Calzaghe Comments On Roach Development
By Michael Woods January 30th, 2007Joe Calzaghe: Cap’n Freddie Roach jumps U.S.S. Manfredo
The waves continue to ripple with the news that Freddie Roach will train Oscar De La Hoya for his May 5 showdown with Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather.
Joe Calzaghe has weighed in from across the pond after receiving the news that Roach will be tied up with Oscar, and thus won’t be able to work Peter Manfredo’s corner when the Contender alum and the pride of Wales get it on.
“Sounds like Cap’n Freddie Roach was smart enough to jump ship before the U.S.S. Manfredo sinks in Wales on April 7,” remarked Calzaghe.
Calzaghe (42-0, 31 KOs), boxing’s current longest-reigning champion (1997-present), defends his WBO title against Manfredo (26-3, 12 KOs) on Saturday, April 7, at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
HBO World Championship Boxing will televise the fight live in the U.S. at 5 P.M. ET / 2 P.M. PT with a replay later that evening.
Over 20,000 tickets have been sold already, and nine weeks still remaining, Calzaghe-Manfredo is almost certain to be fought in front of the biggest live boxing audience in United Kingdom history. That stat was surprising to me; I’d figured somebody—Benn, Frank, Hatton—somebody—had fought in front of more people.
Roach said that he’d sat down all his clients, including Manny Pacquiao, Israel Vasquez, Manfredo and Robert Guerrero, and informed them that he’d be tied up with ODLH. All, the trainer said, were OK with the move and understand that for Roach, this is a career no-brainer…
January 30th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Calzaghe may be the longest-reigning champion but do you think he’ll ever take a fight with Kesslar? As they would say on the other side of the pond…â€?not bloody likelyâ€?. And why would he, when he can pad his record by taking on the likes of Bika and now Manfredo. No disrespect to Manfredo by any means but frankly he’s never been in the ring with this quality of an opponent. Manfredo better be doing a lot of cardio because Joe is as strong in 10, 11 and 12 as he is in round 1. Manfredo’s tank runs empty after 8 rounds. Frankly, I would love to see Manfredo shock us all and bring some life back to this mundane division.
I’m happy for Freddie…he’s a class act. PBF’s 0 must go! I’m just not sure Oscar is the man for the job. One can hope.
January 31st, 2007 at 4:20 am
There have been many fights in Britain with bigger gates than 20,000 - Benn v Eubank 2 pulled in app. 45,000 for example. In fact, Calzaghe himself fought David Starie in front of 22,000 on the Tyson-Francis undercard in Manchester. I assume Warren is expecting to sell a few more tickets yet - after all, it’s still more than two months to the fight. The Millennium Stadium can hold 74,000, not counting the seats on the pitch area, so the capacity is there. But I can’t see it going over 30,000.
January 31st, 2007 at 10:54 am
When will Calzaghe fight the best in the division, and stop taking safe fights. Something has to be done, with these promoter, maybe the tv networks. Give him 2 million to fight Kessler. Stop the crap!, the pony show calling out B-hop and Roy and Traver, he should have done that 5 years ago. Calzaghe your Slacker. Get some balls callout Kessler. You to Hatton callout Witter.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Like Bigg says… Calzaghe just grow a pair and fight Kessler… stop taking fights with people like Manfredo and Bika, and step up to the real men!
January 31st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I agree with Carmine and Bigg. Calzaghe needs to stop running and fight Kessler.
I mean, winning against Jeff Lacy doesn’t mean much. Yes, Lacy is good, but he’s not great. He’s one-dimensional and extremely inexperienced.
Joe, be a man and fight the best out there.
January 31st, 2007 at 5:25 pm
whos gonna train peter now
February 5th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
If you people think Manfredo is a bum, you have another thing coming. This kid has been trianing since he could walk. Never mind the fresh legs he has against a aging fighter. He has never touched the canvas and will not that night. That’s why he is a dangerous fighter. That’s why this kid has a shot. Calzaghe can talk all the trash he wants, don’t forget Manfredo’s father trained him for 20 something years, he’s going to have his corner in check for this fight. Manfredo in 5!
February 6th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
I agree with Jamie B. Manfredo has a lagitament shot. His 3 losses do not do justice. Anything can happen in a 5 round tournament fight. The guy has improved in every fight. His stamina is better every fight and the big thing is, HE’S HUNGRY!!! Watch out for a shocker!!!!