Bruce LudlowHead-2-Head: Joe Calzaghe vs. Mikkel Kessler
October 31st 2007 17:33
Power - Joe Calzaghe has 32 KOs in 43 wins. He is notable for unleashing a barrage of punches or "slaps" and uppercuts that rattles his opponents. His stoppage wins were mostly from accumulation of punches. He does not have One punch KO power because he relies on throwing and connecting many punches. Mikkel Kessler always sets his power punches with a jab then hits hard with his straight right. He seems to have more pop in his punches compared to Calzaghe based on his 29 KOs in 39 fights. he also doesn't have a one-hit KO punch but he can badly hurt an opponent if he lands flush.
Advantage: Kessler
Skills - Both boxers are good at utilizing their fundamental skills in boxing. They can mix it up by targeting the head and body of their opponents, they have great footwork which allows them to move around the ring pretty well. Kessler will always use that jab to his advantage while Calzaghe uses his speed to get inside his opponent. Calzaghe fights up close while Kessler is an expert in finding his range and fights at a distance. Each fighter has an advantage and disadvantage but their impressive boxing skills are pretty even.
Advantage: Even
Defense - This is another area in which they are neck and neck. While not being a defensive wizard a la Floyd Mayweather Jr., Kessler and Calzaghe have good defensive skills. Kessler is quick enough to avoid and dodge incoming attacks just as well as Calzaghe. Their reflexes are are quick and can make any opponent miss. I'd say this is even too.
Advantage: Even
Chin - I'd say Calzaghe has a slight advantage here but both boxers have sturdy chins. They haven't been hurt bad in all of their fights. Calzaghe wasn't even fazed a Jeff Lacy punch cracked him but he just walked through it and proceeded to do a 12 round beat down against him. I think Kessler's chin is still untested. I don't think Calzaghe will be the one to test his chin but you never know.
Advantage: Calzaghe
Reach - Calzaghe stands at 5'11" 1/2 with a 73" wingspan while Kessler is 6'1" with a 73" reach. Even they are still even in this area besides Kessler being almost couple of inches taller.
Advantage: Kessler
Overall - This would be a fight where it is very hard to predict who will come out victorious. Both boxers are tremendously skilled and are sure provide boxing fans a quality fight. It would be interesting to see their gameplans for the fight. I think Kessler will rely on keeping Calzaghe away by jabbing frequently while Joe will try to get in close to initiate infighting. Kessler has a slight advantage in punching power but they are evenly matched in all areas. I predict this fight will be a nontsop action for 12 rounds. I am rooting for Kessler by the way but still not sure who takes this fight.
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