Just as that yesteryear mythical Casey at the bat struck out, so too did the pride of St. Petersburg, Florida whiff - round after round after round - and for this Lacy supporter there is no joy in Melbourne, Florida, or Mudville for that matter.

In the today magic world of television and computers alike, it’s already old news - the lopsided battering Joe Calzaghe of Newbridge Wales by way of the appropriately named Hammersmith, England handed to a confused, befuddled and dominated Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy.

So yes, there is joy in the blue collar town of Mudville over the pond at Manchester, England that believed in their man Calzaghe - and with each passing stanza made believers out of us smug Yankee Lacy backers.

Yes, a shutout from start to finish … along with the quicker hands, was a combination of text book and unorthodox deliveries from the portside that saw Lacy unable to put together a single combination - reduced the celebrated power puncher to a Hail Mary, wing and a prayer, puncher’s chance entity as early as the halfway mark.

Not to be overlooked, was a bigger yet surprise for us fans on this side of the water - most having not seen the now unbeaten veteran of 41 kept appointments, could not have pictured the nearing age 34 lanky one showing not only toughness, but proving the stronger of the two as well.

While Lacy is not one to give or ask favors once the bell rings, so too is Calzaghe of similar mold - we’re talking throwback to a time when referees let the fighters wage battle - and only the most flagrant of misdemeanors saw them interfering.

Showtime Special "bought" itself a winner on all points with this one - cameras, action and drama from uno to twelve of ongoing ring action - only once, did our hack Raul Caiz Sr. in charge of the action, rest his weary voice to charge Calzaghe a point for a minor infraction of slapping from behind his back at close quarters - damage? Only to the credibility of Caiz Sr. who came out looking the total fool calling that one.

For what it’s worth my scorecard saw it Calzaghe 119-107 in points and 11-0-1 under the round by round system.

Closing thoughts: Joe Calzaghe ~ my first look was well worth waiting for - bonus is, it wasn’t a glimpse but rather 36 minutes of a fighting machine that opened the show taking it directly to the slight-favorite who wager on such things as fistfights. That action quickly labeled the Brit-Welshman with stamp reading confidence. Not missed by these eyes was the wily, if unorthodox at times, never once sitting on a lead that ensured victory - down to the finale "Joltin’ Joe" was looking for the knockout. Eluded only by the toughness of his younger opponent.
                               Jeff Lacy ~ still am a big fan of "Left Hook" … back in the long ago yesterday while growing up in the Brooklyn city of "bars & churches" and near many of fight gyms and small clubs, we’d hear it time and time again from a losing fighter when asked "What happened?" was a given the reply would be a simple "Dunno, I just couldn’t get off." It is clear even now, the day after, my man Lacy fit the description to the letter. Not a single combination … pleas of using the jab fell on deaf ears. As did the instructions to work the body. But then, one reason was some guy named Joe in the other corner. Lacy will now go the general  Mac of WW2 fame,  and he too shall return following a well earned hiatus from the ring. The knockdown was flash in nature -  showed proven toughness of chin and heart. Yes, indeed, he shall return.

Post Scripts: A few random thoughts that carry zero clout - but then maybe worthy of a listen. Granted, from baby pictures of a young Lacy it is clear that maturity would be more Frazier than Ali, or LaMotta than Sugar Robinson - but in recent times the transformation went from natural, to bodybuilder, nutritionist additive in appearance - great for photo-ops but totally unhealthy come serious ring combat against a foe that is unimpressed - as in Calzaghe. Could be wrong. Maybe it is a more innocent, uneducated iron pumping - a once sleek and dominant Mosley went that route and the walls came tumbling down - RJJ another that swapped success for the more body beautiful look - and took a couple naps for his foolishness in Tarver, Johnson disasters. Another distraction arrived just prior to the ring intros - a stranger from the Lacy entourage, dressed in pimp-like best  and shouting to the rafters - was MIA when the show closed - hopefully today reduced to yesterday’s news.
Finally, this tip to Showtime … you’ve come a long way baby - these "specials" are a win-win way to travel ...  Make the next super-middle a unifier with WBC Marcus Beyer and WBA Mikkel Kessler with winner getting Calzaghe.
And this out the door as bonus: Steve Albert - Al Bernstein do dynamite job … keep it that way - Jim Gray is humor at best, for the uninitiated.

GEL

Comments can be emailed to George Elsasser

3-04-2006