GOBBLER’S KNOB, (Groundhog Day) — At 7:28 AM ET today, Punxsutawney Phil — seer of all seers, predictor of all predictors — emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA., and proclaimed, in his native tongue of Groundhogese, that Joe Calzaghe’s reign as super middleweight champion would last for six more title defenses! ..
“It’s going to be an early night for Peter Manfredo, Jr.,” stated Phil as he shadowboxed during his annual news conference. “Manfredo will not be able to weather the hail storm of punches, becoming the 20th world title defense victim of Joe C Wales on April 7.”
The world’s most famous prognosticator, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with “Calzaghe – Boxing’s Minister of Defense” on the front, went on to predict that Calzaghe would have even greater success when he makes his U.S. debut later this year.
“I predict Joe Calzaghe will get his 21st title defense this summer and move past Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins into sole possession of fourth place on boxing’s all-time list of title defenses,” continued Phil.
Could Hopkins be title defense victim No. 21?
“Oh, I think Hopkins will talk a good game, but at the end of the day, he will demand Joe fight him at light heavyweight to prevent Joe from passing him on the all-time list, win or lose. It’s obvious when it comes to boxing history, Hopkins doesn’t want to walk in Joe’s shadow,” said Phil.
When asked again for a definitive prediction on whether Hopkins would challenge Calzaghe for his third world title in as many weight classes and to protect his place on the all-time title defense list, Phil astounded the media by answering in English.
Quoth the groundhog, “Nevermore.”
Promoted by Frank Warren’s Sports Network, in association with Mark Burnett’s The Tournament of Contenders, Calzaghe vs. Manfredo will be broadcast live from Millennium Stadium in Cardiff Wales, on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 5 P.M. ET / 2 P.M. PT with a replay later that evening. With over 20,000 tickets already sold, and nine weeks still remaining, Calzaghe-Manfredo is almost certain to be fought in front of the biggest live boxing audience in United Kingdom history. Calzaghe (42-0, 31 KOs), boxing’s current longest-reigning champion (1997-present), will be defending his WBO /The Ring magazine titles against former NABO champion Manfredo (26-3, 12 KOs), currently world-rated No. 7. Manfredo was a finalist in season one of The Contender, where he fought for a purse of $1 million.