Calzaghe v Kessler - A Matter Of Respect
While the boxing world has become a little used to slanging matches, dirty tricks and volatile press conferences, it seems that respect has finally broken out prior to the Calzaghe v Kessler fight this Saturday, at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. The quiet man of the valleys has held his WBO title for more than 10 years (a feat which shows the true class of Calzaghe), with the Danish fighter putting his WBC and WBA titles on the line.
This super-middleweight title fight looks like being a real battle of respect, with both fighters well aware of each others strengths and weaknesses. Joe Calzaghe is very passionate about his Welsh routes and will be supported by a sell out 50,000 crowd on Saturday night. While there is no doubt that Kessler is a great fighter, he does not have the experience of Calzaghe, or the hand speed which has caused so many of his opponents major problems.
Calzaghe himself freely admits that some of his sparring sessions for earlier fights were not what they should have been, but as with the Jeff Lacy fight (where he destroyed his opponent), the WBO champion seems up beat, confident he is in top shape and has put in sufficient work in the gym. While Calzaghe is 35 year old ( 7 years older than his opponent) he still seems to have the same desire and level of fitness that he had as a young fighter.
Trained by his father, Enzo, Calzaghe has never been one to court the limelight, although there is a growing feeling that his does not get the respect that he deserves. The Americans tried to write him off prior to the Lacy fight, a fight which he controlled from the opening bell, and while some have reservations about his age and desire, he seems more focused than ever on Saturday’s fight.
While the years will catch up with him at some stage, Calzaghe is a very proud man and will not want to break his fathers impressive record, which shows none of his fighters have been defeated in the last 2 years. Forecast : Calzaghe by a knockout in the middle rounds to unify the titles. No more than the man deserves!