I don't know what the betting line is for the bout...but I'm guessing Jones is a substancial underdog...Give me the longshot! Jones by upset! The unorthadox Jones won't present the textbook appearance of Kessler. I like Jones' counter left hook to deter Calzaghe's workrate (and from what I gather, Calzaghe is going to attempt to set down on his punches more this fight, and that works to Jones' advantage if Calzaghe doesn't come at him as hard as usual) Also look for Jones to extend his right hand further than he did against Trinidad (Jones did not follow through in that fight) Jones' legs aren't what they used to be...but all he has to do is slide off on an angle, then counter with his two patented punches left hook/right hand combo. Calzaghe is right there to be countered by Jones' left after he jabs and advances in, like he typically does...(squaring up and reaching)...It's imperative that Jones gets his respect and makes Joe think a little bit before pressuring him all out. Jones gets the early lead, maybe two off balance knockdowns of Calzaghe...But Joe closes the gap by getting inside and roughing Jones up on the inside, like he did with Lacy (holding Jones' left)...Joe impressed me with his strength against Hopkins. I see a close fight. This is Roy's big shot and I feel he has put in a good training camp...I'm looking for a supreme effort by Jones. He want to be recognized as one of the best. Jones SD!
If anyone is getting knocked out it's Jones. Even though Jones does carry more than respectable power, he's not consistent with it. Calzaghe's power gets well overlooked to a large degree. It's a distance fight anyway.
In the vBookie, I bet on Jones and the under 12 rounds, which are not connected. Both were underdog bets.
Roy Jones is not that great defensively, as far as technique is concerned. A lot of Jones' defense is the threat that he will hit you with a lightning fast shot. Frequently in his career, he has let those that are willing press him to the ropes and unleash their punches. Jones has won way more fights than not, but Glenn Johnson made him pay for this habit. Antonio Tarver could have won the first fight had he taken advantage of this more often. Putting your back to the ropes and simply putting your arms up to block against a fighter that can throw as many punches as Calzaghe may not be a very good strategy. It would not surprise me at all if Calzaghe outpoints or stops Jones if this happens too often. Calzaghe has never faced anyone with Jones' hand speed. People like to cite the Kesslar fight as proof of Joe's chin. Joe Calzaghe can take a punch, but the speed of a Jones' punch could still produce a crack. Remember Mayorga and Trinidad? Look at all the clean hooks Mayorga took from Felix, and then recall the hook De la Hoya dropped Mayorga with in the first round of their fight. Oscar's hook does not have Trinidad's impact, it just caught Mayorga faster than he was expecting. Roy Jones has the speed to catch Calzaghe off guard with either hand. If Calzaghe gives Jones any room to breath, he could up in a world of trouble. I have a soft spot for the older guys that I grew up watching. Jones somehow creates the space he wants and scores a spectacular ko. That, or he tames Calzaghe en route to a 7-5 type decision.
Calzaghe one sided ko! I personally have problems with this bout even being made in the first place. Years ago maybe but now?
Here's my opinion Jones was shot YEARS ago. Jones ability to take a shot went YEARS ago. Calz is top 3 at worst P4P right now. Tho Calz lacks serious power, he has SPEED and sharpness, which will bother Jones plenty at this stage IMO. Calz has a fine chin. If anyone gets stopped it's Jones i reckon. I know i am going vs HUGE odds, but i would not be surprised if Calz stuns Jones with an average punch or flurry and stops him. Edited for pissy spelling.
This should be a clear win for Calzaghe. The question should be does Jones see the final bell. Jones punch output has declined and he has fallen in love with laying on the ropes. This spells disaster against a guy like Calzaghe. I wouldn't be surprised if Jone's handspeed gives Calzaghe some trouble early but before long Calzaghe will be in control. I really want to be wrong and I'd love to see Jones win but Calzaghe by UD.
This is a hard one to pick and it largely is determinant on what Jones has left, because if hes 60% of what he once was he takes this. Was Tarver somewhat of a tough style match up anyway with his range, fast southpaw 1-2 and ? I think so, but a prime Jones should take Tarver apart after a few difficulties. Was Johnson an underestimate on Jones part? I think so. What does the past 3 years prove? Not much because he hasn't been pushed. Jones looks too far gone, he has no legs anymore and hence I see Calzaghe being able to bound in and out and working Jones over as he stops punching, covers up on the ropes and occasionally lands big counters, which take him around 4 rounds. For Jones to win he need to start faster, beating Joe to the punch, which his speed can still do, and counter Joe big on the way in. He could slow the pace and continue this pattern, maybe scoring a couple of KDs. I can't see Jones having the pace to do this anymore though. Although Joe maybe fading somewhat at 36 himself Calzaghe UD 8-4 with a chance of an upset and my VCASH is on Jones because I like the odds and I think the upset may just happen
posted this on another thread.. got me bet on...jones to win by tko or ko inside the distance.. 100 if i'm right.. but i probably won't be...way i see it is calzaghe probably winning on points..and about a 20-25% chance of my bet coming off...but i'm taking the gamble all the same...it's a small chance jones stops him..but he definetly DOES have a chance..
Joe clear ud. If Jones cant use his legs the fight will turn out a bit like the Kessler fight but less competitive. If he can get on his toes and circle around Calzaghe he can cause Joe problems and make it very tough.
First question: How good is Jones right now? Answer: Somwhere beneath Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson. Conclusion: Jones has verry little chance.
Jones can and will 'cause problems, but presenting problems and dictating the fight are two very different things. Liklihood is that this older version of Jones will fight in nice but ultimately insignificant spurts as he box's with his frail nature in mind. Calzaghe will throw in volume and out-perform the withered Jones for the decision.
I agree with all this (only because JT's my mate ). I mean, fair play to the posters picking the upset, let's face it, we can all pick the hot favourite. But does Jones have the legs to go 12-rounds of sustained pressure? He doesn't seem to have enough anymore. I've no doubt he can still go 12 rounds at a medium pace but not the kind of volume that Calzaghe will throw at him. If he does, then it's one of the great wins of the decade. Better than Hopkins over Pavlik.* * Sorry, couldn't resist.