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September 13, 2005: BBC Sports
Tye Feldham
After a decade of wallowing in obscurity, and being ducked by notable American fighters such as Roy Jones, James Toney, and Bernard Hopkins, it seems that Welshman Joe Calzaghe of the United Kingdom has finally agreed to a career defining fight. On February 5, 2006, at the MEN Arena in England, the WBO super-middleweight champion will defend his title against the great Thomas "Hitman" Hearns.
The two finally agreed on terms after months of bickering over contractual issues. Hearns, 46, looked very impressive in his last outing, obliterating "Half-Caucasian Half Amazin" John Long in his 2005 return bout by TKO in round 9.
The Welshman has long been criticzied for his choice of opponents, but finally should put the critics to rest when he steps into the ring vs the dangerous legend, Tommy Hearns. The main issue critics have had with Joe have to do with his injury history. When questioned about this, Calzaghe had the following to say: "Look, I haven't been very active and I needed a warm-up fight to get ready for Hearns. Do those Yanks expect me to get in there with a powerful puncher like Hearns without any prep? Add on top of that the injury I sustained in my title-defense a few nights ago, and you got a recipe for disaster. I'm tired of American hypocrisy. I predicted I would get hurt and it happened. So, you can say that I warned you."
Hearns seemed unconcerned with Calzaghe's ferocious style as he talked to me over the speakerphone. "Joe has avoided me for years, but he can't run no more. You know he actually ordered a 24-foot ring for this fight and I had no choice but to agree or he wouldn't fight me. That right there tells you he's scared. He knows I can punch. I don't see any way he can see the final bell."
The time for talk is over now, and finally, on February 5, 2006, one legend will meet a legend-in-the-making for what should be a fight for the ages.
courtesy www.brokenmetacarpal.com
.................................................. ...............
September 13, 2005: BBC Sports
Tye Feldham
After a decade of wallowing in obscurity, and being ducked by notable American fighters such as Roy Jones, James Toney, and Bernard Hopkins, it seems that Welshman Joe Calzaghe of the United Kingdom has finally agreed to a career defining fight. On February 5, 2006, at the MEN Arena in England, the WBO super-middleweight champion will defend his title against the great Thomas "Hitman" Hearns.
The two finally agreed on terms after months of bickering over contractual issues. Hearns, 46, looked very impressive in his last outing, obliterating "Half-Caucasian Half Amazin" John Long in his 2005 return bout by TKO in round 9.
The Welshman has long been criticzied for his choice of opponents, but finally should put the critics to rest when he steps into the ring vs the dangerous legend, Tommy Hearns. The main issue critics have had with Joe have to do with his injury history. When questioned about this, Calzaghe had the following to say: "Look, I haven't been very active and I needed a warm-up fight to get ready for Hearns. Do those Yanks expect me to get in there with a powerful puncher like Hearns without any prep? Add on top of that the injury I sustained in my title-defense a few nights ago, and you got a recipe for disaster. I'm tired of American hypocrisy. I predicted I would get hurt and it happened. So, you can say that I warned you."
Hearns seemed unconcerned with Calzaghe's ferocious style as he talked to me over the speakerphone. "Joe has avoided me for years, but he can't run no more. You know he actually ordered a 24-foot ring for this fight and I had no choice but to agree or he wouldn't fight me. That right there tells you he's scared. He knows I can punch. I don't see any way he can see the final bell."
The time for talk is over now, and finally, on February 5, 2006, one legend will meet a legend-in-the-making for what should be a fight for the ages.
courtesy www.brokenmetacarpal.com
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