title. The victory was so emphatic -- Calzaghe won every round of the fight -- and so important to the division, The Ring magazine conferred its prestigious championship belt upon the new unified champion, the first time in the division’s 22-year history that The Ring has ever recognized a super middleweight as its world champion. [details]

[starjammer]

You bet your ass. True warrior.

Shame he wasn't born in America, or he'd have millions more supporters and not haters.

Oh well, one day the moon won't revolve around the states.

ROUND 1

[SkillspayBills]

If you think about it 10 years is a hell of a long time. He is a great fighter and I think he will pull it out against Kessler. I can't say the same about him beating BHOP though.

[Mozza]

Calzaghe is a British boxing legend and I hope he can beat Kessler but I have a feeling that Kessler is going to beat him.

[sonofisis]

His competition was pretty dry though.. It isn't a matter of him not being born in America, it's a matter of him not fighting here. I will say that he's a decent champion though.

[Oasis_Lad]

Calzaghe is a British boxing legend and I hope he can beat Kessler but I have a feeling that Kessler is going to beat him.

What makes you think that, Moz? i honestly can't see Kessler causing Joe much trouble.

[Ironside]

He has over 20 title defenses and beat everyone put in front of him, a true legend.

[-Antonio-]

I still think his legacy will be decided over the next two fights.

[hugh grant]

To be unbeaten for the length of time Joe has is incredible in boxing standards. I fear he may lose soon, but then when i see how confident JC still is i remain confident in JC in delivering against Kessler. Even though Kessler is very good indeed.
JC mentioning his sprinting times and how he is performing in training as good as ever, gives me confidence as it does Jc.

[Mozza]

What makes you think that, Moz? i honestly can't see Kessler causing Joe much trouble.

I'm not entirely sure to be honest. I have been impressed by some of Kessler's fights, especially last time out against Andrade, and in others I have been left thinking that he is good but that Joe will have too much for him. However, I have listened to some of their interviews and both fighters acknowledged the other's strengths but Kessler seemed to be more confident while Calzaghe was slightly tentative. Of course, that could work either way, if Kessler underestimates Joe he will be in for a big surprise but the vibe I got was that Joe knows it will take something extraordinary to beat Kessler but he does not necessarily feel the same way. Another thing that got my eye was Mundine's comments. He seems convinced that Kessler will be the unified champion next year by which time he hopes to have earned another shot at him.