Thread: Dawson 'in talks with Calzaghe

From the BBC


America's Chad Dawson claims talks have opened between Joe Calzaghe's camp and his own, suggesting the Welshman might not be retiring after all.

British radio station Talksport reported on Thursday that Calzaghe, 36, would not fight on following his win over Roy Jones Jr a fortnight ago.

But Dawson said: "There's a little talk going on between the two parties.

"It's definitely a fight I want, it's something I've wanted since Calzaghe stepped up to light-heavyweight."

Unbeaten Dawson, 26, is in Las Vegas for Saturday's fight between Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi.

Dawson is the IBF light-heavyweight champion and holds wins over former 175lb title-holders Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson.

Chad Dawson is a good young fighter, but no-one cares about him, a fight against him doesn't mean anything

However, he is a virtual unknown outside boxing circles and it is difficult to see what Calzaghe would gain from fighting him.

Following his demolition of former great Jones in New York , Calzaghe said he would make a decision after Christmas as to whether he would hang up his gloves.

His family are said to be against him continuing, including his father and trainer Enzo.

However, the chance to prove himself against a younger fighter following defeats of Bernard Hopkins and Jones might prove too much for Calzaghe, who is unbeaten in 46 fights, to resist.

The chance to bow out in front of his beloved Welsh fans at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium could also be too great a temptation.

"He's definitely not retiring," said Dawson's manager Mike Criscio. "And we'd go to the UK in a heartbeat. In front of 72,000 people in Wales, that would be a great fight."

The world's top light-heavyweights are queuing up to fight Calzaghe, with Tarver, Johnson and Hopkins all putting their name forward, as well former middleweight king Jermain Taylor, who is currently campaigning at super-middle.

Malignaggi's promoter Lou DiBella also handles Johnson and Taylor and is extremely keen to make a match.

"I would put Jermain Taylor in with Calzaghe if I got the opportunity, but I don't think I'm going to get the opportunity," said DiBella.

"Chad Dawson is a good young fighter, but no-one cares about him, a fight against him doesn't mean anything, even in the US.

"But Glen Johnson was robbed against Dawson [Dawson won a unanimous decision in April], he knocked out Roy Jones and he beat Antonio Tarver and it would be a great, great fight for Joe Calzaghe to go out with."

Interesting stuff if its all true ... but ya know how the rumor mill works Lol, but for Calzaghe Camp Its gonna be about the money & who can bring the most of it to the table ... I think Joe personally would like Dawson as he is an unbeaten fighter & will bring out the fire in his belly..

I think Joe will fight once more in the UK to give his fans a send off. Honestly, I hope the opportunity goes to Glenn Johnson. The guy has been on the short end of the stick so many times in his career. I personally felt he beat Dawson. It would be nice to see him get a big fight and nice payday. Plus, Calzaghe kind of owes him after to pulling out three times when they were supposed to fight in the past.

You know what, the only reason all these fighters want to face Joe is because they think they can beat him, not because of the money, they see all his recent opponents standing at the final bell and think he aint a puncher, they forget Joes opponents getting slapped around the ring at a pace they cant handle.

Joe dont have to prove anything over any young guns he did that already against Kessler just last year, Kessler was far more established on the world stage and more respected and well known than Dawson.

Also Dawson himself might be living in a false security, barely beating and Johnson who Woods beat far more convincingly and working at a slow pace against an old Tarver who Bernard had embarrassed.

Right I'm no boxing brain but i think Calzaghe should have two more and final fights .

One against Chad Dawson in America . This will answer his critics he never fights anybody in their prime.

His last fight should be in Cardiff's millennium stadium against Carl Froch . (If Froch can beat Jean Pascal) Think this would be a great send of for the Welshman in front of his home fans .



Thoughts anyone

Ive just had a thought that I havent read or heard anyone else bring up.

Joe and Chad are both southpaws, Joes awkward left hands wouldnt look so awkward and his power may look alot better as his shots would be finding their target alot better, ive noticed how Joes lefts arc around trying to land on orthodox fighters, whereas hed be able to get the straighter shots in.

Also, I wonder how much more difficult it would be for Chad to fight a fellow southpaw as im not sure hes faced one, especially someone of Joes class

By the way, Calzaghe has denied that any talks have took place!

I think Joe should retire on top. As we well know boxers hang around too long.

Originally Posted by ross

You know what, the only reason all these fighters want to face Joe is because they think they can beat him, not because of the money, they see all his recent opponents standing at the final bell and think he aint a puncher, they forget Joes opponents getting slapped around the ring at a pace they cant handle.

Joe dont have to prove anything over any young guns he did that already against Kessler just last year, Kessler was far more established on the world stage and more respected and well known than Dawson.

Also Dawson himself might be living in a false security, barely beating and Johnson who Woods beat far more convincingly and working at a slow pace against an old Tarver who Bernard had embarrassed.

Have you not seen the Clinton Woods-Glen Johnson fights, all of them were debatable, and far more heavily in Glen's favor than the Chad Dawson fight. Dawson snapped the head back on Harding several times, he sure hit hard enough to make Tarver turtle the whole fight. As For Kessler who has he beaten even close to Glen Johnson, Tarver, Harding, or Adamek? ALl these guys make Kessler's opposition pale in comparison.

Joe wasn't able to hurt Roy ONCE, and Glen Johnson hurt Roy and ko'ed him worse, if you want to compare fights Glen beat a better.younger version of Roy who was throwing combinations albeit only a handful of times, but still Roy was 3 or 4 years younger, and Glen KO'ed him. Calzaghe didn't land anywhere near the amount compubox stated, they have been fraudulent for years, just like in the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight or in a dozen other fights I've seen. Calzaghe didn't get the better of Hopkisn with his big workrate and slaping punches, and Chad Dawson IMO is a better LHW than either of them. He's faster than Roy has been in years, he hits harder than Hopkins or Jones, he is throws back when he gets hit, he throws combinations ,he has great jab and right hook which Calzaghe has never faced, and his best punch is the right uppercut which is Calzaghe's worst nightmare. Kessler landed it successfully, but he wasn't quick enough or threw the punch enough to really utilize it properly.

I also see that when Dawson was knocked down by Adamek(which he wasn't really hurt from, it looked like he tripped over one of Adamek's feet), and the time He was hurt against Glen JOhnson he came back in the same round to bring the fight to his opponent's doorstep.

Dawson easily beat glen johnson and deserves a shot at calzaghe.

Originally Posted by Taeth

Originally Posted by ross

You know what, the only reason all these fighters want to face Joe is because they think they can beat him, not because of the money, they see all his recent opponents standing at the final bell and think he aint a puncher, they forget Joes opponents getting slapped around the ring at a pace they cant handle.

Joe dont have to prove anything over any young guns he did that already against Kessler just last year, Kessler was far more established on the world stage and more respected and well known than Dawson.

Also Dawson himself might be living in a false security, barely beating and Johnson who Woods beat far more convincingly and working at a slow pace against an old Tarver who Bernard had embarrassed.

Have you not seen the Clinton Woods-Glen Johnson fights, all of them were debatable, and far more heavily in Glen's favor than the Chad Dawson fight. Dawson snapped the head back on Harding several times, he sure hit hard enough to make Tarver turtle the whole fight. As For Kessler who has he beaten even close to Glen Johnson, Tarver, Harding, or Adamek? ALl these guys make Kessler's opposition pale in comparison.

Joe wasn't able to hurt Roy ONCE, and Glen Johnson hurt Roy and ko'ed him worse, if you want to compare fights Glen beat a better.younger version of Roy who was throwing combinations albeit only a handful of times, but still Roy was 3 or 4 years younger, and Glen KO'ed him. Calzaghe didn't land anywhere near the amount compubox stated, they have been fraudulent for years, just like in the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight or in a dozen other fights I've seen. Calzaghe didn't get the better of Hopkisn with his big workrate and slaping punches, and Chad Dawson IMO is a better LHW than either of them. He's faster than Roy has been in years, he hits harder than Hopkins or Jones, he is throws back when he gets hit, he throws combinations ,he has great jab and right hook which Calzaghe has never faced, and his best punch is the right uppercut which is Calzaghe's worst nightmare. Kessler landed it successfully, but he wasn't quick enough or threw the punch enough to really utilize it properly.

I also see that when Dawson was knocked down by Adamek(which he wasn't really hurt from, it looked like he tripped over one of Adamek's feet), and the time He was hurt against Glen JOhnson he came back in the same round to bring the fight to his opponent's doorstep.

Are you sure he wasn't hurt from the adamek knockdown? I'm not calling you a liar, i just think i remember him being hurt.....although i only watched the fight via stream.

I do think Dawson presents a huge risk for Calzaghe. He's a good fighter. I thought Johnson beat him personally but i admit i still rate him.

I tend to side with the argument that Calzaghe would still beat him.

Originally Posted by ono

Originally Posted by Taeth

Originally Posted by ross

You know what, the only reason all these fighters want to face Joe is because they think they can beat him, not because of the money, they see all his recent opponents standing at the final bell and think he aint a puncher, they forget Joes opponents getting slapped around the ring at a pace they cant handle.

Joe dont have to prove anything over any young guns he did that already against Kessler just last year, Kessler was far more established on the world stage and more respected and well known than Dawson.

Also Dawson himself might be living in a false security, barely beating and Johnson who Woods beat far more convincingly and working at a slow pace against an old Tarver who Bernard had embarrassed.

Have you not seen the Clinton Woods-Glen Johnson fights, all of them were debatable, and far more heavily in Glen's favor than the Chad Dawson fight. Dawson snapped the head back on Harding several times, he sure hit hard enough to make Tarver turtle the whole fight. As For Kessler who has he beaten even close to Glen Johnson, Tarver, Harding, or Adamek? ALl these guys make Kessler's opposition pale in comparison.

Joe wasn't able to hurt Roy ONCE, and Glen Johnson hurt Roy and ko'ed him worse, if you want to compare fights Glen beat a better.younger version of Roy who was throwing combinations albeit only a handful of times, but still Roy was 3 or 4 years younger, and Glen KO'ed him. Calzaghe didn't land anywhere near the amount compubox stated, they have been fraudulent for years, just like in the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight or in a dozen other fights I've seen. Calzaghe didn't get the better of Hopkisn with his big workrate and slaping punches, and Chad Dawson IMO is a better LHW than either of them. He's faster than Roy has been in years, he hits harder than Hopkins or Jones, he is throws back when he gets hit, he throws combinations ,he has great jab and right hook which Calzaghe has never faced, and his best punch is the right uppercut which is Calzaghe's worst nightmare. Kessler landed it successfully, but he wasn't quick enough or threw the punch enough to really utilize it properly.

I also see that when Dawson was knocked down by Adamek(which he wasn't really hurt from, it looked like he tripped over one of Adamek's feet), and the time He was hurt against Glen JOhnson he came back in the same round to bring the fight to his opponent's doorstep.

Are you sure he wasn't hurt from the adamek knockdown? I'm not calling you a liar, i just think i remember him being hurt.....although i only watched the fight via stream.

I do think Dawson presents a huge risk for Calzaghe. He's a good fighter. I thought Johnson beat him personally but i admit i still rate him.

I tend to side with the argument that Calzaghe would still beat him.

I think he was hurt he got up at the count of 5 if i remember rightly, and he went on retreat for most of the fight after that. But if he was or wasn't hurt doesn't really matter, Tomasz Adamek can punch Joe Calzaghe can't.

I won't count Calzaghe out but I think if this fight happens it could be the one to give him his first L. Dawson is faster, younger, stronger and a really good boxer. He doesn't just cruise; he likes to bang. He played around like Calzaghe did against Roy, except against a guy who could have hurt him in Tarver. Calzaghe's edge over him is his insane amount of stamina; Dawson will take off a round or two, but Calzaghe couldn't hurt him anyway. And Calzaghe's awkwardness/ring intelligence. But if they go punch for punch Calzaghe could lose in a big way.

Originally Posted by Taeth

Originally Posted by ross

You know what, the only reason all these fighters want to face Joe is because they think they can beat him, not because of the money, they see all his recent opponents standing at the final bell and think he aint a puncher, they forget Joes opponents getting slapped around the ring at a pace they cant handle.

Joe dont have to prove anything over any young guns he did that already against Kessler just last year, Kessler was far more established on the world stage and more respected and well known than Dawson.

Also Dawson himself might be living in a false security, barely beating and Johnson who Woods beat far more convincingly and working at a slow pace against an old Tarver who Bernard had embarrassed.

Have you not seen the Clinton Woods-Glen Johnson fights, all of them were debatable, and far more heavily in Glen's favor than the Chad Dawson fight. Dawson snapped the head back on Harding several times, he sure hit hard enough to make Tarver turtle the whole fight. As For Kessler who has he beaten even close to Glen Johnson, Tarver, Harding, or Adamek? ALl these guys make Kessler's opposition pale in comparison.

Joe wasn't able to hurt Roy ONCE, and Glen Johnson hurt Roy and ko'ed him worse, if you want to compare fights Glen beat a better.younger version of Roy who was throwing combinations albeit only a handful of times, but still Roy was 3 or 4 years younger, and Glen KO'ed him. Calzaghe didn't land anywhere near the amount compubox stated, they have been fraudulent for years, just like in the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight or in a dozen other fights I've seen. Calzaghe didn't get the better of Hopkisn with his big workrate and slaping punches, and Chad Dawson IMO is a better LHW than either of them. He's faster than Roy has been in years, he hits harder than Hopkins or Jones, he is throws back when he gets hit, he throws combinations ,he has great jab and right hook which Calzaghe has never faced, and his best punch is the right uppercut which is Calzaghe's worst nightmare. Kessler landed it successfully, but he wasn't quick enough or threw the punch enough to really utilize it properly.

I also see that when Dawson was knocked down by Adamek(which he wasn't really hurt from, it looked like he tripped over one of Adamek's feet), and the time He was hurt against Glen JOhnson he came back in the same round to bring the fight to his opponent's doorstep.

Until Jones got cut, he was giving Joe a close fight. Joe was winning the rounds, but not by the wide margin. HBO and Compubox was retarded in that fight. I was sitting next to two guys from Setanta, a Welshman who fought Joe in the amatuers, and Scottish Calzaghe fan and they were all sweating until Jones got cut and gave up. They all said that the 1st round KD was the worst Joe had every been hurt, and acknowledged that Roy was landing the harder shots early in the fight.

It would be typical to bring in Johnson for a final fight. Fight the name, the former champ, the guy past it, to pad the resume and wallet instead of going for the best out there. Fair play to you Joe, but we'll always know that you played it smart and same. Good business.

Retire, or fight the young guns. I guess I would be happy for Johnson to get a good paycheck, but at this point, Johnson has had a few in his career.