CALZAGHE WANTS JONES

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND (INSIDE BOXING) WBO supermiddleweight champ Joe Calzaghe (30-0, 25 KO’s) stopped a game Richie Woodhall (28-27, 15 KO’s) in Saturday nights main event of a fight card that featured several championship bouts.

The 32 years old Woodhall had said that he felt this was his last chance to prove what he could do in the ring. The 28 years old Calzaghe found out real soon that his good friend was not telling a fib.

Dating back to their days as amateurs Woodhall and Calzaghe have considered themselves buddies. That went out the window Saturday night as both fighters were intent on showing the other who was boss.

Calzaghe was the obvious stronger of the two. Woodhall countered every attack made by Calzaghe with a solid attack of his own. Calzaghe was constantly warned by the referee for low blows, although no points were ever awarded Woodhall for the flagrant infractions.

Late in the 9^th round Calzaghe caught Woodhall flush on the chin with a solid left hook followed by a right hand that sent Woodhall reeling backwards and on his back. Woodhall was able to get to his feet at the sound of the bell ending the round.

Round 10 had Calzaghe land a series of glancing blows that seemingly did little damage. But the referee stepped in to stop the fight with absolutely no complaints from Woodhall. The two embraced as Woodhall was exhausted and was just a few more punches from going down…or maybe even being hurt bad.

Joe Calzaghe proclaimed himself the best fighter in the world and encouraged Roy Jones, Jr. to accept his challenge of fighting him in England. Promoter Frank Warren said that he had been in negotiations with Jones and thought they may be close to a deal.

Grapevine rumblings suggested to Warren that Jones is close to signing a deal with rival HBO. Being a SHOWTIME employee, Calzaghe will probably not get a shot at Jones unless some serious concessions are made. Probably by Calzaghe.

Roy Jones, Jr. would beat Joe Calzaghe after training for a week or two. Calzaghe stands straight in front of his opponent and looks to land the big knockout punch. Jones moves in all directions and throws punches from all angles. His tremendous hand speed would totally frustrate Calzaghe.

This would be a mismatch of dynamic proportions. But as long as Joe Calzaghe continues to talk, sooner or later Roy Jones, Jr. will oblige him by giving him the beating he is asking for.

Boy Wonder

12/16/00