Boxing Preview Analysis: Joe Calzaghe vs. Mikkel Kessler

It’s an old saying I know, but on November 3, someone’s 0 will go when Joe Calzaghe squares off againt Dane Mikkel Kessler in a 168 pound unification bout at the magnificent Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Both men have a combined record of a staggering 82 unbeaten fights between them. Both have also been emphatically victorious in previous unification bouts. Both are also arguably at the top of their game.

Lets start with the recognised number 1 in the division, Welshman Joe Calzaghe.

Born in 1972, the former ABA Champion has been a pro since October 1993 when he made his debut on the Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno world title undercard.

Unbeaten over the next two years, Calzaghe would win his first professional honours when in October 1995 he defeated Stephen Wilson for the vacant British title in eight rounds.

The super middleweight division at this time was red hot. Internationally, we had Roy Jones Jr and domestically, we had the the likes of Steve Collins, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.

Calzaghe would continue his winning ways and found himself the number 1 contender for the WBO title against then champion Steve Collins. However, that fight was not to be when Collins retired and Joe would eventually fight for the vacant title against the still big box office Chris Eubank, who had stepped in at late notice to fight for the now vacant title.

On October 11 1997, Calzaghe produced a career best performance when he decked the teak tough Eubank in round 1 en route to a unanimous decision win.

Since that night 10 years ago, Calzaghe’s career has gone on to be one of fruatration and sheer brilliance. Average performances against the likes of David Starie and Rick Thornberry would follow and many thought he was fortunate to get a points decision against Robin Reid in February 1999.

August 2000 was the date when Calzaghe’s injury prone career would kickstart when he took on the tough American Omar Shieka in what at the time was viewed as a difficult matchup.

Typical Calzaghe when the chips are down and a point to prove, he produced his best five rounds of action since becoming champion, totally overwhelming and outclassing his challenger, forcing a stoppage.

The run continued with impressive wins over the likes of Richie Woodhall, Mario Veit, Charles Brewer and Byron Mitchell, but many of his American critics were still not convinced that Calzaghe was the real deal, arguing that he had been fighting has-beens and never weres. He had also cruelly been given the nickname “sicknote” due to his withdrawal from many potential matchups.

By the time 2006 had come along, Calzaghes ninth year as champion, American Jeff Lacey was perceived as the man who would knock the crown off the head of “The Pride Of Wales”. The IBF champion was unbeaten in 21 bouts with 17 knockouts and coming off impressive wins over Robin Reid and Scott Pemberton.

On 4 March 2006 at the Manchester Arena, Lacy would be given a boxing lesson and only the American’s bravery would see him through to the final bell.

Two routine defences later, Calzaghe finds himself in another big unification matchup.

In Mikkel Kessler, Calzaghe meets a man of similar height who is also experienced in the pro ranks.

Based almost exclusively in his native Denmark, the WBC and WBA champion has 29 knockout wins to his credit. A champion since 2004 when he won the WBA title, the Dane has racked up four title defences.

Orginally known as one of boxing’s best kept secrets, Kessler shot to prominence last year with an explosive performance against rival WBC champion Markus Beyer in three rounds.

Against Calzaghe, Kessler will be sacrificing home advantage this time. He also meets a man undefeated who is celebrating 10 years at the top.

Kessler is tough and presumably has agreed to come to Cardiff as the purse will be better. Also at 6 foot 1 inch, he, unlike Lacy will rival Calzaghe in the height stakes.

I anticipate a tough fight for the Welshman on the 3rd. And that’s why I think Joe will excel. Calzaghe has shown many times, the tougher the opponent, the better he will perform.

He will be in the shape of his life, as will Kessler in Cardiff. The atmosphere will be electric and I’m expecting a very entertaining fight.

Fighting in front of his home fans, Joe will want to shine and I think he will. He may have go the distance again, but I believe he will unify the belts once again to prove undisputedly who is top dog in the 168 pound division, giving British boxing momentum en route to Ricky Hatton’s ultimate test.