Calzaghe Set To Meet Contender Manfredo
By Michael Woods November 22nd, 2006Calzaghe/Manfredo: Will a big beatdown follow the big letdown?
The upcoming year figures to be a biggie for Joe Calzaghe, as the Wales banger has stated he has Jermain Taylor in his sights. First, he will be gloving up against a lower tier American, Contender alumnus Peter Manfredo.
Calzaghe is looking to make his 20th defense of the WBO super middleweight title. There was talk that he and promoter Frank Warren would seek out a fighter along the lines of Glen Johnson to warm up for a summer showdown with the middleweight titlist Taylor, and some folks will be let down that Calzaghe has set on Manfredo as his next defense.
The Rhode Island based boxer is trained by Freddie Roach, and has made strides in his skills in the last two years, however. He looked strong and nasty in downing intrastate rival (TKO3) Joey Spina on October 14.
Manfredo’s sternest test thus far has been faded vet Scott Pemberton, who he TKOd in February.
Manfredo, ranked seventh by the WBO, will be a thorough underdog in the March scrap for sure.
November 22nd, 2006 at 4:48 pm
I don’t believe this.
I am not saying Manfredo is a bum. After all, he is being trained by one of the best trainers in the world (And one whose phone number most Filipino boxers appear to have on speed dial) and has shown considerable improvements in recent times, but I don’t think he’s ready for Joe C.
We all know what happened to Jeff Lacy (Another young gun who was simply too inexperienced for Joe). I have a feeling the same thing might happen again.
November 22nd, 2006 at 5:04 pm
If Joe Calzaghe doesn’t fight Jermain Taylor, Winky Wright or M Kessler after he fights Manfredo he should just retire. Because no one wants to see a future hall of famer like Calzaghe fight boxers way below his level.
November 23rd, 2006 at 11:48 am
I thougth Manfredo was a bit small..he was badly bruised by Alonso Gomez in teh contender series and Gomez is a welterweight. Pemberton seems to have declined, so a victory over him is not a huge indication of Manfredos talent.
Me wonders why big name fights are not coming Joes way. I’d like to see him fight Kessler/Taylor too.
November 23rd, 2006 at 9:11 pm
I really think that manfredo is making a bad decision here i mean to beat a fighter like calzaghe you need much more experience and manfredo doesnt have that. I predict manfredo will lose…convincingly.
Although i would like to see a Calzaghe vs. Taylor
November 24th, 2006 at 9:24 am
I AM PULLING FOR MANFREDO HERE…WHETHER OR NOT HE WINS IS ANOTHER STORY BUT I DO KNOW THAT TAYLOR WILL TOUCH UP CALZAGE BAD…
November 24th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
Calzaghe will undoubtedly destroy Manfredo,,not a good match up for either fighter,,Manfredo will hopefully not have his confidence knocked too badly because he has a chance of at least been a valid contender in the future. For Joe, yes his profile may raise in the States but his critics will be negative win or lose, Manfredo will be classed as easy prey. Joe also needs stiffer opposition as toughen up fights for either Winky or Taylor. Respect NickyT,,,but i gotta disagree wi u,,i dont think Taylor can live with Joes speed and skills,and i definatley dont see him been any stronger although he has a big heart. My choice would be a match up with Winky Wright who i think can offer a true 50\50 fight,i want to see Joe up against americas best because i believe he can beat them but nothing other than his best will do.
November 24th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
it’s a warm up fight for joe against a famous american opponent and a decent payday for manfredo , i think joe wants the big fights like winky,taylor,tarver … mikkel kesslar might be seen as to high of risk to too little of a reward to his team though