Light heavyweight “Super” Joe Calzaghe and “Superman” Roy Jones Jr. participated in media workouts yesterday at the Kingsway Boxing Gym in New York City. After years of talking about it, Jones, 38, and Calzaghe, 35, will finally knuckle it out Saturday Nov. 8 at New York’s Madison Square Garden (HBO Pay-Per-View, $49.95, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
The scheduled 12-round bout will be for the light heavyweight title that Calzaghe captured in April with a split decision against Bernard Hopkins. However, the much-anticipated match up has also taken on historic proportions.
The fact that Roy was knocked out cold by Glen Johnson and (Antonio) Tarver gives the edge to Calzaghe, who has never been knocked out. In his prime, Roy was so fast nobody could hit his chin, so it was never really tested. Tarver, in the second fight with Roy, hit him so hard his eyes were blinking uncontrollably, making Roy look like a damaged fighter.
One thing is for sure Calzaghe is not a brawler, but if he gets inside he can land punches effectively. Roy is a super counter puncher. Once upon a time he based his game on counterpunching. Both fighters are always in excellent condition. I expect both to be fully prepared physically, but I give the edge to Calzaghe because he is the fresher fighter. Photos by Jarrett Baker