Joe Calzaghe - One More Round?
Published November 10, 2008 by Martin Bean
Less than 48 hours have passed since Joe Calzaghe put in a fantastic display to beat Roy Jones Jr. and everybody in boxing is desperate to know the answer to one question—will we see Joe in a boxing ring again?
After publicly stating for weeks prior to the Jones contest that this would definitely be his last fight, that definitely had turned to a probably by the time the post fight interview with HBO’s Max Kellerman had come around. Joe now claims he needs time to contemplate the possibility of retirement through properly before coming to a decision—taking time to think this through is definitely the right option but during that time, Joe will be bombarded with advice from all corners of the boxing world.
Already, British Boxing Legends Lennox Lewis and Ricky Hatton have come out to say that Joe should quit. Lennox is one of the few champions who got out at the right time and on top so Joe could do worse than have a chat with Lennox to see how he has been coped with life since quitting the ring as World Heavyweight Champion. Joe’s Dad and excellent trainer, Enzo Calzaghe, doesn’t seem to be totally convinced his son wants to retire—just today he publicly invited offers to fight Joe sooner rather than later.
On the other hand, those hoping to fight Joe are calling for him to continue his career—both Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Hopkins were ringside for Saturday’s fight and are desperate for the chance to avenge the defeats that Joe inflicted upon them. Also calling out Joe is undefeated IBF Light Heavyweight Champion, Chad Dawson, who states he would be willing to travel to Wales and take him on in Cardiff’s Millennium stadium; with Joe now a bona-fide box office star on both sides of the Atlantic and a pound for pound contender, everyone wants a piece of this slick Southpaw from Newbridge.
There is no question that physically, Joe can fight on. On Saturday night Joe was as quick as ever, as resilient as ever, whilst also continuing to show his seemingly endless stamina reserves. The real question is how much does Joe still ‘want it’? Being physically fit is one thing but going through an eight week training camp followed by a hard twelve round battle takes a huge mental toll. To maintain the unprecedented standards Joe has kept throughout his career requires a desperate hunger for success and ultimate refusal to lose.
Will he go on? Right now, my gut reaction is that he will. Joe looked to be enjoying himself so much in beating Jones Jr. that is seems impossible he will be able to walk away from the prospect of more magical nights like that. For years Joe was a World Champion and didn’t get the recognition he deserved. Now, he is receiving adulation from all corners and I have a feeling he will want his time under the spotlight to last a little while longer.
If it was me, the temptation to beat Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record and take his record to 50-0 would be immense. Joe has always stated the importance of his legacy and being just four fights away from the ultimate immortality of beating Marciano’s hallowed record could be the most tempting factor of all.
Good luck with the decision Joe. Whatever you decide, Boxing Capital thanks you for the memories and magical fights nights. However, selfishly, we hope for one or two more glorious nights with you in action.
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