And I am here to state the case for a Lacy win.

Lacy is the latest of the classic blue chip American fighters. A conveyor belt for talent, that has given the world the likes of Leonard, Hearns, Whitaker and de la Hoya.

Lacy has been brought up the right way; 209-12 as an Amateur, culminating in an appearance at the Sydney Olympics.

His pro career has been impressive from day one; putting a devastating KO streak together, against some fair opposition for a novice. In only his eighth bout, a mere year into his pro career, Lacy beat Glenn Thomas, a former hot prospect and a top contender for the IBF Middleweight crown, in a single round.

But then Lacy stepped to the next level, despite only having gone three rounds with anyone as a pro, Lacy showed his true pedigree in his next bout, by going the distance for the first time (10 rounds), with the teat tough journeyman, Bobby Jones. And he furthered his education by going the 12 round distance with the likes of fringe contenders, Ross Thompson and Richard Grant.

So what!!! You might say; Thompson, Grant and Jones, were no Eubank or even Byron Mitchell, and you are right. But remember, these were learning fights, meant to help Lacy step up to World Class as soon as possible.

And what a step up to World class it has been. Initially he had two finding his feet fights with Vanderpool and Sheika, but since then, he has found his stride, and the experience he has gained from his early career, is now bearing fruit.

Against Robin Reid, a fighter thought to of beaten Calzaghe, by some, he was devastating; blasting out the previously never stopped Reid in eight very impressive and extremely one-sided rounds. And then to follow it up with the victory over then streaking Pemberton, further establishes Lacy as top 168lber, who is possibly at or reaching his peak.

Unlike Calzaghe, Lacy is at or near his peak; unlike Calzaghe, Lacy is hungry. If I had to explain in one sentence why Jeff will beat Joe I would say this:

Lacy is looking at the Calzaghe fight as a stepping-stone for bigger and better things; Joe is looking at the bout as one final big payday…