By Mark Vester
Former Commonwealth champion and Sky Sports analyst Nicky Piper has issued a warning to Joe Calzaghe, advising the Welsh fighter to stay retired and keep away from a Bernard Hopkins rematch. Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer has spoken to Calzaghe about coming out of retirement for a Hopkins rematch.
“The only reasons Joe would want a rematch would be the money or his ego. But I think he would be a fool to do it. To risk his legacy would be crazy. He doesn’t need to fight. My personal opinion is that money is more important than a record. So, if he needed the money to provide for his family and safeguard his future, then I would completely understand the decision to make a comeback. But I don’t think Joe needs the money, so I don’t think he should be considering it at all," Piper said to Wales Online.
He doesn't think Calzaghe is capable of getting himself back in fighting shape for a proper run. Piper felt Calzaghe was starting to fade in his last couple of fights and doesn't see him beating Hopkins in a rematch. Now with the party lifestyle and the admission of using cocaine during his retirement, Piper doesn't see a comeback ending in a positive manner.
“It has been two years since his last fight and, with the lifestyle he has been living, it will be very hard to get back in peak condition,” Piper said. “Joe has very relaxed in his retirement and I don’t think you can ever get fully back in shape after that.
“Joe was looking a bit weaker in his last few fights. He struggled against Kessler and then went down in the first round against both Hopkins and Jones. Physically he looked a bit frailer. As you get older your training can take more out of you and it only gets worse the older you get.”
“I think Joe would lose as well. Hopkins always takes care of himself and maintains his fitness, whereas Joe would be nowhere near the same fighter. All things being considered, I think he should steer well clear.”
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