Boxing Report: Joe Calzaghe Press Conference
 Click for larger image © Matthew Voyle SaddoBoxing.com |
Sports Network put on a well run press conference in Cardiff earlier this week to publicize 2006’s most anticipated fightcard, Joe Calzaghe – Jeff Lacy, taking place at Manchester’s MEN Arena on March 4th. It was a cold day in Wales on the day of the press conference but not one without bright prospects. Not only for the weather, but also for the two hottest Italian approved |
Welshmen to lace up the gloves. Joe Calzaghe, the eight year WBO Super Middle Champion, will finally get the fight he has needed for what only seems like an eternity and award winning WBU Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Maccarinelli, the patient observer, the chance to claim the title he’s perused for the best part of his career, Johnny Nelson’s WBO crown. Both men have cried out for these fights and on the 4th of March, The MEN Arena will host their fates. With over seven thousand tickets sold so far and ITV broadcasting the event. Sports Network will certainly be providing another scorcher.
The focus of the conference, Joe Calzaghe, declared that he’s gotten over the festivities of Christmas and is now back in camp. His hand injury has healed and he’s confident that it won’t be a problem in the Lacy fight. After a disappointing 2005, 2006 is going to be Calzaghe’s year. He said, “After not getting the fights for one reason or another I’m glad to get the opportunity to unify the titles.”
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The WBO kingpin acknowledged that IBF Champion Jeff Lacy is talented and has been impressed with the American so far but thought that Lacy hasn’t been tested, and Calzaghe said he’s looking forward to doing so. “My speed and work rate are higher than his,” said Joe. “I’ll knock him out working off my boxing skills. I’ve learned from my mistakes and am looking to do it in style. I have been underestimated by Lacy he’s shown that by accepting the fight over here. After the fight I’m looking to step up to light heavyweight and become two weight champion. There’s no motivation at super middle after this fight, I want a light heavyweight title shot.”
Calzaghe said that he appreciated Lacy’s talent but when asked how good he thought Lacy was, the Welshman said he didn’t know and to ask him after the fight because its going to be the fight of the year.
Calzaghe looked to be fresh out of the gym as he was somewhat ungroomed, but very relaxed with the media and as usual one left believing what he said. He seemed confident and believed what he was saying and knew this fight was coming and he’s ready for it.
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Enzo Maccarinelli kept it short and sweet, saying, “You all know what I think of Johnny Nelson. I’m glad to finally get this opportunity against him. I’m ready.”
Enzo thinks that WBO Champion Nelson was leaky against Vincenzo Cantatore in the Sheffield boxer’s latest title defence, but said that Nelson could have been having a bad night, all boxers have them. Or, it could be father time catching up with Johnny. “I’ll exploit his defence and that’s how I’ll beat him,” declared Maccarinelli.
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“I’ve been active over the past year and training is going well, I will be in the best shape of my life on the night. My friendship with Johnny has not got in the way at all. All I see is the belt and it’s the one I want. I don’t begrudge being on the undercard to Joe Calzaghe but it’s a shame its not in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.” Enzo was typical Enzo, providing thoughtful answers, and was exactly how he normally is.
A fight was also announced between former WBU Light Middle titlist Gary Lockett and Lonsdale Belt winner Ryan Rhodes on Saturday the 11th of March in the Newport Sports Hall here in Wales
Lockett went on record as being disappointed with the way things have gone since a loss to Yuri Tsarenko in 2002. “I feel that I have been forgotten about,” he said. “Its hard to get motivated when you don’t know who your fighting or no date is set, but now I’ve had two fights in three months and now this chance against Rhodes, I’m ready to take him out. I’ve fought some good opposition and poor, and its against the better that I pull it of the bag. And getting in with Rhodes I’m going to have to step up to the plate. I don’t see it going the distance I’m confident that I will beat Ryan Rhodes.”
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Rhodes showed a lot of respect towards Lockett and it seemed like they both knew it was make or break time. “We won’t have to look for each other its going to be explosive,” said the former British Champion. “I can’t wait to get this over and done with and yeah I think a fight against Scott Dann for the winner would be desirable.