After the Dust Settles, Will Taylor Fight Calzaghe?

28.09.07 – By Ted Sares: Calzaghe vs. Kessler

Though I am more impressed with the “Pride of Wales’“overall level of opposition, Kessler has never suffered anything less than a UD win. If you did a won-lost analysis of Joe’s opponents (coming in) the result would be astoundingly impressive. Many came in with either unblemished records or just one or two defeats..

The “Viking Warrior” is seven years younger than Calzaghe and that disparity seemed to show a bit Calzaghe fought Bika. Against Peter Manfredo, in a fight that was stopped too soon, the Welshman showed super-fast hand speed, but many of his “blows” were more slap than punch.

Moreover, Manfredo simply stood there and covered up offering absolutely nothing in return. The unbeaten Dane knows full well that Calzaghe’s high output of punches includes an inordinate amount of slaps. And the combo-punching Kessler is no Manfredo.

While both sport an impressive 74% KO percentage, I keep coming back to age vs. youth and the possibility that Kessler may be peaking while Joe has passed his. If so, this could spell trouble for the “Italian Dragon.” Still, he is a very difficult fighter to beat (no on has done it yet). He has a solid chin, superb stamina, and, of course, that handspeed. But most importantly (at least to me) to me, he also has a boxer’s IQ that is near the top percentile.

On balance, I think Calzaghe just might be at the top of his game, albeit at an unusually ripe age. That said, I see him getting into his rhythm early and avoiding Kessler bombs with great ring movement and acumen. I see him peppering the Dane with enough punches (and slaps), many in lightening combinations, to gain a close decision.

Taylor vs. Pavlik

My heart says Pavlik but my brain says Taylor. In other words, I want Pavlik to win, but I don’t think he will. Styles do in fact make fights and Taylor’s movement will be difficult for Kelly to contend with.

Like fellow writer Matthew Hurley, I have been leaning towards Kelly Pavlik because of his tremendous power and stalking style, but now, upon refelection, I too am going the other way in my prediction. I think Taylor will win a hard fought decision based on his all-around boxing skills and, more importantly, the far superior level of opposition he has fought. Beating Hopkins twice, drawing with Wright, and beating Ouma and Spinks in succession is more compelling than stopping an exposed Edison Miranda (who in turn may have caught an Allen Green at a time when Green was far less than 100% due to documented illness). However, if Taylor refuses to listen to his corner as he sometimes does, he will be in immediate danger. If Pavlik is anything, he is focused and disciplined when it comes to following a fight plan.

In the final analysis, the Calzaghe -Kessler fight has the potential to be overly strategic and cerebral and this could translate to something other than excitement. Indeed, the odds on both these fights going the distance are decent.

After all the dust has settled, I believe the mega fight on the horizon will be Jermaine Taylor vs. Joe Calzaghe? I hope I am wrong.