<![CDATA[Boxing Asylum - Boxing Forums & Boxing News - Boxing History]]> http://www.boxingasylum.com/ Discuss historical boxing here en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:22:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.boxingasylum.com/images/BP-Grey/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Boxing Asylum - Boxing Forums & Boxing News - Boxing History]]> http://www.boxingasylum.com/ <![CDATA[Don Grant's amateur record]]> http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=53265&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:45:02 GMT A boxer named Don Grant came up during the early 1950's and started off with a 15 and 1 record leading up to a fight with Floyd Patterson (Grant lost that fight). Anyway, I have been trying to find Grant's amateur record without any success. Anyone know it or anything about it? Grant use to fight mostly in or around Los Angeles. ]]> Boxing History Grant http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=53265 Emanuel Steward tribute http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=53225&goto=newpost Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:22:19 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXzNIFIfNmw ]]> Boxing History El Cholo http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=53225 Color photo of Jack Dempsey http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52934&goto=newpost Fri, 31 May 2013 21:56:02 GMT Image: http://i.imgur.com/UVYPt2r.jpg ]]> Boxing History King Fantom http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52934 Calzaghe - Lacy predictions http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52814&goto=newpost Sun, 26 May 2013 23:58:18 GMT Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Hank Kaplan - Calzaghe is a smart fighter in the ring, but I think Lacy is too much for him. I like Lacy in... Hindsight is a wonderful thing.




Hank Kaplan - Calzaghe is a smart fighter in the ring, but I think Lacy is too much for him. I like Lacy in this fight. I think Lacy should stop him.


Tim Smith - This is the toughest fight in the career of either man, but I like Lacy because of his strength and power. I like Lacy by decision.


Ron Borges - Although I give Calzaghe a chance to win, I think in the end age and too many years fighting inferior competition will get to him. So will a Jeff Lacy left hook, one that will drop him and hurt him badly enough that he can't continue. Jeff Lacy by TKO in 10.


Sammy Rozenberg - I see Calzaghe hustling Lacy for most of the fight with his boxing skills, until Lacy catches up to him in the later rounds and ends it. Lacy in 11 by KO.


Glenn Wilson - I've been looking forward to this for quite a while. Both fightes know that they are facing the best opponent they have ever been in the ring with. I see this going two rounds. Round one, Calzaghe picks his shots and grabs when he feels Lacy's power. Round two, both fighters opening up and Lacy catches Calzaghe to ends it. I believe there will be twelve rounds of action packed into two rounds.


David Sauvage - Jeff Lacy is going to come in strong and wild, looking to brawl and pummel. But the Welshman, though known for brawling himself, can safely be called a veteran of the game. Calzaghe could still end up like most of Lacy's other opponents, but my gut tells me a smart Calzaghe beats a green Lacy by way of an exciting twelve-round decision.


Eric Rineer - Joe Calzaghe has been the man in this division for a long time. He's got a remarkable record and he's the more experienced fighter. The match even takes place in England. All the odds seem to favor him. However, Jeff Lacy is an animal in the ring and he is hungry to add another title. He's fought in England before, and he's won in England before. I think the younger, hungrier man wins this fight regardless of where it's being held. Jeff Lacy by KO in 8 rounds.


Larry Tornambe - Jeff Lacy will see this opportunity as his crossing of the threshold to greatness. I am not saying that he'll be considered great by winning this fight, but it will be the beginning of what we'll be talking about in 10 years with respect to Lacy's career. Joe will do his best to use his experience, but it'll be Lacy winning by late TKO.


TK Stewart - It's the best match that can be made right now at 168 pounds. The winner will have stamped his mark on the Super Middleweight division and will be the true champion at that weight. Jeff Lacy is one of the best young titlists within the sport of boxing right now. Lacy brings excitement to the game and when promoter Gary Shaw says that Lacy is a cross between Mike
Tyson and Evander Holyfield, I think he's right. Something strange about Joe Calzaghe is that even after 40 fights and numerous WBO title defenses, many American boxing fans still don't know if he's the real thing and they still have a lot of questions about him. The fight with Lacy is going to clear all of that up for us and that's what makes it so attractive.

What I like about Calzaghe is that I've seen him get off the floor and win. I've seen him fight with a broken hand and win and I've seen him fight through being hurt and win. I haven't seen Jeff Lacy prove himself in the manner in which I have seen Calzaghe prove himself. Lacy gets hit too much for my liking and he fights like a puncher when I don't think he has that big of a punch. Against an experienced opponent such as Joe Calzaghe I think Lacy is going to run into some real problems if he tries to run straight into Calzaghe like he ran into Omar Sheika and Syd Vanderpool.

I like Calzaghe in this one. I think overall he is a better fighter, has more experience, and has proven that when the going gets tough he can get going. Don't forget that Calzaghe has never lost and it always takes a lot to beat a seasoned, undefeated fighter fighting in front of a partisan crowd. I think a lot of Americans are going to be surprised by Calzaghe and I like him by stoppage, probably around the eighth or ninth round.


Mark Workman - Short and sweet. I've never believed that Joe Calzaghe could stand up to the awesome power of the Tampa Bay banger, Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy. I expect Lacy to rain down a torrent of uppercuts and trademark left hooks upon Calzaghe and completely demolish him. I don't see it going beyond round nine.


Carlos Irusta - I see Lacy winning, because he has more power than Calzaghe, who never lived up to fans' expectations.


Evan Korn - Lacy will overwhelm Calzaghe en route to a second round KO.


Don Caputo - Out with the old, in with the new. Five years ago, Calzaghe's hand speed and limitless stamina may have been enough to tame the ferocious Lacy. But after years of stagnation against sub par opposition, it is very hard to see Joe emerging victorious on Saturday night against perhaps the most powerful opponent he has ever faced. Of course he will have the home advantage and still possesses superb boxing skills, but I'm going with the younger and considerably stronger Lacy by late stoppage. A barrage of punches around the 9th round will signal the end of the Welshmans long reign - but expect him to go out on his shield.


Adam Pollack - This is a really difficult one for me to predict, which is why I am so excited about it. My first impression is that this is a very bad matchup for Lacy. Calzaghe has underrated abilities. He is fairly quick, can move, has enough pop to get respect, is southpaw, has the far superior experience, and can win decisions. On the other hand, Lacy is a ball of granite, an irresistible force, with huge power in either hand, good speed for a puncher, probably has the better chin, has been improving lately, is younger, and just a real talent. This will be a battle of wills. I see this one being about whether Calzaghe's chin can hold up against Lacy's bombs, and whether Lacy can catch up with him and avoid being hit by Joe's blazing combos and not get totally puffy, busted up, and outpointed. Should be a good one. I'm going with Calzaghe, but it will be a nail biter waiting to see what happens when he gets hit.


Tom Donelson - Joe Calzaghe has been a long time champion, who defended his title almost as many times as Jeff Lacy has actually fought. His advantages is that he is a clever boxer, has a high work rate and does have power as his knock out percentage will attest.

Jeff Lacy' advantage is that he is a slugger who wears opponents down and has power in both hands. Calzaghe's disadvantage is that he may be slipping and the other knock is that he doesn't fight outside of Great Britain. And the latter is not a major factor for this fight since he is fighting Lacy in his backyard anyway.

Lacy's disadvantage is that he is susceptible to boxers and Calzaghe will be the best boxer that Lacy has faced and he often loses many early rounds. Against Calzaghe in his backyard, this could prove crucial. Calzaghe will get or should get the benefit of any close rounds so Lacy may find himself in a position to have to win by knock out.

If this fight was being held in the states, I would favor Lacy but it is not. I love Lacy as a fighter but Calzaghe has been a excellent fighters for years and much of his body of work has been hidden from the American public. My heart says the knockout of power of the young American will triumph but my head tells me that Calzaghe ring experience and homefield advantage will prove the decisive factor. Calzaghe wins by a decision.


Joe Harrison - I think Jeff Lacy lacks the skills and experience that Joe Calzaghe has. However, Calzaghe is past his prime and this should be a very difficult fight for him. Surely, Lacy will eventually connect with one or two of those wild left and right hooks that not even Calzaghe can shake off.

Lacy over Calzaghe by 8th round KO


Johnny Ortiz - I see Lacy coming out strong early. If Calzaghe can weather the early storm that Lacy will surely bring, I like him the longer the fight goes. Joe's vast experience should help him going into the deep water rounds. Although he too has power, Joe must avoid getting into exchanges with Lacy early in the fight. Lacy is the more powerful puncher but his problem is that he loads up with just about every punch he throws, over the long haul it could deplete some of his power. I look for Joe to use his experience and intelligence in order to take Lacy into the late rounds where he should win a decision or stop a somewhat tired Lacy. Joe Calzaghe is a proven champion, he just might be catching Lacy at the right time in his early career. It should be one hell of a fight while it lasts, you cannot count Lacy out because of his awesome power, he just cannot get too anxious.


Richard McManus - Calzaghe’s brand of aggressiveness and southpaw punching style might pose problems for Lacy. He knows how to win and knows how to pull the rod out of the fire. Lacy also knows how to win but it remains to be seen if he can deal with the pressure of Calzaghe.
Prediction: Calzaghe by decision


Dr. Peter Edwards - Lacy's defense is the difference in the fight. I've seen fighters like Omar Sheika stun Lacy with his big punches. I think Calzaghe will catch him cold with a big punch and puts him away in 10.


Paul Gallegos - Unless the world of boxing is turned upside down, I fully expect Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy to roll right through Calzaghe. This is Lacy time and as one of the few athletes in the sport who never lets himself get out of shape, this match shouldn't be a problem. Calzaghe has the experience edge and the crowd, but I really feel that youth must be served in this instance. There are holes in Lacy's shield as far as defense is concerned, but he has overcome many of these obstacles by reinventing himself with outstanding power and unfettered will. Lacy by KO in the seventh.


James Blears - This is going to be Jeff Lacy’s fight “hands down.” Lacy who’s known as “Left Hook,” has accused Joe Calzaghe of being a “Slapsie.” This has stung Joe, who’s recovering from a broken hand and who’s hands are notoriously brittle. I think the action is going to be explosive.

Lacy looks ripped, ready and ravenous. It almost reminds me of Marvin Hagler vs. Alan Minter, all those years ago. Joe hasn’t faced a quality lineup in his career, yet Jeff is as awesome as they come at this weight. I don’t think it’ll go more than four rounds. During that time Jeff will overpower and knock out Joe. Joe has a champion’s heart and has never tasted professional defeat, so he will initially get up. There’ll be several thrills and spills before it ends. Let’s hope the Manchester crowd isn’t too disappointed and show their sporting class when this happens.


Matthew Hurley - Lacy is a fighter I'm very excited about. He has tremendous power but he has also shown resiliency in his brief professional career. Traveling to Europe to fight the oft-percieved reluctant Calzaghe just proves how focused and determined he is.

Calzaghe is 40 and 0 with 31 knockouts but a bit of a mystery to many American fans. His refusal to travel abroad has always bothered me - that along with pulling out of fights due to injury. He's a talented guy and I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt but one flaw he has is that he often doesn't pull his right jab back quick enough. It's a flaw that could prove disastrous against a left-hooker like Lacy.

I think it will be an interesting bout during the early rounds with Calzaghe giving the young upstart some problems, but then Jeff will begin to wear his opponent down both with his punching power and tenacity.

Lacy TKO 8 Calzaghe


Jim Cawkwell - This is a very significant unification worthy of the boxing world's attention. It's difficult to break down the records of each man and declare one a certain winner over the other because they are both undefeated and have beaten a very respectable class of opposition, only Calzaghe has done so over a longer period. Calzaghe has the experience, but Lacy has youth and enthusiasm. Lacy has immense power, but Calzaghe has one of the best chins in the game, and so the debate continues. Cardiff Arena would have been home advantage for Calzaghe, nonetheless, there will be a significant number of his Welsh fans on hand at the MEN Arena in Manchester that should give him a psychological boost.

Lacy struggles with southpaws and I believe that Calzaghe is the most talented southpaw at the weight. I think this is a very dangerous fight for Calzaghe as long as it lasts but he can do himself a favor by digging in some hard shots to Lacy early. If Calzaghe cannot keep Lacy honest in the early going, Lacy will try to overwhelm him. Calzaghe may have wanted to avoid fighting overseas, but that is just the same as many American fighters doing the same and they all escape the criticism that has been heaped upon Calzaghe. As good as Lacy is, Calzaghe is a very dangerous fighter when his back is against the wall. In situations like this, a fighter can fold under the pressure or produce the fight of their life. Calzaghe will endure Lacy's best to produce a close decision win.


Ron Gallegos - This one will be sure thing, you can take it to the bank. Lacy will take him out by the fifth round. Jeff still needs to work on his defense, but in the end, his offensive fire power is more than enough to take out anyone in the division. Lacy looks like a chiseled ebony greek god. He's what's right with boxing.


Rusty Rubin - The only way to beat Calzaghe in Wales is to take it out of the hands of the judges. Lacy by TKO in 7.

Javier Molina - Calzaghe will fight his heart out, but Jeff Lacy will be too much
to handle. Jeff's power will be the key to victory. Lacy by KO.


Rick Reeno - A hard fight to pick. They say an undefeated fighter does not know how to lose, and I don't expect either of these two fighters to go down without a fight. Calzaghe's punching power is very underrated and Lacy's chin is a bit overrated - which makes the fighter that much closer to me. There is always a chance Calzaghe will catch Lacy with a shot big enough to end the fight, but I don't expect that to happen.

Joe has not been involved in a very physical fight in several years. Lacy on the other hand is making every fight an action packed brawl. I think Joe will eventually fall into the Lacy trap and engage him on a toe to toe basis. In the end, Lacy will break him down within ten.


James Toney:

"Joe Calzaghe-Jeff Lacy is a mismatch. Lacy is going to destroy that boy. He's too strong, he's a fighter - he's proved himself.

"Calzaghe never did anything. He beat Chris Eubank nine years ago, but what has he done since then? He's a joke, that's why he keeps pulling out of fights.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled out of this one. Everybody in the UK is over-protected, but Lacy will be OK, because he's a fighter."


Roy Jones:

"Lacy wins, and I'll tell you why. One of the main factors that would lead to a Lacy win is Calzaghe's heart.

"I'm not saying Calzaghe dosen't have heart, I'm saying he has too much!

"When Lacy nails Calzaghe and hurts him then Joe will try to get payback, and then he will be open to really get hurt - which he will."


This seems like a fight between two fighters going in opposite directions. Lacy is the up-and-comer with the big dreams and the bigger punch. Calzaghe is the longtime champ with patience and experience on his side. Early on, that experience might give Lacy some problems. Calzaghe has sharp boxing skills and very good hand speed. But, lately, he's been fading down the stretch – a sure sign of age. Had this fight taken place two years ago, the outcome could possibly have been different. But now, Calzaghe just doesn't have the late firepower to hold a raging monster like Lacy off for 12 rounds. But don't be surprised if Lacy has to come from behind to do it. Lacy, by big left hook, in the 11th round.
Matt Aguilar


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 banger 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


Everybody's big on Jeff Lacy and some are discounting the prowess of Joe Calzaghe. Not me. I think the fight has great potential and may be the bout both fighters need to bring out the best of one another. Personally I think Calzaghe isn't given the credit he's due. He's a strong, determined and skilled fighter fighting in front of his crowd. Lacy has been looking better and better but is on enemy territory. Lacy's not all he's cracked up to be and Calzaghe has more than people give him credit for. On his home soil – Calzaghe via unanimous decision.
Scott Mallon


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 Woods


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 Cocks: 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 sucked in to exchanges. ]]> Boxing History Legend Killer http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52814 Wilfredo Gomez vs Erik Morales @ Super Bantamweight http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52726&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 20:22:28 GMT Who wins and how? Image: http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/8207/gomezv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/708/gomezv.jpg/) ... Who wins and how?





Wilfredo Gomez - 44 (KO 42) - 3 (KO 3) - 1

WBC Super Bantamweight Champion
1977 May 21 – 1983 - Vacated

WBC Featherweight Champion
1984 Mar 31 – 1984 Dec 8 - lost to Azumah Nelson KO11

WBA Super Featherweight Champion
1985 May 19 – 1986 May 24 - lost to Alfredo Layne TKO9

Erik Morales - 52 (KO 36) - 9 (KO 3)

WBC Super Bantamweight Champion
1997 Sep 6 – 2000 - Vacated

WBO Super Bantamweight Champion
2000 Feb 19 – 2000 Feb - Refused Title

WBC Featherweight Champion
2001 Feb 17 – 2002 Jun 22 - lost to Marco Antonio Barrera UD12

WBC Featherweight Champion
2002 Nov 16 – 2003 - Vacated

WBC Super Featherweight Champion
2004 Feb 28 – 2004 Nov 27 - lost to Marco Antonio Barrera MD12

IBF Super Featherweight Champion
2004 Jul 31 – 2004 - Vacated

WBC Light Welterweight Champion
2011 Sep 17 – 2012 Mar 23 -Stripped
(failed to make weight) - lost to Danny Garcia UD12

 ]]> Boxing History El Cholo http://www.boxingasylum.com/showthread.php?t=52726