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Lacy calls Calzaghe a 'slapper'
Lacy calls Calzaghe a 'slapper'
Jeff Lacy has turned up the heat ahead of next year's super middleweight unification bout with Joe Calzaghe.
The IBF champion says WBO king Calzaghe has a weakness in his punching style.
"He thinks he's a puncher, I don't see that," Lacy told BBC Sport. "He hits with his hands open, slaps with certain punches, and throws winging shots."
The 'slapping' accusation has dogged Calzaghe throughout his career, but he has stopped 31 of his 40 opponents in an undefeated, 12-year career as a pro.
The last man to use the insult before a major fight was Byron Mitchell in 2003, and the effect was to fire up WBO champion Calzaghe in a quite spectacular manner.
Styles make fights and one of us is going to get exposed
Jeff Lacy
In one of the most thrilling fights of his eight-year reign, the Welshman tore into Mitchell, but walked onto a big punch and was put on the canvas for the first time in his career.
He got up and immediately launched another ferocious attack, stopping Mitchell in the second round of a memorable slug-fest.
The Lacy bout is set for Cardiff in early 2006, with 4 February or 4 March the most likely dates.
Before the slapper comments, Calzaghe has shown a healthy respect for Lacy and welcomed a fight he sees as one of the biggest in his career.
Despite his views on punching, Florida-born Lacy was also keen to stress his acknowledgement of Calzaghe's record and ability.
"I give him credit for his 17 defences, but this is going to be his toughest," said 28-year-old Lacy, who is undefeated in 22 fights (17 KOs).
"We're the two best in this division and it's the sort of fight everyone wants, to determine the undisputed best at super middleweight.
"Styles make fights and one of us is going to get exposed, we'll find out who on the night.
Everyone knows my style, I'm coming to fight
Jeff Lacy
"It's the UK versus the US - the best super middleweight has been your side of the Atlantic for a long time and US fans want that put right.
"I wouldn't be travelling overseas if I wasn't confident, I'm happy to fight as the underdog on Welsh soil."
With the usually supreme Calzaghe showing signs of deterioration in recent years and Lacy impressing against the likes of Robin Reid and Scott Pemberton, the fight has become a real 50-50 call.
Should the 'slapper' insult again get to the Welshman, he will need to beware of walking on to the favourite shot of the heavy handed 'Left Hook' Lacy.
"Everyone knows my style, I'm coming to fight," said the American.
*Jeff Lacy was speaking to BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme, which has a regular slot on Saturdays, 0830-0900 BST
Story from BBC SPORT:
Published: 2005/11/20 11:22:41 GMT
© BBC MMV
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