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The stats on Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler are as follows:
Age Stance height reach record titles defending
Calzaghe: 35 southpaw 5'11 1/2" 73" 43-0, 32KOs WBO
Kessler: 28 orthodox 6'1" 73" 38-0, 29KOs WBA, WBC
Kessler is stand up fighter and works behind a powerful jab followed by a strong right hand, similar to Kelly Pavlik except Kessler has quicker feet and hands (power not as devastating as Pavlik's though, IMO). He is very accurate with his punches and has excellent timing. I'm not sure of the quality of his chin (no implication one way or the other here), but he was tagged pretty solidly by Mundine without effect.
Calzaghe on the attack has a unique "windmilling" type of style in that it is controlled and accurate. These punches typically rain in from all angles. He is a counterpuncher and is capable of jabbing effectively. He has very fast hands and while his left-right hooks sometimes appear to be "slapping", they are deceptively powerful. He has quick feet and excellent timing. He is adept at slipping punches. Because of these attributes, Calzaghe will get inside and smother opponents with combinations that are sometimes thrown from waste level to generate power. Calzaghe has an excellent chin, IMO.
Clip of both fighters in action:
I'm giving the nod to Calzaghe in a toss-up fight for two reasons. First, Calzaghe has shown no signs of age in recent fights. Second, Calzaghe has the home court advantage. I wouldn't put money on this fight though. Kessler is a formidable boxer and I would not be surprised if he wins.
Age Stance height reach record titles defending
Calzaghe: 35 southpaw 5'11 1/2" 73" 43-0, 32KOs WBO
Kessler: 28 orthodox 6'1" 73" 38-0, 29KOs WBA, WBC
Kessler is stand up fighter and works behind a powerful jab followed by a strong right hand, similar to Kelly Pavlik except Kessler has quicker feet and hands (power not as devastating as Pavlik's though, IMO). He is very accurate with his punches and has excellent timing. I'm not sure of the quality of his chin (no implication one way or the other here), but he was tagged pretty solidly by Mundine without effect.
Calzaghe on the attack has a unique "windmilling" type of style in that it is controlled and accurate. These punches typically rain in from all angles. He is a counterpuncher and is capable of jabbing effectively. He has very fast hands and while his left-right hooks sometimes appear to be "slapping", they are deceptively powerful. He has quick feet and excellent timing. He is adept at slipping punches. Because of these attributes, Calzaghe will get inside and smother opponents with combinations that are sometimes thrown from waste level to generate power. Calzaghe has an excellent chin, IMO.
Clip of both fighters in action:
I'm giving the nod to Calzaghe in a toss-up fight for two reasons. First, Calzaghe has shown no signs of age in recent fights. Second, Calzaghe has the home court advantage. I wouldn't put money on this fight though. Kessler is a formidable boxer and I would not be surprised if he wins.
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