23.07.08 – by James Slater: So far, with the fight having only recently been announced, most boxing people seem to feel Kelly Pavlik will prevail in his October clash with Bernard Hopkins. However, trainer Enzo Calzaghe is not one of these people..
Talking to Spencer Fearon at Setanta Sports, the father and trainer of Joe Calazghe said he feels “The Executioner” will not only beat the undefeated Pavlik, but he will “take him to school.” Of course, Enzo has seen Hopkins perform up close – having worked his son’s corner this past April when Joe Calzaghe won a close points verdict over the 43-year-old. Though he didn’t get the win, the veteran succeeded in giving the Welshman a tough, and at times frustrating night’s work, with his defensive moves and ability at nullifying Calzaghe’s attacks.
It is this vast experience that trainer Enzo feels will take Hopkins to an upset win over “The Ghost” in October.
“Bernard Hopkins will beat Kelly Pavlik, I have no doubt about that,” Enzo declared to Setanta Sports. “Pavlik could beat Jermain Taylor because he [Taylor] only had a plan A. Hopkins has a plan A, B, C and D. Hopkins is a different class to Pavlik. Pavlik isn’t in the class of a Roy Jones or a Joe Calzaghe. I’m not sure on the round, but I know Hopkins will take him to school. Hopkins can nullify his punching power with his movement. Gary Locket said himself: ‘He beat me, but he’s nothing special. I know Joe would beat him.'”
It is apparent Enzo Calzaghe doesn’t think too much of Kelly Pavlik. Indeed, he has had nothing good to say about the power-punching middleweight world champion. And though some will possibly agree with his breakdown of Pavlik-Hopkins, for the trainer to say the man from Youngstown isn’t in the class of a Jones or a Calzaghe is unfair. Okay, Kelly is no master boxer, but he compensates for this in other ways. Having a ton of fighting heart – the kind Enzo would be proud of if Pavlik were his fighter – and the kind of punch that could knock down cruiserweights, Pavlik more than makes up for his supposed lack of boxing skills.
And let’s not forget, Enzo’s son opted to face a 39-year-old Roy Jones in his next bout, as opposed to signing for a much more appealing showdown with the unbeaten middleweight king. This despite the fact a Calzaghe-Pavlik clash was/is a mega-fight all of boxing wanted to see. If Pavlik really is nothing too special, then why didn’t the Calzaghes opt to cash in by giving the fans what they want?