04.04.08 – By James Barlow: Over the last 18 months there have been some cracking fights between some very talented fighters. For once the promoters got their acts together some made sure a lot of the best fights out there happened. But what of the next 18 – 24 months? Below are some of the fights Id love to see..
Calzaghe Vs. Pavlik – I believe this one has already provisionally been agreed. It seems too much of a coincidence that Pavlik has signed to fight Calzaghe stable mate Gary Lockett. This fight involving a British fighter should raise Pavliks profile in the U.K especially as he should easily dispose of Lockett in his usual destructive fashion. Calzaghe is also expected to beat Hopkins in a fight that should confirm to American audiences that he is near the top of the pound for pound list. This should set up a mega fight between them in the States late 2008. My mouth waters just thinking of this one!
David Haye Vs. Sam Peter/Klatch then Maccarinelli – A fight that could see people taking an interest in the heavy weights again is Haye Vs. Peter. Haye has unified the Cruisers and proved he can get KO’s. Peter is also a banger and fireworks would go off if these two were to meet. A fight against Klitschko would also be an interesting affair. I’d also like to see Maccarinelli win another title at Cruiser weight and then step up to heavy weight for a re-match against Haye. I’m not saying Macca would win a rematch but I feel he would put up a better show than he previously did. I don’t buy into Maccarinelli being exposed by Haye. These guys can both punch and a KO somewhere down the line was probable but I think it’s a shame we didn’t get to see more of them locking horns.
Witter Vs. Hatton Vs. Malignaggi – Id love to see these 3 fighters fight each other in a round robin. Hatton keeps making excuses not to fight Witter but he has now got to face up bar a Mayweather re-match Witter is the biggest fight out there for him. His comments about Witter to the press are starting to make him sound scared. I’m a big Hatton fan and would love him to beat Witter then Malignaggi and get a re-match with Mayweather. A Witter – Malignaggi fight would also be an explosive affair.
Cotto Vs. Mayweather – Lets face it this is the one that we all really want to see. Mayweather has signed to fight De La Hoya again but we’ve already seen this one and I can’t see any other out come for the re-match. He has also talked about a re-match with Hatton but in stating this in my opinion he is showing he is just looking for big more big pay days than increasing his credibility as a boxer.
Hopkins Vs. Jones Jr – This would be an interesting fight as both of these fighters are past their primes and old adversaries. This is a fight that should have been made years ago but both boxers were happy to stay in their comfort zones. Although both past their pound for pound best both fighters still have something to offer and pride and a victory over the other even at this late a stage in their careers would refuse to let either fighter give anything other than 110%. There are people who would like to see these two old warriors retire but personally I’d still love to see this one before they do.
Witter Vs. Judah – If for whatever reason fights against Hatton and Malignaggi do not materialize I’d like to see Witter get another crack at Judah. Judah is still a very credible opponent and bar the lose to Baldomir although he has lost some fights they have all been against top class opposition. On top off this I think even in loosing he proved he still has some left in the tank. Judah could still make light welter if he wanted and a Witter fight would be well worth watching.
Manny Pacquaio Vs. Air Kahn – I know I’m really pushing it wit this one but if Kahn was to grab a title at light weight and with Pacquaio stepping up this one is a potential super fight. Kahn has built up a good following in the UK and is probably the 3rd biggest draw even in this early stage in his career. Manny is a pound for pound great and would get a big pay day if he came over to the UK for this one.