Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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2006 is shaping up to be the year of the fight fan.  Just one week after an excellent Fernando Vargas - Shane Mosley match-up really got the fight season started, we are given an even bigger fight.

Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (21-0, 17 KO’s) matches up with Joe Calzaghe (40-0, 31 KO’s) Saturday night from Manchester, England. Both fighters are undefeated and the winner leaves with more than just bragging rights.  The victor walks away as the Unified Super Middleweight Champion.

Lacy comes in a slight favorite even though the fight takes place on Calzaghe’s home turf. Both men are in the top twenty of most pound for pound rankings.  Left Hook is a 2000 Olympian and many view him as the future of the sport. Calzaghe is a 33-year old who is somewhat unknown to many casual fans outside of England. The southpaw comes in to the big fight with mostly lesser-known opponents on his record. He has made seventeen straight title defenses.

Lacy is a five-year pro who was much hyped up from day one. His violent and aggressive style and chiseled frame often draw Mike Tyson comparisons despite being in a lower weight class.  He is a very exciting guy to watch and doesn’t take rounds off and throws all his punches looking to end the fight. He is considered a pro’s pro, and spars regularly with top pound for pound fighter Winky Wright.

Come Saturday night, I believe Lacy’s take no prisoner attitude will be the difference. He considers himself the underdog due to the fight being made to accommodate Calzaghe and his fans. The fight will actually take place at 2am local time.

I look for Lacy to come out and try and overpower Calzaghe. When I look at the two fighters, just about every edge goes to Lacy. I see Lacy winning this fight, disappointing the fans, and handing Calzaghe his first loss as a pro.

Come Saturday night, there will be one man left standing undefeated and it will be the fastest up and coming star in boxing - Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy.