For years many U.S. fight fans have balanced on a thin, tight rope when it comes to their opinions or support of the Welshman that would be the kingpin of the super middleweight division.

This U.S. fan feels that that’s one hell of a huge cop out.

The fact that a vast majority of our U.S. champs face less scrutiny under the same actions has always been a mystery to me. Names like Hopkins, Jones, Mayweather, & countless others get away with it seems beside the point for Calzaghe’s critics.

Another little discrepancy lies in the line of opposition. Many tear apart Joe’s record as if it were made of tissue paper. Many regard Joe’s opponents as if they were the perfect match for the white cotton…I am not one of those many. Joe has faced the same level of opposition as the majority of our champions…the names are just not that recognizable due to the side of the lake that they swim & that’s a bit close minded.

Joe’s beaten names like Reid, Sheika, Salem, Veit, Ashira, Mkrtchian, Jimenez, & the great Eubank…whom most argue wasn’t great when Joe got to him. Utter rubbish. Although many discredit those names now…they were quite impressive when Joe just walked through them. Many fighters took notice as most of the “then” champions either refused to cross the lakes or priced themselves out of the matches. It would seem that Calzaghe could do no right or please pundits & fans alike.

Enter Jeff Lacy.

Coming up Lacy was considered the danger man of 168lbs…& very few would argue. Lacy knocked out 17 of his first 20 opponents & bested the rest quite impressively. There was a stumble here & there…but nothing to get to worried about. Lacy was rising & he was rising fast (far to fast, IWHO) up the ladder of one hundred sixty. Lacy faced & hammered some game opponents & the moment that he grabbed the IBF’s strap in 2004 he began to call out Joe Calzaghe.

When the match was finally made, after countless trips to the bartering table, many were of the opinion that Calzaghe would all but hand Lacy the title once they were toe to toe. Just the opposite occurred. Lacy traded home court advantage, his IBF title, his reputation, & the majority of his “danger man” image to Calzaghe for the fight of life…which is just what Joe gave him.

It’s become ancient lore now…the story of Joe man handling Lacy has been pushed to the back burner. Lacy has been discounted as a meagerly talented bum & Joe is still being critiqued by his detractors as a pity-pat puncher that’s been cared for like fine china his entire run.

Both of the above accusations are utter trash & any boxing fan worth his salts can should be able to get past their bias & admit that…but they won’t & here we are…another one of Wacko’s long drawn out diatribes.

So let me get to my point…& questions.

Will Mikkel Kessler fall to the same fate if he loses to Joe in near or like fashion?
If the opposite were to happen & Kessler handles Joe…will Joe then be dismissed?

Just curious what your thoughts were.

Mine are short & sweet concerning the Dane. If there is a foil out there for Joe Calzaghe I believe that it can be only one of two men…Kessler or Hopkins.

I won’t get into the Hopkins debate because it’s an old one…but Kessler…it’s still fresh cut & waiting on the table.

Kessler has the age, power, & abilities to cause Joe all sorts of issues. While I am a dyed in the wool Calzaghe fan…I’m just as big of a Kessler fan…so it’s hard for me to pick a winner with my heart or my head…but I truly believe that Calzaghe has the better shot down the stretch.

Kessler’s footwork could cause Joe issues…if Kessler can get his feet to work against someone as quick & awkward as Joe. Joe throws punches from all angles & is constantly working his feet. I have a feeling that down the stretch of 12 this is what will benefit Joe the most. Joe has never punched himself out & this is something that Kess needs to remember.

Kessler needs to come on & come on hard…& he can do it…but he can also box.

I just honestly feel that the speed is going to be the bigger factor in the fight.

Here’s hoping that I’m wrong.

I want a fight. I want to see a contest for Joe & I want to see Kessler prove himself…which I think he can if he keeps his head.

Your thoughts?