Joe Rein: Why fix what ain’t broke?
By Uncategorized February 28th, 2006Joe Rein gives us the inside scoop on Lacy vs. Calzaghe
Joe Calzaghe’s got an interesting, bounce-up-and-down, dated style…as if it was taught when a land mass split off – all paint-by-the-numbers, ramrod stiff. The only thing missing are the knee-length tights and silk sash. But why fix what ain’t broke? He punches hard with his left. His combos are quick. He’s a good finisher (though he looks like he’s cuffing) an infernal southpaw, and he’s shown some “bottle.� You go undefeated after 40 pro fights – even if you’re fighting your grandmother – you don’t lack confidence. I’m sure Jeff Lacy’s muscles and reputation don’t cow him. They should. He’s the real deal – a super heavyweight masquerading as a super middle. He can bring down a building with either hand. It’s the one you don’t see that does ya in, as the saying goes – not with Lacy. They’re big arcing shots. You can see them from across the pond and brace, but a wrecking ball still leaves you in ruin. Joe should have his early innings – between pride, hand speed and 40,000 at the MEN Arena screaming for him – but, ultimately, he’ll be bludgeoned into the canvas by the eighth round.
The multifacted Joe Rein writes for The Sweet Science. To read more of his work
March 1st, 2006 at 6:41 am
In my opinion, this fight won’t be a walk in the park for either boxer.
First, Joe Calzaghe has the hand speed to frustrate “Left Hook” Lacy. If Joe fights intelligently from the outside, he’ll survive the early rounds - rounds in which he has on several occasions kissed the canvas, albeit for less than ten seconds. Secondly, he can run around the ring and pit pat jabs all day long with Lacy to try to frustrate him. With the crowd in Joe’s favor, even the weakest of punches will bring the crowd to their feet cheering. And if the judges go by the cheering more than by what they see, the rounds will be given to Joe.
But when it’s all said and done, there really isn’t much of a chance of Joe knocking out Jeff. The only thing that can knockout Jeff at this point, would be himself. If Jeff doesn’t come with a plan, execute it, and use counter punching to his advantage, then he is in for a long night - the one thing that Jeff doesn’t need. His physique, as you so kindly put it, is that of a heavyweight in a super middleweight’s body, shouldn’t be a factor if he paces himself and doesn’t through Babe Ruth swings all night. Jeff must catch Joe on the ropes or backing up, lure him into a slugfest, or just overwhelm him with his power. Jeff must put Joe on the canvas and look for the kill. Once this is done, nothing that Joe might bring will cause Jeff to backup.
Lacy by KO in the middle rounds.