Calzaghe, the refs and judges

[ZippyMan]

Last week I read a quote from Calzaghe stating that he was really up for the challenge. He said that fighting Hopkins in his backyard with three American judges and an American ref make this all the more of a challenge.

Is Calzaghe stupid? Can't he get nuetral judges and a ref? He has the clout and I hope he uses it. I would really hate to see another ODH vs. Sturm.

Was Calzaghe just talking or is that how it is going to be?

[cuchulain]

Last week I read a quote from Calzaghe stating that he was really up for the challenge. He said that fighting Hopkins in his backyard with three American judges and an American ref make this all the more of a challenge.

Is Calzaghe stupid? Can't he get nuetral judges and a ref? He has the clout and I hope he uses it. I would really hate to see another ODH vs. Sturm.

Was Calzaghe just talking or is that how it is going to be?

It won't matter who the ref is or who the judges are.

This one won't be close.


Then again.... Lewis-Holyfield 1 wasn't close either.

( I hope it's not a draw !)

[FRKO]

Was Calzaghe just talking or is that how it is going to be?

Fact is, the bigger the challenge, the better Joe performs. Simple as that. I think it's his way of saying he's gonna put on a masterclass which NO-ONE can argue with. Expect to see the best JC yet.

[FlatNose]

I like Joe, but this is a bad matchup for him , style wise. Crazy decisions happen everywhere, I really don't think any one country has a premuim on them. But it won't be a factor. Benards careful , thread the needle style will give Calzaghe nightmares. I don't think Hopkins will need any help from the judges.

[ThePlugInBabies]

Funny that Calzaghe is complaining bout Judges or refs, whenever there was a close one Joe has ALWAYS gotten the nod, whenever there was real quick stoppages in his career, they were ALWAYS in his favour

no surprise since he was fightin in his front lawn

fuckin sheep-shagger

reid/manfredo aside, which close decisions/stoppages would you be referring to?

[ThePlugInBabies]

Always nice to see knowledgeable posters yet to be blinded by the UK bias plaguing ESB :good

:roll:

yeah because we don't have to put up with any "eurobum" YOO-ESS-AYY nonsense.

[FRKO]

Funny that Calzaghe is complaining bout Judges or refs, whenever there was a close one Joe has ALWAYS gotten the nod, whenever there was real quick stoppages in his career, they were ALWAYS in his favour

no surprise since he was fightin in his front lawn

fuckin sheep-shagger

He isn't complaining. Where did you pull that bullshit from? Joe is simply acknowledging the fact that twisted decisions are not uncommon and in order to prove himself he needs to box the shit out of Hopkins to get a convincing win, which he will do.

[ZippyMan]

He isn't complaining. Where did you pull that bullshit from? Joe is simply acknowledging the fact that twisted decisions are not uncommon and in order to prove himself he needs to box the shit out of Hopkins to get a convincing win, which he will do.

I do believe that Calzaghe can beat Hopkins on a level playing field but if he has to fight the ref also AND has a set of crooked judges he has a slim chance of winning this one without a KO and I doubt he will get that with his fragile hands.

[jc]

I think neurtal judges would be fair, but im not to sure this fight will be close tbh.

Calzaghe UD.

[KO Boxing]

2 cards will be close, one will be wide-ish. No matter the judges.

Like 116-112 115-113 115-114 (yeah, I'm into the business of predicting the cards now)

As much as I'd like Hops to turn back the clock a few years, even the Hops that dismantled Tarver has too low a work-rate to be able to deal with Calzaghe's. I still reckon Hops will hold his own though, having his little moments of tricky moves and ring expierence showing. Won't be enough in the end, unfortunately.

[dangerousity]

I was thinking today, who has Calzaghe beaten that can even come close to a master like Hopkins? But thinking about it more, who has Hopkins beaten that comes close to Calzaghe. ODLH was undersized and given they were the same size I think ODLH woulda outboxed him. Tito is too 1-dimensional. Wright was too old and stylistic matchup favoured Bhop. Tarver looked like crap. The only opponent that resembled Calzaghe in a way of great boxing skills with speed to boot was ODLH and he was simply too small. I mean bare in mind Hopkins was outboxed by Taylor and even lost some rounds to Howard Eastman...I dont rate Kessler & Lacy too much either. This fight is too confusing to analyse and I really would not bet on it.

[Sloan299]

The US is the only country where three hometown judges are normal for an international fight.

[nickfoxx]

the judging will be important because i think there will be a lot of close rounds... i think the ref is even more important, though... in his last fight, i felt that robert byrd gave b-hop a lot of latitude in the way that he manhandled winky with his "professional" tactics... which ultimately frustrated winky and got him off his game

[sjc]

Always nice to see knowledgeable posters yet to be blinded by the UK bias plaguing ESB :good

Cry me a river bitch! :|:|:|

[sjc]

here you go again!!! The biggest hypocrite on ESB!!! Your blind as a bat with your biasness

Yeah what a whiny little bitch, have noticed he's had a bug up his ass for awhile

[kirk]

thats the attitude... go get him JC!

[RUSKULL]

If Hopkins should win a disputed decision it still won't really hurt Calzagne's legacy since real fans will know who won.

By the way, it won't be that close at all, Calzagne is far busier & faster, he'll totally outwork & outclass Hopkins.

[PrideOfWales]

Brilliant attitude from Joe. Not looking for any excuses, just wants to get in the ring against an American in America with an American referee and three American judges. He'll be ready alright!

[LiamE]

I'm just praying he doesnt break a hand in round 2 or something and has to fight one handed again.

[Maxmomer]

Weird, I just watched ODL V. Sturm about 30 seconds ago, literally. Fucking disgusting.

[PrideOfWales]

I'm just praying he doesnt break a hand in round 2 or something and has to fight one handed again.

I think he's unlikely to do that in this fight. His hands have held up since the Ashira fight which was a while ago now and he doesn't do that much full sparring anymore. Those gloves in the Kessler fight seemed to help also. He's also going to have 7lbs of extra bulk which should help as well. Joe won't need to hit with full power until later in the fight either when he'll try to stop Hopkins.

I'm looking for a controlled first 6 rounds, take the wind out of Hopkins, then step up the pace until the old man is exhausted and take him out late. That would be beautiful and I'd get at least some moneys worth.

[Kostya Zoo]

This fight is a setup. There isn't a single variable that is going to favor Calzaghe here, and for that reason alone I give Hopkins a great chance at winning.

[PrideOfWales]

This fight is a setup. There isn't a single variable that is going to favor Calzaghe here, and for that reason alone I give Hopkins a great chance at winning.

Calzaghe is the biggest variable of all and will ultimately be the one to determine the course of the fight. I can also see there being a very pro Calzaghe audience in the crowd, though that didn't help Hatton I guess.

[Kostya Zoo]

Calzaghe is the biggest variable of all and will ultimately be the one to determine the course of the fight. I can also see there being a very pro Calzaghe audience in the crowd, though that didn't help Hatton I guess.

I was referring to variable aside from the fighters (location, refereee, judges, etc.). I think hands down with no external influence Calzaghe wins easy.

[Imperial1]

I just hope the ref makes them box and not allow Hopkins to fight like John Ruiz in this one like he did against Winky !

[gambleer]

I just hope the ref makes them box and not allow Hopkins to fight like John Ruiz in this one like he did against Winky !
:good

[TFFP]

No doubt the referee will be a shadey cunt, and let Mary get away with anything ranging from a sneaky headbutt to a flying kick

The judges will watch the fight through their usual sunglasses:
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But in the end it won't be enough. Against all adversity Joe will stop him with a flurry of slaps when he's so tired he can't walk

[Robbi]

Last week I read a quote from Calzaghe stating that he was really up for the challenge. He said that fighting Hopkins in his backyard with three American judges and an American ref make this all the more of a challenge.

Is Calzaghe stupid? Can't he get nuetral judges and a ref? He has the clout and I hope he uses it. I would really hate to see another ODH vs. Sturm.

Was Calzaghe just talking or is that how it is going to be?


Calzaghe should not be complaining about the judges. If he thinks the judges and the referee is more of a challenge then he's not to confident of a knockout. He's obviously nervous about coming out of his comfort zone, aka Wales and England. Those words are of a man who knows he has a very tough challenge in front of him come April. And just look at the Manfredo stoppage. Many people had the opinion it was as good as a hometown stoppage. Controversial indeed.

[ZippyMan]

If Hopkins should win a disputed decision it still won't really hurt Calzagne's legacy since real fans will know who won.

By the way, it won't be that close at all, Calzagne is far busier & faster, he'll totally outwork & outclass Hopkins.


I thought Wright beat Hopkins pretty well and he got hosed by the judges.

I bet we get a ref like Joe Cortez and he is all over Calzaghe for punching Hopkins in the head too much.

[Bomber]

Never trust a American judge. Ever. Even if your American.

[Bomber]

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Finally watched "Calzaghe meets Hopkins". In brief, Joe looked and sounded uncomfortable. Calzaghe may be most fortunate that Hopkins is so far advanced in boxing years. Hopkins is still a very live opponent for Calzaghe. The question is could he be Calzaghe's daddy while 43 or so? :rofl Looking at Hops and JC interact, I'd bet if they were the only two facing off (closed room), JC wouldn't survive it. Hops KNOWS that's he's the alpha-animal between the two. If JC can up his (improved) strength and conditioning from where he was for Kessler, one can imagine his handspeed and workrate leading him to a points win. Still, Hopkins is gonna be dangerous and it takes twelve three minute rounds to win this slap fight. Hopkins is no Byron Mitchell or Jeff Lacy. :happy Hopkins may be the guy who teaches the guy who teaches the so-called master class. :p
I'm going with a close points win for Calzaghe or Hopkins hurts him and finishes the job - KO10. At least in the states you won't have to worry about some freak stoppage after some slap rampage or because the opponent slipped or momentarily lost his balance.

Hopkins is the Alpha male.........I think the packs gonna get a new leader.

[PrideOfWales]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Finally watched "Calzaghe meets Hopkins". In brief, Joe looked and sounded uncomfortable (it's not an easy part of his gig). Calzaghe may be most fortunate that Hopkins is so far advanced in boxing years. Hopkins is still a very live opponent for Calzaghe. The question is could he be Calzaghe's daddy while 43 or so? :rofl Looking at Hops and JC interact, I'd bet if they were the only two facing off (closed room), JC wouldn't survive it. Hops KNOWS that's he's the alpha-animal between the two. If JC can up his (improved) strength and conditioning from where he was for Kessler, one can imagine his handspeed and workrate leading him to a points win. Still, Hopkins is gonna be dangerous and it takes twelve three minute rounds to win this slap fight. Hopkins is no Byron Mitchell or Jeff Lacy. :happy Hopkins may be the guy who teaches the guy who teaches the so-called master class. :p
I'm going with a close points win for Calzaghe or Hopkins hurts him and finishes the job - KO10. At least in the states you won't have to worry about some freak stoppage after some slap rampage or because the opponent slipped or momentarily lost his balance.

There is no way in hell Hopkins can stop Calzaghe, absolutely no chance. It's pretty simple really, Calzaghe is the shy and retiring type. He doesn't do loud, he doesn't command an audience simply by walking into a room. He never has been the one for the limelight and never will be.

This is him winning the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award a couple of months ago:

g_t0tMD-Ihc

Does he look comfortable there when being given addulation? I doubt Joe was so much worried about Hopkins being in his face but probably was worried that everyone in the room was turning round to stare at them. Hopkins enjoys that, Calzaghe simply doesn't. To make the mistake and think that shy Calzaghe will be anywhere but a million miles away from the T&M center on fight night is a mistake. In the ring, Joe, as we all know, is a different animal - aggressive, ballsy, gutsy, unrelenting.

As you say, Hopkins is no Mitchell or Lacy - neither is Joe a fat Winky Wright with low punch output.

Have no fears about Joe, he's the real deal and with Hopkins as old as he is, this could be fairly embarrasing for him.

[cuchulain]

Calzaghe should not be complaining about the judges.


Where, in that quote, did he complain about the judges or ref ?

Could you envisage Bernard coming to Wales and agreeing to three Welsh judges and a Welsh ref?



If he thinks the judges and the referee is more of a challenge then he's not to confident of a knockout.

The mere fact that he's agreeing to cede Bernard home advantage, the judges AND the ref, indicates a high level of confidence that this won't be close.



He's obviously nervous about coming out of his comfort zone, aka Wales and England. Those words are of a man who knows he has a very tough challenge in front of him come April. And just look at the Manfredo stoppage. Many people had the opinion it was as good as a hometown stoppage. Controversial indeed.

Yep. it was pretty evident from what transpired that Manfredo was well on the way to a victory, but for that stoppage !

[cuchulain]

I'm going with a close points win for Calzaghe or Hopkins hurts him and finishes the job - KO10.


Hopkins has one KO at 160 in his last eight fights in the past five years, and that was against against the former 130 lb champion.

He has zero KOs north of 160, ever.

[dwilson]

Hopkins clear UD on this one. Calzaghe aint got the power to down Hopkins and Hopkins is so good at stopping southpaws getting into thier game. JC will completely dominate the fight but will be ass ripped by the Yank judges.

[inchpunch]

I like Joe, but this is a bad matchup for him , style wise. Crazy decisions happen everywhere, I really don't think any one country has a premuim on them. But it won't be a factor. Benards careful , thread the needle style will give Calzaghe nightmares. I don't think Hopkins will need any help from the judges.

How is this a good matchup for Hopkins? He was beaten by speed and/or workrate four times, three times legitimately I would say. If Taylor's speed was a problem for him until Taylor tired, what will the tireless, relentless speed - hitting of Calzaghe do to him? Bernard's style is base on countering when an opponent has thrown 1 - 2 punches, but Calzaghe doesn't stop throwing punches. His style and fighting every half - minute of every round is a nightmare for Hopkins.

[Boro chris]

Always nice to see knowledgeable posters yet to be blinded by the UK bias plaguing ESB :good

Is it biased to pick Calzaghe over Hopkins?

Silly me, I thought it was common sense.:D

[China_hand_Joe]

Calzaghe at 168, the best boxer of all time.

AT 175, he may surpass that.

He'll land a few jabs snapping back Hopkins head, then move in ad using the extra 7lb, he'll take B-Hops head clean off with a left hook.

This fight may end in the 1st,

[China_hand_Joe]

Hopkins is the Alpha male.........I think the packs gonna get a new leader.

Hopkins is more aggressive, outside the ring. This is due to mental illness, not him being the alpha male.

[champ007]

Bhops wins, easy UD. Joe will be handed his 1st loss. Trust!

[Robbi]

Calzaghe at 168, the best boxer of all-time.
AT 175, he may surpass that.

I sense a bit of nuthugging.

[China_hand_Joe]

I sense a bit of nuthugging.

It is only nuthugging if you are talking about Robinson, Ali or anyone else not Joe Calzaghe or Roy Jones.

[dan-b]

It is only nuthugging if you are talking about Robinson, Ali or anyone else not Joe Calzaghe or Roy Jones.

It would be worth seeing Joe KO'd just to see the likes of you dissappear.:good

[China_hand_Joe]

A 1st round KO win for Calzaghe is more likely than Hopkins even landing more than 50 punches in this fight.

[TFFP]

China_Hand_Joe :lol::lol::lol:

I rate your posts

[dan-b]

A 1st round KO win for Calzaghe is more likely than Hopkins even landing more than 50 punches in this fight.

Still it must be exciting for you knowing you are going to see Hopkins fight for the first time.

China_Hand_Joe :lol::lol::lol:

I rate your posts

**YAWN**

[TFFP]

Still it must be exciting for you knowing you are going to see Hopkins fight for the first time.



**YAWN**
Come on, he's funny, he gets them all wound up

[dan-b]

Come on, he's funny, he gets them all wound up

I normally skim over peoples opinions who I deem ill informed.

[mattress]

Still it must be exciting for you knowing you are going to see Hopkins fight for the first time

Exciting ain't a word that i'd associate with Hopkins

[China_hand_Joe]

Come on, he's funny, he gets them all wound up

They are wound up because I am right. Right every single time.

If the yanks just embraced my wisdom, without question, this could all be avoided.

This fight is a mismatch and an embarrassment to boxing. Calzaghe - Lacy over again, only more saddening to watch.

[LiamE]

Nice to its still split down the middle.

That means better odds at the bookies and more money for me when Joe wins.

And never, ever confuse the everyday Joe from the fighting Joe. His out of ring demeanor does not reflect his skill or self belief in the ring. I seem to recall a few posts on here saying how nervous he was was before the Kessler fight.... nervous my arse.

[dan-b]

They are wound up because I am right. Right every single time.

If the yanks just embraced my wisdom, without question, this could all be avoided.

This fight is a mismatch and an embarrassment to boxing. Calzaghe - Lacy over again, only more saddening to watch.

First of all I'm English. Second of all, only really biased Calzaghe fanatics with limited boxing knowledge truly believe Hopkins will take a beating the way Lacy did. It just won't happen like that even if he does lose, which I don't think he will.

[Amsterdam]

They are wound up because I am right. Right every single time.

If the yanks just embraced my wisdom, without question, this could all be avoided.

This fight is a mismatch and an embarrassment to boxing. Calzaghe - Lacy over again, only more saddening to watch.

I'm glad that the coming fight has brought you back, the forum was boring without China hand Joe and I need to be taught new things apparantley.

[China_hand_Joe]

First of all I'm English. Second of all, only really biased Calzaghe fanatics with limited boxing knowledge truly believe Hopkins will take a beating the way Lacy did. It just won't happen like that even if he does lose, which I don't think he will.
Hopkins can't take the beating Lacy did.

He isn't as tough and would be stopped long before it reached that point.

"even if he does lose, which I don't think he will" - another yank contradicts himself.

[China_hand_Joe]

I'm glad that the coming fight has brought you back, the forum was boring without China hand Joe and I need to be taught new things apparantley.

This awful fight cannot motivate me to make a post more than 3 lines long.

[dan-b]

Hopkins can't take the beating Lacy did.

He isn't as tough and would be stopped long before it reached that point.

"even if he does lose, which I don't think he will" - another yank contradicts himself.

The point is he wouldn't have to. Anyway I can see you're nothing more than a pathetic troll so go flame elsewhere little boy.

[China_hand_Joe]

How the how can you pick Hopkins, seriously?

It is completely illogical.

Calzaghe doesn't even need skill to win this, as he can rely on speed and workate alone. Hopkins was looking slowerthan ever against WInky and will have declined further. He failed to beat mediocre Taylor twice.

Sure his right hands would have made this interesting 10 years ago, but now he has zero chance and will likely be overwhelmed andstopped. But one thing is certain and that is he cannot possibly win.

If Hopkins won he would be the GOAT.

[dan-b]

How the how can you pick Hopkins, seriously?

It is completely illogical.

Calzaghe doesn't even need skill to win this, as he can rely on speed and workate alone. Hopkins was looking slowerthan ever against WInky and will have declined further. He failed to beat mediocre Taylor twice.

Sure his right hands would have made this interesting 10 years ago, but now he has zero chance and will likely be overwhelmed andstopped. But one thing is certain and that is he cannot possibly win.

If Hopkins won he would be the GOAT.

Hopkins wouldn't sign for a fight he didn't believe he could win. I've made my predictions clear on this site & I will stand by them.

[ZippyMan]

Hopkins wouldn't sign for a fight he didn't believe he could win. I've made my predictions clear on this site & I will stand by them.


Since he can't win with skill he most likely bought the judges and the ref already?

There is NO WAY that Hopkins can beat Calzaghe with a non biased ref and judges. No way.

[dan-b]

Since he can't win with skill he most likely bought the judges and the ref already?

There is NO WAY that Hopkins can beat Calzaghe with a non biased ref and judges. No way.

Thats right, get your excuses in early.

[ZippyMan]

Thats right, get your excuses in early.

No excuse. I have just seen too many bad refs and judges over the last few years. ODH is Bernards buddy and we all know what happened to Sturm because of ODHs leverage in the boxing world.

All I would like to see is a diverse group of judges and a non American or British ref. There are plenty of Asian and South American judges and refs to pick from .

[dan-b]

No excuse. I have just seen too many bad refs and judges over the last few years. ODH is Bernards buddy and we all know what happened to Sturm because of ODHs leverage in the boxing world.

All I would like to see is a diverse group of judges and a non American or British ref. There are plenty of Asian and South American judges and refs to pick from .

So Asian & South American people can't be influenced no?:patsch

[cuchulain]

So Asian & South American people can't be influenced no?:patsch


You miss the point, Dan.

Neither fighter is Asian or South American.

Three judges and the ref are American, as is Hopkins.


But Calzaghe is not losing any sleep on this point. And that tells me that he feels (rightly) that this one is in the bag, no matter who officiates.

[ZippyMan]

So Asian & South American people can't be influenced no?:patsch Oh sure they can. People are people. Home cooking is just a bit easier with your own ingredients.

You look at any major international fight and you have officials from all over the planet. Why would this fight be any different?

[Robbi]

This fight is a mismatch and an embarrassment to boxing. Calzaghe - Lacy over again, only more saddening to watch.

Ridiculous beyond belief. Lacy plodded forward and was exposed by Calzaghe's excellent combinations and high punch output. He showed no variety in terms of movement and defensive awareness. To compare his skills and experience with that of Hopkins, no comparison.

Hopkins fights well against southpaws, counters as well as anyone in the sport, and has proven himself to be a good puzzle solver.

"Calzaghe - Lacy over again". A very brave call indeed. IMO a rather stupid call.

[Robbi]

How the how can you pick Hopkins, seriously?

It is completely illogical.

Calzaghe doesn't even need skill to win this, as he can rely on speed and workate alone. Hopkins was looking slowerthan ever against WInky and will have declined further. He failed to beat mediocre Taylor twice.

Sure his right hands would have made this interesting 10 years ago, but now he has zero chance and will likely be overwhelmed andstopped. But one thing is certain and that is he cannot possibly win.

If Hopkins won he would be the GOAT.

Hopkins has a better record than Calzaghe as things stand. He made 20 defenses at middleweight. Became undisputed champion in the process. Was defeated twice, then moved up to light-heavyweight to win a fight virtually nobody thought he would win.

Calzaghe has to beat Hopkins himself to even come close to matching the career and achivements of the man he's fighting in April.

Don't tell me Calzaghe's career is better than Hopkins' just because he's unbeaten and Hopkins isn't, because you really would be making a fool of yourself. Marciano retired unbeaten, yet that doesn't mean he was better than Louis or Ali.

[Kostya Zoo]

You look at any major international fight and you have officials from all over the planet. Why would this fight be any different?

because this fight is set up to favor Hopkins in every conceivable way. props to Calzaghe for agreeing to come over here.

[Fighting Weight]

Brilliant attitude from Joe. Not looking for any excuses, just wants to get in the ring against an American in America with an American referee and three American judges. He'll be ready alright!

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

Having watched Calzaghe his whole career, and listened to his bullshit all that time, that has to be one of the most amusing things I've ever read.

[Robbi]

Calzaghe doesn't even need skill to win this, as he can rely on speed and workate alone.

Does this China_hand_Joe always lack when it comes to boxing knowledge?.

Calzaghe can rely on speed and workrate alone, but no skill?. That doesn't quite add up at all. So what does he do with his speed and workrate to win when its used with no skill. Surely that means he misses punches. Landing accurate punches needs a certain amount of skill, defending as well, and also throwing 3-4 punch combinations. Who's Calzaghe fighting in April, a cardboard cut out?.

[Fighting Weight]

No excuse. I have just seen too many bad refs and judges over the last few years. ODH is Bernards buddy and we all know what happened to Sturm because of ODHs leverage in the boxing world.

All I would like to see is a diverse group of judges and a non American or British ref. There are plenty of Asian and South American judges and refs to pick from .

When Calzaghe has been fighting his bum a month club in Wales where have the judges come from? Or the referees?

Calzaghe has never been on the receiving end of a bad decision, whereas it can be argued that Hopkins should have won both fights against Taylor - who incidentally has better handspeed than Calzaghe despite what the Calzaghe sack-swingers say.

No way on earth is Hopkins getting dominated in this fight. For the first time in his life Calzaghe has taken on a risk, and the best part is he doesn't even realise it :yep

[Fighting Weight]

Hopkins can't take the beating Lacy did.

He isn't as tough and would be stopped long before it reached that point.

"even if he does lose, which I don't think he will" - another yank contradicts himself.

Hopkins isn't as tough as Lacy???

Absolute bullshit.

[Fighting Weight]

If anyone is getting KO'd it is Joe, without any doubt.

Absolutely.

[China_hand_Joe]

Hopkins will be stopped.

This fight is a fucking ridiculous mismatch and a waste of everyones' time.

If you are picking Hopkins you deserve to be sectioned.

[champ007]

Why does everyone think 1,000 punches will be thrown in the fight? That ain't happening. Not a chance. Hopkins will slow this fight down, and dictate the pace.

[Arran]

deluded americans.

[ZippyMan]

When Calzaghe has been fighting his bum a month club in Wales where have the judges come from? Or the referees?

Calzaghe has never been on the receiving end of a bad decision, whereas it can be argued that Hopkins should have won both fights against Taylor - who incidentally has better handspeed than Calzaghe despite what the Calzaghe sack-swingers say.

No way on earth is Hopkins getting dominated in this fight. For the first time in his life Calzaghe has taken on a risk, and the best part is he doesn't even realise it :yep


The bum of the month does not have any clout so they are stuck with Brit judges and a ref. Calzaghe is the undisputed 168 pound champ and should be able to dictate some of the officials. It seems that he feels that it will not matter.

As far as the handspeed. Taylor is fast as hell but Calzaghe is faster in my opinion. And I am a big Taylor fan so nothing against him on that comment.

[China_hand_Joe]

Taylor is semi-fast for 3 rounds, Hopkins reflexes will have slipped since then too.

He is buggered, an early KO a possiblity with him stuggling to land a punch on the evasive Calzaghe.

[Caliboxing]

Hopkins will be stopped.

This fight is a fucking ridiculous mismatch and a waste of everyones' time.

If you are picking Hopkins you deserve to be sectioned.



I favor Calzaghe, but him being the first man to stop Hopkins is very slim. How do you see that happening?