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In hindsight, picking Lacy seems ridiculous, but at the time he looked as indestructible as Mike Tyson once was thought as. Incidentally, I picked Joe Calzaghe by UD....
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I think Calzaghe took Lacy's confidence away from him, he took a pretty bad beating in a fight I don't even think he expected to be as hard as he thought. Not saying Lacy is the greatest fighter on the planet but he did have a pretty good left-hook and a nice uppercut at one time... After the Calzaghe fight he never seemed the same to me personally.
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Has Lacy even had a decent outing since then? I don't think he has.I can't but help but feel bad for the guy,it wasn't his fault the way they hyped him up.Comment
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I wonder what Lacy's face looked like 2 days after the fight.Comment
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Just bumping this thread.Comment
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I wonder if Lacy's airline will allow him to carry on all three belts (the IBF, IBO, and the WBO) as he returns home or if they will have to be checked?
Amy Green
You had to love that picture from Thursday’s Manchester press conference: The one depicting Joe Calzaghe, a boxer from the homeland of Dylan Thomas, Tommy Farr, and Richard Burton, walking around England looking like a New York turnstile jumper, a baseball cap turned backward atop his head? “Bells of Rhymney,” indeed. A decade ago we were in the same Manchester building for another highly anticipated super-middleweight title fight. It was known as the NYNEX Arena then, and before an overwhelmingly hostile crowd, Steve Collins, with Freddie Roach in his corner, successfully defended his WBO title when Nigel Benn allegedly twisted an ankle and quit in the fourth round. Collins’ back-to-back victories over Benn and Chris Eubank set a standard Joe Calzaghe has spent the past ten years trying to match, and in the undefeated Jeff Lacy he finally has an opportunity to confirm his greatness. There is no question that it is Lacy who will be stepping into the lion’s den, but even Calzaghe finds somewhat laughable the notion that Saturday’s contest represents a home game for him. As the Welshman pointed out to us in his New York visit several months ago, there have been at least three previous occasions where he defended his title in against English fighters in English venues – Robin Reid in Newcastle, David Starie in Manchester, and Richie Woodhall in Sheffield – and had to deal with a hostile crowd as well. In other words, don’t take it for granted that this is going to be an overwhelmingly pro-Calzaghe audience – especially if he wears that hat into the ring. That having been said, it could be that Calzaghe has finally met his match. Lacy might not be Steve Collins, but he is younger, stronger, and essentially fearless, and it’s hard to see how Calzaghe can keep him at bay all night. Joe is as game as they come, but look for Lacy to wear him down and possibly stop him in the late rounds.
George Kimball
This is the type of fight I would normally tend to side with the better boxer – Calzaghe –over the brute strength of the puncher – Lacy. Add to that the difference in experience that Joe holds and the fact he is fighting in his backyard, it makes an easy case. Still, my concerns with Joe are his age, layoffs due to injuries, and his brittle hands. Against a ****er like Lacy you need to have snap in everything you throw and Calzaghe now slaps his punches from wide angles as opposed to coming down the middle with sharp crisp combinations. Throwing looping punches against Lacy, who often throws from his hip, isn't a good strategy as it may come down to who takes a better punch. I haven't seen Lacy really hurt, but he hasn't been in with a guy as good a Joe C yet. Fights against Sheika, Pemberton and Reid won't prepare him for this bout, but I see Jeff continuing to progress and getting better as a boxer. At times he is very crude and wild but being more economical and accurate with his punches is something that will help him here. After a few good early rounds by Calzaghe I look for Lacy to extract something from Joe with his heavy shots and body work. Calzaghe has been dropped in the past and it may only take one of Lacy's jackhammers to turn the fight in his favor. I think he does land that punch, and it is all downhill for Calzaghe after that.
Joey Knish
Calzaghe will run but he can't hide from Lacy's pressing attack. When he's forced to fight, the southpaw from Wales will square up and resort to wide, slapping arm-punches. He will then get dropped – hard. Lacy's also guilty of occasionally loading up, especially the overhand right, but he's not as bad as his opponent. The Floridian's defense, speed and agility is improving with each bout. His brutal combinations never lose their force and snap. Youth and strength will trump experience Saturday night. Lacy KO 8.
Zachary Levin
I think Lacy is going to have a lot tougher night than he expected, but his youth, speed, power, and ferocity should garner him a late round victory. Lacy TKO 10.
Bob Mladinich
Calzaghe’s got an interesting, bounce-up-and-down, dated style…as if it was taught when a land mass split off – all paint-by-the-numbers, ramrod stiff. The only thing missing are the knee-length tights and silk sash. But why fix what ain’t broke? He punches hard with his left. His combos are quick. He’s a good finisher (though he looks like he’s cuffing) an infernal southpaw, and he’s shown some “bottle.” You go undefeated after 40 pro fights – even if you’re fighting your grandmother – you don’t lack confidence. I’m sure Lacy’s muscles and reputation don’t cow him. They should. He’s the real deal – a super heavyweight masquerading as a super middle. He can bring down a building with either hand. It’s the one you don’t see that does ya in, as the saying goes – not with Lacy. They’re big arcing shots. You can see them from across the pond and brace, but a wrecking ball still leaves you in ruin. Joe should have his early innings – between pride, hand speed and 40,000 at the MEN Arena screaming for him – but, ultimately, he’ll be
bludgeoned into the canvas by the eighth round.
Joe Rein
There aren't too many fights these days that get you genuinely excited, but the Lacy-Calzaghe battle is a definite exception. After Saturday night, there should be no question as to who the best super-middleweight in the world is. This isn't an easy fight to pick considering both fighter's perfect records and the fact that each one has dominated the division; Calzaghe, of course, for what seems like an eternity. Lacy has destroyed his opposition with the combination of an aggressive style and heavy hands, but he hasn't fought anyone with as much ring intelligence and ability as Calzaghe. A southpaw with a heck of a chin and great punching power, this will easily be the biggest test of Lacy's career, especially fighting on enemy turf with thousands of raucous Brits cheering for his demise. The key to this fight is how well Lacy will handle Calzaghe's punches because he will get hit with some good shots early on. If his chin can take Calzaghe's best shots, then he will have no problem walking him down and beating him up according to his usual style. Calzaghe is a damn good fighter and I'm very tempted to pick him in his own backyard, BUT I think Lacy will come out more determined than ever before and will have the strength and power necessary to finally knock Calzaghe off his thrown. I see Calzaghe down for the count in Round 7.
Benn Schulberg
Lacy might be something special. Calzaghe should be the test to prove it. Lacy will past the test.
Ed Schuyler
This contest will raise many eyebrows. It's the longtime veteran champion who many see as untested, against the still somewhat green new kid on the block. Jeff Lacy 21-0 (17 KO's) won the IBF super middleweight title one and a half years ago. Since that time he has remained very active, something many other so-called "champions" have yet to do, defending his title 4 times, once winning by a UD, the other three by KO. Joe Calzaghe 40-0 (31 KO's) has been the WBO champion for eight and a half years. Over that span it has seemed that Calzaghe is perfectly content with staying close to home and fighting some questionable opposition. Though he made the best of the Brits look like chumps, Calzaghe has been champ since 1997. Since that time there were many opportunities for mega matches against James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, and at the time, the invincible Roy Jones Jr., but somehow Calzaghe has always weaseled his way out, just as he has tried to do for some time against Lacy. Jeff Lacy has had his chin checked a number of times against big punchers such as Scott Pemberton, Robin Reid, Syd Vanderpool, and others. Time and time again, Lacy has passed with flying colors, proving his chin to be nothing short of granite. Calzaghe, however, indeed has a questionable chin. Calzaghe has been dropped in the past by a decent puncher in Byron Mitchell, 18 of 25 wins by KO, and by the light-fisted Kabary Salem, only 12 of 25 wins by KO. Though Calzaghe got to his feet and won both of those fights, neither man's power comes remotely close to that of the man who will stand in the way of Calzaghe Saturday night, and the long-awaited respect he believes he deserves. Calzaghe will fight with the heart of a true champion, but it will not be enough to stop Lacy, who hits as hard as Tyson and is as fast as "Pretty Boy" Floyd. Lacy by KO in six.
Alex Stone
If this bout lives up to its hype and potential, it will be the greatest thing to happen to the super middleweight division in over ten years. However, while both fighters possess a great deal of power, it will not be an exercise of spilled plasma. Each will have a difficult time inflicting damage on the other. But when the final bell sounds, Jeff Lacy will have successfully swarmed Joe Calzaghe enough times to win. Lacy by decision.
Aaron Tallent
Lacy has been well marketed so he's gained attention and approval perhaps beyond what is deserved. But I like his power, love his athleticism and his hunger. Calzaghe is hungry, knows the clock is ticking on him and is a crafty lefty. This is a 50-50 proposition. I'm going out on a limb here. I see a draw.....Just kidding. Looking for Lacy to bull the Welshman, who has to prove all his smack talk over the years wasn't just posturing, but he’ll be hurt by the fact that his opposition has been less than stellar since he turned pro in 1993. Lacy TKO 4.
Michael WoodsComment
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Brent Hedtke: This one has all the ingredients of real corker. Both guys have solid chins and very respectable power. If they come out aggressive this could be a fight of the year candidate. That being said, I just don't see how Calzaghe can beat ‘Left Hook’. Joe hasn't looked the same since his fight with Byron Mitchell in 2003 and he's been down twice in his last five fights. Lacy has never come close to tasting the canvas and he hasn't even reached his peak yet. Lacy has fought the better opposition as of late and is only improving. Calzaghe has fought at a much slower pace and may be on the downslide. In the end, Lacy's pressure, aggression and power will get to Joe and the changing of the guard in the super middleweight division will come in the eighth round via TKO."
Coyote Duran: This year's Ring Magazine World Super Middleweight Championship match between IBF/IBO titlist Jeff Lacy and WBO titlist Joe Calzaghe will be to 2006 what James Toney's IBF cruiserweight bout against then-titlist Vassiliy Jirov was to 2003. A highly anticipated fight that no one could wait for to come off between two cats who dominated a division that few care about. Add to it the drama of Jeff Lacy entering enemy territory, Joe Calzaghe seemingly having everything to prove and three trinkets and a genuine world championship and you have a potentially explosive battle and a possible candidate for Fight of the Year. But don't look too hard for the usuals, Howlers. Calzaghe will prepare to work the fight early assuming Lacy will start a little cold. But in the biggest fight of Lacy's life, expect ‘Left Hook’ to take the fight immediately to the Welsh-Italian and use aggression and his overwhelming upper-body strength to end the fight before the final bell. I'm thinking Calzaghe goes down for the count in Round Six and doesn't get up until it's safe.
Peter Chhim: Lacy TKO Calzaghe. Lacy is a beast. Add to that he spars with the best southpaw middleweight in the world, Winky Wright, and I seriously doubt Calzaghe will bring anything to the table Lacy can’t handle. Look for him to put a serious hurt on Joe whenever the two get into their heated exchanges. And because of the Englishman’s affinity to these kinds of exchanges, I have to think he’ll play right into the hands of the younger, stronger man. I doubt the fight gets past 7 or 8 rounds.
Rob Scott: If Calzaghe can take the bombs that will be thrown his way, then I give him a shot. Maybe my vision is blurry, but I don't see him doing that. Lacy 10th round TKO.
Aaron Imholte: Lacy breaks out in this fight. His power, determination, stamina and chin will just roll over Calzaghe. Lacy will start slow, Calzaghe will be competitive for awhile but look for Lacy, Calzaghe's first true test, to take over in the middle rounds and win the fight by stoppage in the 11th.
Martin Wade: Vargas-De La Hoya all over again. Lacy's ‘pressure’ is not always effective and Joe C has enough in his tank to weather the early storm. As Lacy starts to lose mustard on his shots (don’t let the muscles fool ya, he will) Calzaghe will start to come forward and land the crisper blows. Don’t get me wrong he won’t take Lacy out as Oscar did with Fernando, Lacy will make a late charge. Calzaghe will survive. Calzaghe SD.
Gabriel Montoya: This is a battle between my head and heart. My heart says Lacy is too strong, too iron-chinned, too youthful and just plain too much for Calzaghe. But my head says Calzaghe will be on the closest thing to his home turf, in the best shape of his life, is too much technically, has pop of his own, a good set of whiskers and way more experience in Championships fights. If Joe pulls a win, his entire Alphabet reign is validated. Something he should have tried to do years ago. If Lacy wins, he is officially The Man and The Man to Beat at 168. My heart is winning out. Joe will have his moments but Lacy's size, youth and power edges will win out. Lacy by 10th Round KO.
Wayne Richardson: I myself have little doubt that Lacy is going to walk through anything Calzaghe dishes out. Jeff is a young, hungry warrior. Armed with a great chin, strong fast punching ability and a tremendous will to succeed, Lacy wins this war of attrition by wearing down Joe in the sixth or seventh round.
Jason Petock: Over here in America we haven't really heard or seen much of Joe Calzaghe and what he is able to accomplish really aside of what we've read and been told about him secondhand. He has a few notable wins over Mario Veit twice and Charles Brewer and Omar Sheika, is the current WBO Super Middleweight Champion, and with an unblemished record of 40-0 (31 KOs) most of us are just waiting to see how he fairs against the powerhouse IBF and IBO Super Middleweight Champion Jeff Lacy, who stands at 21-0 (17 KOs) and is clearly looking to add to his collection. Both men have common past opponents in Omar Sheika and Robin Reid.
Personally never seeing a Calzaghe fight or him in action, it would be honestly hard for me to say whether he could beat Lacy or not. I'd give him a chance just like any other fighter, but from what I have seen of Lacy and what is still a question mark for me on Calzaghe, I'm going to have to go with ‘Left Hook’ on this one. Some people might criticize Lacy's technical delivery, but he drops bombs and I think he's just going to be way too strong for the ‘Pride of Wales’. Jeff Lacy is on his way up the boxing ladder and I think that his defeat of Calzaghe will only up the ante on the true worth of Lacy as a legitimate force in the Super Middleweight division and beyond.
Making a somewhat educated guess here, I'm going for Jeff ‘Left Hook’ Lacy by KO in the 2nd round. I think his sheer strength and onslaught is going to overwhelm the Welshman and leave him treading water for survival without a life vest.
Sean Newman: I can't see Joe taking this one. I really don't think Calzaghe can take Lacy's aggression and punch. And Lacy is going to bring it, fighting in Calzaghe's backyard. Look for Jeff to jump on Joe from the outset, and take him out via third round TKO. Lacy's chin has really yet to be tested, and I don't think he will give Calzaghe the chance to do it, either.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Calzaghe has the experience, has the power, has the skill, and won’t be an easy task for Lacy so on and so on, but I just feel that Lacy has it; he is young, hungry, and one bad mumbo jumbo! So I have to give this one to my boy Jeff. I say Jeff Lacy gets the hard earned W around the sixth or seventh round.
Julian Kasdin: Joe Calzaghe, though a long reigning titleholder, has never been the legitimate champion at 168 pounds. His entire legacy rests on this fight, as does the future of the 168-pound division. Some think that the future is Jeff Lacy; others think he is a product of an excellent hype-machine. I think Lacy will come out fast and strong, looking to test Joe's will and his chin. Joe should be able to keep distance for a time, but eventually his age and Lacy's strength and power will catch up with him, and Lacy should win this fight by close decision or a very late stoppage. Hopefully the winner gives the very deserving Mikkel Kessler a shot within the next two or three fights.
Anthony ****s: I’ve ummed and ahhed over this fight for so long and with just a few hours to go until the first bell I’m really no closer to picking a winner with any level of confidence. That said, I’ll stick my gut feeling and tip a decision win for Calzaghe, who’s handspeed, movement, ring savvy and experience should prove the difference providing he doesn’t get ****** in to exchanges.Comment
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The fact this fight went the distance was a disgrace. Lacy highlights the problem of letting fighters take too much punishment, he was never the same.Comment
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