Issue 160

Calzaghe on top of the world!

19th November 2007

'The Pride of Wales' Joe Calzaghe took to the ring with Danish World Champion Mikkel Kessler recently in what was to be one of the biggest fights of Calzaghe's career.

The Italian Dragon fought brilliantly against Kessler winning on points and becoming the first undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.

It was a closely contested fight in the packed Millenium Stadium, with fans from all over the UK and abroad coming to watch the fight and they weren't disappointed.

Those supporting Calzaghe were rewarded with a stunning victory and an incredible body shot to Kessler which sent the Dane to the canvas in round 3. It was technically classed as a slip, we all know the truth!

Supporters of Kessler shouldn't be disappointed with his performance, a series of blasting uppercuts, opened up a cut in Calzaghe's eye at the end of round 7.

In the end however Calzaghe dominated, winning on points. It was a fight which certainly lived up to the hype.

Calzaghe who is coming up to retirement, has always wanted a fight with Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins has always refused, claiming Calzaghe hasn't been a big enough challenge. But now, with the win against Kessler, Hopkins seems to have changed his mind, only on the condition that Calzaghe travels to the USA to fight him.

It would truly be a sensational fight. Although nothing's been confirmed yet, it is certainly hoped that the fight goes ahead.

There was a fight organised between the two fighters in 2003, but Hopkins pulled out at the 11th hour, demanding higher fees.

The great end to the boxing year sees two of the world's biggest names in boxing come head to head on December 8 at the MGM gardens in Las Vegas, battling it out for the WBC Welterweight Title.

Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton will take on Floyd 'Prettyboy' Mayweather in what promises to be an adrenaline packed, roller coaster of a fight.

Both fighters have undefeated records, Hatton has 43 wins, 31 by way of knockout; Mayweather has 38 wins, 24 by way of knockout.

Although the fight is scheduled for the 8th of December, the mind games have already begun, when the two titans met earlier this year in Manchester and Las Vegas for the pre-fight interviews.

Mayweather showed up in his usual flamboyant style, donning the Union Jack in a blatant plea for support from British fans. He didn't find any, as the U.K is rooting for Hatton. The fact that he was dressed in a Man Utd shirt probably didn't help!

It is expected that the vast majority of the 15,000 tickets sold (which sold out in the first half hour) will be Brits.

Finally Swansea's own World Champion Enzo Maccarinelli is looking to fight David Haye in a heavyweight fight which promises to be a real show. Haye recently fought with Jean-Marc Mormek stealing his WBC and WBA cruiserweight titles.

The Londoner was knocked to the ground in the fourth round but stood right back up and went on to knock out Mormeck in the 7th round in a punishing blow. Mormeck got up, but failed to convince the judge that he was fit to continue.

With both parties wanting to fight each other in a money spinning match it seems likely that this will go ahead hopefully at the Millenium Stadium or eveb the Liberty Stadium where Macrinelli has always dreamed of fighting.

In perhaps the greatest year for British Boxing all eyes are on our World Champions to continue their great form and take the fights to the Americans.

Muhammad Darwish