PHONETOOL

The broadcast will begin on HBO E
at 8 p.m. Pacific

WBO and IBF super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe (41-0) takes on Australian challenger Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (20-1-2) at the MEN Arena in Manchester tonight. Calzaghe is currently the longest reigning world champion and this represents the 19th title defense of his WBO title which he won back in October 1997. In the chief support Enzo Maccarinelli (24-1) takes on Mark Hobson (26-4-1) for the WBO Cruiserweight title. The 26-year-old Maccarinelli was due to face long time champion Johnny Nelson who retired in the build up to the fight due to a longstanding injury. Both fights will be televised live in the UK on ITV1 starting at 10pm and Calzaghe-Bika will be aired on a delayed basis on HBO in the USA.

"It was the other day when Frank Warren was telling me I was only a few defenses short of Joe Louis record of 25 world title defenses and that is a goal for me to retire undefeated and become the best ever British fighter," said Calzaghe. "I also want to be a two-weight world champion and I still feel I have the motivation, drive and enthusiasm to achieve these goals but first I must get past the challenge of Sakio Bika and that is not something I am under-estimating, especially with my debut on HBO in the states I want to do a number on my opponent."

The 27 year old Bika who hails from Cameroon but fights out of Australia has been respectful of Calzaghe’s achievements but still remains confident of an upset victory. He stated, “Calzaghe is an excellent champion but I am a fighter that is hungry and hungry to take my opportunity. I have trained hard and Joe must be at his best on Saturday because the Scorpion is ready to make this one of Joe’s hardest fights. If he under-estimates me he will make a mistake.” Bika comes off a technical draw against current WBC champion Marcus Beyer who was cut after an unintentional head clash before their bout went the necessary four rounds in May this year.

HBO2 playdates: Oct. 15 (10:00 AM, 4:45 PM) and 17 (11:00 PM). Times are ET/PT.

Boxing

I Cant Wait, Im ready To watch This Event.

Got Some Popcorn Ready To Pop And Some Soda, ow Yeah lol.

6 More Hours Until it Is On Were I Live...Cant...Wait.

PHONETOOL

Yes this one should be interesting. I'm hoping for a lot action

PHONETOOL

This was a very entertaining fight. Joe Calzaghe wins by decision

ERIK

I wished they would have showed the entire Kessler vs Beyer fight as well.

PHONETOOL

There was some talk about HBO broadcasting that fight, but I guess they decided against it

Captainobvious

Dissapointing bout in my opinion. Bika fought tough, but shouldnt have even been in the fight. Joe looked like sh!t and monkey'd around like a jackass for the first few rounds because he had the national HBO audience watching. I hate it when guys do that. I went into the fight hoping for a well tuned calzaghe, and got a unprepared, unpolished one instead. He only started "boxing" once he was awoken by a rough headbutt. VERY dissapointing after the beating he unleashed on Lacy.

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TommyGunn

joe wasn't at his best that was plain to see but did you know he broke his hand in the 5th round.

PHONETOOL

I didn't realize that he broke his hand but it was obvious that he was having trouble

TommyGunn

i remember breaking my hand i could hardly lift it never mind box with it.