Kessler & Calzaghe camps in talks

[CJA]

Mikkel Kessler's camp says a Joe Calzaghe bout to unify the 168lb division could happen by February.

Promoter Betina Palle told BBC Sport that negotiations have been initiated with Calzaghe's backer Frank Warren.

While the Dane would prefer the fight in Copenhagen, he is willing to travel for the right price, with Cardiff's Millennium Stadium a likely venue.

But Palle stressed that talks were at an early stage, with the IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC all needing to be contacted.


I don't know why Joe continues to call out Roy Jones Jr, Hopkins and these other guys

Mikkel Kessler

Wales' WBO and IBF super middleweight champion Calzaghe, 34, holds a proud record of 42-0 (31 KOs), and - having held the WBO belt since 1997 and made 19 defences - is the longest-reigning current world champion in the sport.

Copenhagen's Kessler, 27, is also undefeated, with a record of 38-0 (29 KOs) since turning professional in 1998.

'The Viking Warrior' stopped Manny Siaca for the WBA belt in 2004 and went on to defend successfully against Anthony Mundine and Eric Lucas.

Last Saturday - while Calzaghe was labouring to victory over Sakio Bika - Kessler stopped Markus Beyer in the third round to add the WBC belt to his collection.

Calzaghe has targeted a bout against a fighter who is well-established with the US TV audience, with Bernard Hopkins his preferred option.

Joe Calzaghe
Calzaghe has no doubts he is number one at 168lbs

But 41-year-old Hopkins is officially retired and has shown no signs of reversing this decision to meet the Welshman, who remains a nearly-man across the Atlantic.

"I don't know why Joe continues to call out Roy Jones Jr, Hopkins and these other guys," said Kessler, who many would see as a far more dangerous opponent than the ageing US stars.

"I believe I am the best super middleweight in the world. Joe disagrees with me, fine, but let's settle it where it should be settled - in the boxing ring.

"He should want what the fans want, which is that he and I get it on. Joe knows in his heart he cannot beat me."

Calzaghe predicted Kessler's easy win over Beyer and rates the Dane as the second-best super middleweight in the world, but is confident of victory if the promoters make the match.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6063686.stm

hope this fight gets sorted, this is the right fight for Calzaghe.

[killersheep]

This is the best possible move for both fighters IMO, let's see how the alphabet guys screw it up though!!

[Gandalf]

Bring it!! Kesslers tattoos might be a distraction, but otherwise Calzaghe holds all of the advantages (despite what the weekend flippant naysayers might suggest!!!)....

Calzaghe is too good for Kessler, but he's good enough to make it closer than Calzaghe would like.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Its a shame i havent had the chance to see Kessler fight yet... Might check out youtube.

I dont think we need another Calzaghe bashing on this thread but i would be keen to hear what peeps have to say about Kessler (EXCLUDING YOU KNOW WHO).

[skel1983]

Its a shame i havent had the chance to see Kessler fight yet... Might check out youtube.

I dont think we need another Calzaghe bashing on this thread but i would be keen to hear what peeps have to say about Kessler (EXCLUDING YOU KNOW WHO).

Good fighter, bit one dimensional if you ask me, i think Calzaghe UD'S him for sure, nice over hand right thats the puch Joe has to watch but i fancy Joe strongly.

[Kev]

I can well understand Calzaghe's reluctance to fight Kessler.

Hopkins and Jones are much bigger names and probably easier fights than Kessler.

However you would think that having boxed as a supermiddleweight his entire career, and having been an undefeated world champion for 10 years the opportunity to win the remaining two belts at the weight and to become the first ever totally unified supermiddleweight champion would be a huge attraction for Joe.

If I was Joe I would love to have the opportunity to fight Kessler, win all the belts and wrap up my business in the 168 lb division, and then move up and face the other guys.

A fight with Kessler surely is the best fight, I'd personally love to see it happen. Go after the 175 lbers after you've cleaned up 168 lb Joe.

[Hous]

Its a shame i havent had the chance to see Kessler fight yet... Might check out youtube.

I dont think we need another Calzaghe bashing on this thread but i would be keen to hear what peeps have to say about Kessler (EXCLUDING YOU KNOW WHO).

Good fighter, bit one dimensional if you ask me, i think Calzaghe UD'S him for sure, nice over hand right thats the puch Joe has to watch but i fancy Joe strongly.

Calzaghe cant hurt Kessler, and Kessler will come at Calzaghe relentlessly with more power and better boxing skills than Sakio Bika and Jeff Lacy.

I dont know, it would be a excellent bout. If Kessler can beat him hes a top p4p no doubt with the opposition he has faced, and hes a young big guy.

[armin]

Calzaghe doesn't have to hurt him, just outbox and outwork him, which I think he's very capable of doing.

[Hairdoo]

Joe is injury prone I wouldn't be surprised if he loses to Kessler simply because his body won't let him get up for it.

[Purist]

Kessler's gonna get schooled in the worst way

[jbirdy]

joe would box his head of. too quick and to busy. kessler has become so over rated on this site since saturday night.

[killersheep]

joe would box his head of. too quick and to busy. kessler has become so over rated on this site since saturday night.

I don't think it's overrating him, the only name that Joe has on his resume that's better is Lacy. I have no problem rating him
at #2 for SMW right behind Joe.

Yes Joe is certainly capable of giving him a lesson, as long as the serious Joe shows up.

If Joe fights him the same way he fought Lacy, easily a UD.
If Joe fights him the same way he fought Bika, it's a pick 'em for me.

[jbirdy]

kessler is number 2 at super middle. but he's still being over rated on this site.

[killersheep]

kessler is number 2 at super middle. but he's still being over rated on this site.

Please give an example.................

[jbirdy]

i dont think he hits as hard as lacy and i think jeff would stand a good chance against kessler. i think he's nothing special and simply a good fighter who might be getting a few too many hasty predictions about beeting calzaghe and being the best opponent calzaghe would have faced. i don't think he's any better than robin reid was in his day.