Joe Calzaghe feels that he is ready to fight Bernard Hopkins in America after his vicious world title bout with Sakio Bika. On Saturday night he made the 19th defence of his super middleweight titles against the Cameroonian in Manchester. And is now only one short of Hopkins’ record of 20 defences at middleweight.
Calzaghe’s Promoter Frank Warren established he is preparing a date for Calzaghe in the States in either February or March. “People think I’m a home boy, but I’ll fight Bernard Hopkins in his own garden,” the Welshman said. “Hopkins is the sort of fighter I’d get up for. I need those big name fights to bring out the best in me.” Nevertheless, with the 41-year-old Hopkins talking about challenging WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev, Denmark’s Mikkel Kessler would show to be a more sensible option.Kessler bulldozed Germany’s Markus Beyer inside three rounds in Copenhagen on Saturday night to add the WBC crown to his WBA belt. And with Calzaghe as the holder of the IBF and WBO titles, a fight between the two of them would be a rare four-belt unification bout.
On the subject Kessler said: “I would be glad to fight Joe under the right financial conditions. I would go to England or he could come to Denmark. I will beat him in either place. Floyd Mayweather is boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter and I am the second best fighter in the sport. I think I demonstrated that to some people on Saturday.” Frank Warren added: “Kessler, Hopkins and Jermain Taylor are names on the list and we will talk to HBO and come up with one of those names for Joe’s fight in February. Kessler would be a great unification match and we have the possibility of Hopkins. It would be a fantastic fight and, who knows, it could be history in the making.” Although a fight with the WBC and WBO middleweight champion Jermain Taylor looks the least likely route that Calzaghe will take. Britain’s former heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis believes that the great Welshman should ‘head Stateside’: “It’s definitely the path I’d like to see him take,” said Lewis. “They’re clamouring for him over there.”
I don’t think it matters where Calzaghe goes because I think when he’s at his best he is capable of beating anyone. But I’d love to see him fight Kessler for an all-in unification fight – that would be great.
Please leave your thoughts on these possible bouts at the bottom of the page.
calzaghe will lose nto hopkins in america wals or manchester. Calzghe slaps and is a can only fight at home with other bums like himself.
Comment by kt — February 4, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Thats a bit harsh considering Joe is a world champion and the dominant force in the super middleweight division.
The only boxer who comes close to him is Mikkel Kessler and I would like to see them fight each other soon.
Comment by Boxing Daily — February 5, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Calzaghe? Who is that? O-right that big mouth trash talker who slaps in the ring! KESSLER or HOPKINS would MURDER him! KILL HIM. I’ve seen him fight. BOOOOOOOOO! He is a wanna-be ROY JONES Jr. who likes to show boat. with NO POWER! One thing that jones DID have! Now i would love to see a Kessler Calzaghe fight. I believe Kessler would KNOCK him out in 8 rounds! game over! I like Peter Manfredo, but I hope Calzaghe wins just so his next fight WOULD have to KESSLER! Then the world would see how GREAT KESSLER is and how shitty of a boxer/fighter Calzaghe is!
Comment by WES — April 4, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
calzaghe cant mess with .b hopkins him,winky and mayweather are the best of these years i think calzaghe should fight winky,winky will put it on him so will hopkins.
Comment by keyvon — October 12, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
Man you guys talk some shit,, do you even watch boxing or appreciate the sport at all. Joe calzaghe just beat Kessler, this proves the Joe is the best at super middleweight ill put money on that Hopkins wont even fight him. Hopkins will never fight Kessler either, I dont know why the haters call joe a slapper, he throws punches form odd angles and can outbox anyone ont he planet.,
Comment by Paul — November 4, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Hey Wez, did you see Calzaghe box Kessler through 12 rounds on saturday night??
Hardly a big mouth trash talker who slaps in the ring.
Kessler is a good boxer but was lagging 9 points behind in that match.
I wouldnt be so sure that anyone can beat calzaghe. He is unorthodox, unpredictable, and undisputed in 44 fights with 4 belts.
Aint nobody gonna beat Calzaghe, Team Calzaghe also is the best team in the world - look at enzo macronelli?
Comment by Dan from Wales — November 7, 2007 @ 10:08 am
WEZ, just read the rest of your post.
Did you see the Cazaghe vs Manfredo match???
I think you thought “where is he from? Wales? where is that? obviously a slapper and cant fight, gonna be a close match between him & Manfredo innit.”he couldnt even fight back hence why the ref stopped the match so earlyYou are obviously american - but what i find funny is how the world has conveniently forgotten all about the Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacey match. Did you see that one??
Calzaghe in the UK is now as big as a legend as Lewis, Ali, Bruno & Tyson. Everybody loves him, and because he is Welsh or even british - you americans hate him.
Comment by Dan from Wales — November 7, 2007 @ 10:22 am
WEZ, just read the rest of your post.
Did you see the Cazaghe vs Manfredo match???
I think you thought “where is he from? Wales? where is that? obviously a slapper and cant fight, gonna be a close match between him & Manfredo innit.”he couldnt even fight back hence why the ref stopped the match so earlyYou are obviously american - but what i find funny is how the world has conveniently forgotten all about the Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacey match. Did you see that one??
Calzaghe in the UK is now as big as a legend as Lewis, Ali, Bruno & Tyson. Everybody loves him, and because he is Welsh or even british - you americans hate him.
hey thats that trash slapper who cant punch - the same person who just so happens to be undisputed middle weight champion of the world….
Comment by Dan again, from Wales — November 7, 2007 @ 10:29 am
Hey Wez, did you see Calzaghe box Kessler through 12 rounds on saturday night??
Hardly a big mouth trash talker who slaps in the ring.
Kessler is a good boxer but was lagging 9 points behind in that match.
I wouldnt be so sure that anyone can beat calzaghe. He is unorthodox, unpredictable, and undisputed in 44 fights with 4 belts.
Aint nobody gonna beat Calzaghe, Team Calzaghe also is the best team in the world - look at enzo macronelli?
WEZ, just read the rest of your post.
Did you see the Cazaghe vs Manfredo match???
I think you thought “where is he from? Wales? where is that? obviously a slapper and cant fight, gonna be a close match between him & Manfredo innit.”he couldnt even fight back hence why the ref stopped the match so early.You are obviously american - but what i find funny is how the world has conveniently forgotten all about the Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacey match. Did you see that one??
Calzaghe in the UK is now as big as a legend as Lewis, Ali, Bruno & Tyson. Everybody loves him, and because he is Welsh or even british - you americans hate him.
hey thats that trash slapper who cant punch - the same person who just so happens to be undisputed middle weight champion of the world….
Comment by Dan again, from Wales — November 7, 2007 @ 10:32 am
Hey Wez, did you see Calzaghe box Kessler through 12 rounds on saturday night??
Hardly a big mouth trash talker who slaps in the ring.
Kessler is a good boxer but was lagging 9 points behind in that match.
I wouldnt be so sure that anyone can beat calzaghe. He is unorthodox, unpredictable, and undisputed in 44 fights with 4 belts.
Aint nobody gonna beat Calzaghe, Team Calzaghe also is the best team in the world - look at enzo macronelli?
WEZ, just read the rest of your post.
Did you see the Cazaghe vs Manfredo match???
I think you thought “where is he from? Wales? where is that? obviously a slapper and cant fight, gonna be a close match between him & Manfredo innit.”he couldnt even fight back hence why the ref stopped the match so early.You are obviously american - but what i find funny is how the world has conveniently forgotten all about the Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacey match. Did you see that one??
Calzaghe in the UK is now as big as a legend as Lewis, Ali, Bruno & Tyson. Everybody loves him, and because he is Welsh or even british - you americans hate him.
hey thats that trash slapper who cant punch - the same person who just so happens to be undisputed middle weight champion of the world….
Comment by Dan, from Wales — November 7, 2007 @ 10:33 am
i think my computer went on a crazy posting rampage,
Anyway - the point being,
CALZAGHE IS THE BEST BOXER.
Comment by Dan, from Wales — November 10, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
calzaghe will run al over hopkins the pensioner he just a tipical america thinking that they can beat calzaghe but why is he undeafted
Comment by walchy — November 20, 2007 @ 10:25 am
barp
Comment by walchy — November 20, 2007 @ 10:25 am
Bernard Hopkins stop being such a pussy and fight Calzaghe….
Comment by Garry — November 30, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
ANYONE WHO SLATES CALZAGHE WANTS THERE HEAD LOOKING AT IVE SEEN HIM FIGHT LIVE SO SHUT IT. HE HAS JUST WON A WELL DESERVED SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AND IS AN INSPIRATION TO ANYONE.WELL DONE JOE.THIS MAN CAN NOT BE AND WONT BE STOPPED. KING OF THE RING.
Comment by TERRY JOHNSON — December 10, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
bernard hopkins is the greatest middle weight ever he beat everyone. he was robbed in the talor fight. in my eyes he beat jermaine both times…and for those idiots out there who dont really know the sport, roy jones jr is scared of hopkins and has been hiding from bernard ever since his so called win over him 1993…bernard tryed to make the fight happen many times. jones said he wanted 15million wich would have left hopkins with only 5million out of 20million that was offered for the fight. now what champion in his right mind would agree to some bs like that,no one.this was roy jones way of dodging hopkins. roy”s a fake b_cth…any way hopkins would and will destroy joe calzalgi with ease even at the age of 42.you shall all see.
Comment by phillykilla@215th — December 13, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Joe Calzaghe is a good boxer no doubt about it hes beatin most … Bt not de best … Hopkins wud knock him out inside 8 rounds … Kessler calzghe wud be a good fite id say … Hopkins wud of bate taylor in his younger days no problem !! Hopkins wud still bate calzaghe tho … Wud be 2 powerful 4 him !!
Comment by Chuter — December 24, 2007 @ 2:25 am
Wow, 80 percent of the people posting on this thing seem like they must be 7 or something. Here’s how i see it. It’s obvious Joe has power behind his speed, he proved that against Lacy. If he fights Hopkins he will be in his comfort zone, he will lead the action against a far slower opponent, and probably end up winning most the rounds. I wouldn’t write off Hopkins just yet though. He will also be in his comfort zone countering an eager and aggressive opponent. Still at 40 Hopkins seems to hit as hard as he always has. I see it a win for Calzaghe if it goes the distance, i am almost positive he will land more power shots than Hopkins, but i can’t see Calzaghe knocking Hopkins out, if the fight ends with a fighter on the ground it will probably be a Hopkins victory. That’s just the way i see it.
Comment by Keith — January 6, 2008 @ 3:13 am
if calzaghe wins it shall be by poiints and if hopkins wins it should be by Ko. the way i see the fight is hopkins the great legend shall be slower than joe but if he lands som hard powershots it could be over. joe on the other hand shall try to wear hopkins down and out punch him with his speed and win by decision or maybe and i stress not very likley it could end in a TKO favouring joe.
Comment by M — January 23, 2008 @ 11:31 am
im sure ur on about sum1else surely not the sports personality of the year how any1 can sit there and slag joe off is beyond me. hes the best boxer ive ever seen . im a girl who used to hate boxing until i watched joe he opened my eyes to the sport and now i wont miss a fight of his or any of the team calzaghe crew. cmon enzo kick hayes ass and we all know joes already won !!!!!!!!enzo calzaghe has done a great job with all his lads. unless you know ur boxing keep ur stupid comments to urself they make you look pathetic.
Comment by stacey — February 24, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
enzo kick hayes ass? dont think so,haye is a far more all round better boxer,a made some money on that fight no mistake,
Comment by keith — March 9, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Joe is gonna beat hopkins.
Joe hasnt lost a fight for a long time now - i dont think he know how to loose, and i dont think he is about to start now.
Hopkins is a slower boxer, Joe is a fast puncher, and is very quick at dodging/getting out of the way of hard punches.
Im putting my weeks wages on Calzaghe.
Comment by Dan, from Wales — April 4, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
I fancy Joe to win it, he’s too quick and clever for Hopkins right now. Don’t get me wrong, Hopkins is a great fighter and he seems comfortable at light-heavyweight (which i find pretty surprising) and it worries me that Joe’s going up to LHW -but still…
Hopkins has got fantastic movement power, but Joe’s got better movement and throws more leather -not as hard though.
Whenever Joe gets in the ring with someone I always think ‘Shit, that guy looks in great shape!’ But Joe always produces the goods - his stamina is beyond question and the guy has got HEART, just check the Byron Mitchell fight!
Go Joe!! Kick ass!!
Comment by Another Dan, from Yorkshire — April 10, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Anyone that watches boxing will know calzaghe will beat hopkins, hopkins is just a loud mouth old pensioner who has finished his career in the boxing world and needs to retire..
Comment by Al — April 15, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
Joe is the best super middlewieght and now he is gonna prove to be the best light heavyweight . Hes gone up a weight to fight names like hopkins and still has his speed stamina quick feet versatility agility . He is unstoppable anyone who doubts him have surely been watching the wrong boxing. Go on joe!
Comment by martin — April 16, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Joe will destroy the loud mouthed hopkins, theres more chance of Anthony Hopkins beating Joe than there is of the mouthpiece. The white boy taunt will come back to bite wee bernies black ass.
Comment by UK boxing fan — April 17, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Wes, you clearly dont know what you are talking about! Oh, and the Kessler Fight? I think Calzaghe won that didnt he, oh dear you were wrong!
It will be Calzaghe on points. The only way old man lacy will win this fight is if Lacy adopts Salem’s way of fighting. When Calzaghe is faced against a dirty or awkward fighter (like Bika) He gets frustrated and throws about 40% less punches per round. Calzaghe has a fair knockout punch but relies on his flurries to wear his opponents down. If he is punching less its going to take lacy less time to recover and will stand a chance of landing the big shots.
Comment by Dan Reese — April 19, 2008 @ 12:10 am
Ha ha its funny how all us welsh refer to him as Joe. Shows how much we love and support the bloke. You Americans are so proud to be American, well im sorry there is no man on this earth prouder than a welshman!
Comment by Dan Reese — April 19, 2008 @ 12:17 am
Joe’s been boxing below is proper weight for about 5 years. That and the fact that he’s had some hand problems in the past are the route of the “slapping tag”.
Winning fights with broken hands is not easy!
Assuming no hand problems Joe will be hitting a lot harder now he’s heavier and could well put Hopkins’s lights out in about 6 rounds.
Comment by Broady — April 19, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
LOL - Yes, come on Joe,
There is only 1 true champ & thats Joe.
Pride of Wales.
Comment by Dan from wales — April 19, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
I might add that wales did quite well in the rugby 6N (the real american football) winning the triple crown & the grandslam.
YES
Comment by Dan from wales — April 19, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
This is very easy. Hopkins is gonna win this one.
Comment by Jay | TicketorTV — April 20, 2008 @ 1:44 am
WELL -
CALZAGHE WINS WHOOOO HOOOO
I dont wanna here any more bad sayings against the so called “welsh slapper” after he defeated THE LEGEND that is Beanard Hopkins
Clearly Joe is the greatest boxer ever of his weight, class & style.
Hopkins obviously was faking the low shots, clear as the day it was above his willy.
WELL DONE JOE - CLOSE BUT STILL THE CHAMP
Now - please praise him for the champ he is
THE TRUE CHAMP
JOOOOEEEEEE
CAAAAAAALLLLLZZZAAAAAAGHHHEEEEEEEEE
Comment by Dan from wales — April 20, 2008 @ 3:33 am
i mean - he even fucked his ass
ha ha ha ha ha ha
Comment by Dan from wales — April 20, 2008 @ 3:41 am
Jay / ticketor TV
“This is very easy. Hopkins is gonna win this one.”
easy is it??
Well - your WRONG
And it was fair & square.
I wish i took a bet against you - i couls have named any price.
EASY, hehehehe
Comment by Dan from wales — April 20, 2008 @ 3:57 am
Come on Wes lets hear the excuses then! Despite faking the low blows and taking time outs, Joe won. Despite the headbutts, Joe won. Despite Aermerican judges being biased, Joe won! It was closer than what the judges had but he still did the business, wasnt easy granted but he’s bringing the title home to Wales. Bring on Roy Jones!!
Comment by Dan Reese — April 20, 2008 @ 5:07 am
Joe wins!! Bernard beat! I’ve noticed there are no more smart ass comments from all you Bernard fans! Joe - you are Legend!!!
Comment by Bob Grant — April 20, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Easy to be said Joe Calzaghe beat Bernard Hopkins even his fans are realising that he cant fight clean only one not to admit that he was beat is bernard himself.
Comment by Dan Flintoft — April 21, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Has to be said that even the ref was biased, same ref who gave Hitman Hatton a warning for headbutts, i dint see hopkins get any.
And he is 1 crap actor.
i reckon he waqs trying to get Joe disqualified so he didnt have to loose.
and Hopkins landed a few good punches when Joe had his hands down by his sides AFTER THE BELL HAD GONE.
he was a cheat, but still
CALZAGHE THE WELSH SLAPPER BEAT A “LEGEND”
LOL
Comment by Dan from wales — April 23, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
Hopkins is really a cheater! Its very obvious from round 2 to 12 he cheated all the way.
Comment by Enteng — April 27, 2008 @ 2:19 am
What are everyones views on Calzaghe Vs Roy Jones???
I think it will be another win for our boy, Jones is over the hill now, still a worthy opponent and still has a decent punch but Joe will take him on points
Comment by Dan Reese — May 13, 2008 @ 11:21 am