World super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe has been given the opportunity to further his status with boxing fans all over American due to the HBO. The huge US cable television company has decided to give Calzaghe this opportunity to be screened by them when he defends his WBO, IBF and IBO super-middleweight titles.
On the other side of the Atlantic people watched in amazement when Calzaghe destroyed the American Jeff Lacy back in March. Now because of this, HBO has decided that the Welshman’s defence against Sakio Bika in October is worth a fare for its audience. 34 year old, Calzaghe is up against the 27-year-old Cameroonian, who bewildered lately in a no-contest bout against WBC Champion Markus Beyer in Germany.
The two are set to meet on the 14 of October at the Manchester MEN Arena. “We are extremely pleased to be able to bring this exciting fight to our subscribers, Joe is clearly one of the brightest talents in the sport today,” said the HBO senior vice-president. HBO is also taking into consideration showing the cruiserweight title fight between long-time WBO champion Johnny Nelson and the up and coming contender Maccarinelli. Calzaghe had been due to make his HBO debut last July against Glen Johnson before an injury put that plan to blazes. So it seemed as if Calzaghe’s chance had gone to dust, at least for 2006, but a succession of inconvenience with other proposed promotions turned HBO’s thoughts to Calzaghe.
To be honest I’m a bit cheesed off that Joe has gone with the yanks, but I suppose he’s got to look after number one, so I don’t blame him.
He’ll win the fight – I’m almost certain of it! What are your thoughts of this rapidly approaching bout?
