Let's try not to turn this into another "my fighter's better than your fighter thread." I'd like to hear your thoughts on a couple things regarding a potentail Pavlik/Calzaghe fight that I think are important. 1) Who should the ref be? I say this has Smoger's name all over it, and with Steve Smoger Team Pavlik won't have to worry about a questionable stoppage. Joe does have a few in his history. 2) Location. If I was Pavlik I would not agree to fight in Wales. If I was Joe, I would not agree to Ohio or Atlantic City. Arum says Vegas. Is Vegas neutral territory or not? What might be some other options? 3) Ring size. A smaller ring would seem to favor Kelly. A larger one seems to favor Joe. Is it important or not?
I think your right on the money Smoger is the perfect ref happy to let thing go a bit the last thing this fight needs is an early stopage. Vegas sounds good to me but I think this still goes in Pavliks favor but theres no were else to host a fight this big I dont see the ring making a massive difference as I think jc will try and push Kelly back. Nice questions
1. Micky Vann (sorry couldnt help myself) 2. Vegas isnt neutral for any British fighter, as long as judges are decent its gotta be the right place though, for both fighters its the big stage and big event so Vegas all the way for me. 3. Your bang on with the ring call's. It is relevant, especially in this fight due to styles, Kelly gonna be coming on, Joe gonna be countering, the right space they have to execute their own style the better.
1.Smoger 2.Vegas 3.It isnt too relevant what the ring size is, but a larger ring favors Calzaghe. I'd like to see a medium ring size.
1. Smodger 2. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia (totally neutral venue, no crowd favourite due to Aussies disliking both Yanks and Brits, 100,000 + crowd easily) 3. Ring size has a relevence but not massive as Calzaghe can fight all styles and I belive tha Pavlik will show he can too.
1. Dont know enough about the ref's to offer an opinion so wont try to blag one. 2. Venue - I think Vegas is going to prevail here. But the Garden could be better geographically for both fighters. I would assume its either going to be in USA or UK so no point throwing in neutral venues which are never going to happen. 3. Ring - seriously I dont think it makes any difference. Its not as if Joe is a dancer. He does have better lateral movement than Kelly but I dont think he or Pavlik would benefit from a bigger or smaller ring.
TotallY Agree, Vegas maybe the 'self proclaimed' Mecca of boxing but MAdison Square Garden is and will always be the Heart and the sports Holiest Cathedral.
if this is to be joe's farewell bout then he will push and push for it to be held at the millenium stadium. he doesn't want to bow out in the states.
1. Smoger is a good choice for both fighters. I can see Joe getting hurt in this fight and we dont want a nervy ref stopping it when the guy has great recovery. 2. Vegas. Has to be for an epic showdown like this. 3. Not important. When has Calzaghe EVER needed/wanted/made use of a big ring? He's not a stick and move dude.
So long as Cortez is not the ref, I am happy. Vegas or Madison Square Garden is fine, not neutral, but fine to me. Ring...yeah bigger helps JC, don't really care though. I actually think there should be a standardised ring size.