Is Calzaghe the Greatest of All Time?

Yes, he is the greatest fighter to ever live in his neighborhood Chris Eubank said at first he thought Calzaghe was just a "bully", but during the fight he discovered how fast Calzaghe really was.... that's one hell of an endorsement from a great boxer like Chris Eubank.

Is Calzaghe the Greatest of All Time? There are a number threads now dancing around this question. So let's just get to it. PRO: Statistically, only Rocky Marciano has a better undefeated championship record than Calzaghe. Furthermore, Calzaghe has the best championship record of any boxer in 45 years (46-0 and no draws). If you go STRICTLY BY STATISTICS, then the argument can be made that Joe Calzaghe is the greatest boxer of all time (If you're in the top two or three statistically, then THE DEBATE IS AUTOMATICALLY LEGITIMATE). Furthermore, Cal defeated two solid ATGs (Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr.) while in his mid 30s and a cavalcade of hall of famers, champions, and former belt holders during one of the longest uninterrupted championship runs in boxing history. Stylistically, Calzaghe had a completely unique, almost freakishly athletic, style. NOBODY has ever been able to figure it out. He's the only major boxer I know of that is ambidextrous (both right and left handed) and this commonly results in a state of confusion that hampers the effectiveness and confidence of his opponents. Calzaghe is able to mix flurries of disruptive swat-like punches with zipping power shots to the head and body which leave his opponents dazed and confused. While Calzaghe has a number of early KOs/TKOs, the prescription most common in Calzaghe fights lay with the enormous number of punches (commonly reaching 1000 per fight) that Calzaghe is able to land which commonly results in a level of brutality that is at once surprising to the spectator and convincing to the opponent. Furthermore, Calzaghe's defense is as good as anybody that ever put on gloves. Few in history have been as elusive as Calzaghe and also possessed of a granite chin. Ali comes to mind, but not many others. Roy Jones, Jr., for example, was marvelously elusive in his prime but was burdened by a brittle chin. Moreover, few in history have been able to elude so effectively while attacking with both hands. Calzaghe's mastery of this form of attack and defense is unique. CON: Put statistics aside and visually compare Calzaghe to Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, and Muhammad Ali (boxing's "Holy Trinity"). It doesn't seem that Calzaghe's unorthodox style can equate to the masterful technique combined with power of Robinson or Louis, nor does it possess the sheer beauty of Ali in action. While the championship records of Robinson, Louis, and Ali contain losses, those fighters fought a bevy of hall of famers and ATGs and their exploits are truly legendary and survive the test of time. Putting statistics aside it's hard to place Calzaghe (or Marciano) ahead of Robinson, Louis, and Ali. It's easier to see Joe Calzaghe in the second tier of ATGs (boxing "Heaven") with fighters whose championship reigns were undisputable according to their records, length of championship reign, number of titles won, and/or exceptional achievement. Boxing "Heaven" includes, but is not limited to, such greats as Marciano, Duran, Julio Ceasar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, Leonard, Haggler, Jack Johnson, Willie Pep, James Jeffries, Evander Holyfield, and Jack Dempsey (all time classic from a different age). To further place the matter in context, boxing's third tier of ATGs (boxing "Purgatory") would consist of ATGs such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Tommy Hearns, Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Mike Tyson, and so on and so forth. Boxing "Purgatory" is defined as that class of ATGs that for one reason or another, perhaps for personal reasons, record, or length of championship reign, reside in a certain limbo of boxing history. The fourth and final tier of ATGs reside in boxing's "Weigh Station" and consist of fighters such as DeLaHoya, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Lennox Lewis, Sonny Liston and others. The "Weigh Station" typically consists of new or still active ATGs of which boxing history is still in the process of sifting. But, there are those that will be consigned to reside in the weigh station indefinitely or until the winds of history determine a different verdict. It's debatable as to whether Calzaghe now resides in boxing's heaven or purgatory, and the fact that he's still active may influence his ultimate place in the rankings of the ATGs. But, at this time Calzaghe's unblemished record, length of reign, and quality of competition fought suggests a tie to the great Rocky Marciano. Ok. It's done. Yes, he is the greatest fighter to ever live in his neighborhood

Calzaghe is def a ATG. And def one of the ATG at his weight. But greatest of all time?? I don't think so.

achievement wise on paper zag and floyd are great. but when you really look at who they fought and when... not deserving of the hype. Now that Floyd is coming into the Marquez fight practically as a supermiddle weight...I'd have to agree with what you say...as to Floyd. But, as to Calzaghe.....I'm convinced he really is one of the ATGs of boxing.

I think you're on to something if I'm reading your post accurately. It took a long time to get past the cherry picking and see Mayweather in the light that he probably deserves. He is great. But, when I do that..........the same logic must apply to Calzaghe. From this perspective Calzaghe really is one of the ATGs. achievement wise on paper zag and floyd are great. but when you really look at who they fought and when... not deserving of the hype.

If Foreman had thought like BHOP then Ali would be considered nothing today. Had Foreman dropped to the ground and claimed a low blow and demanded 10 minutes rest he would have had enough energy to finish the fight. It is true, Ali didnt know how to throw a body shot though so that might have been a problem. LOL. That is some seriously retarded shit right there you moron.

You actually think Joe didnt beat BHOP? I mean I thought it was pretty convincing. Also, who ever beats BHOP convincingly. He headbutts, clinches, fakes injuries etc...whenever he's in trouble. You can't beat him convincingly. Joe beat him more convincingly than Taylor in my opinion. Also in the opinion of Chuck Giampa who scored the Joe and a Taylor fight. In fact the 116-111 is the worst score BHOP had ever recieved from a judge. I personally had it one round closer, but still Joe won that fight to me and finished strong unlike Jones in his fight with BHOP who in my opinion finished very weak. Its also not Joe's fault that he didnt bother trash talking or that his manager wouldnt let him lose money fighting. Some of the deals BHOP offered early were ridiculous. Joe also beat some really good fighters like Chris Byrd in the amateurs and didn't lose an amateur fight after the age of 18. Thats fairly impressive as well. Joe Calzaghe may not be the GOAT, but he is a very underrated fighter. well if you aren't gonna pay attention while you watch it you might think calzaghe actually won with all the windmilling etc... i appreciate the humor in it but he clearly lost. when was hopkins ever in trouble against calzaghe lol. did the wind from his missed punches almost blow him over?

I think it's possible, but big time fighters didnt start taking him seriously and give him the fights until later in his career. Of course his wins were great, but I think he needed more wins against big names and wins much more convincing wins than the one over hopkins. One of my absolute favorites. Always gave us a good show.

No problem, although, just so we are clear, these were your words: You actually though Castillo won the first fight? Really? You are just a hater dude, Now to me, that pretty clearly indicates that you think any suggestion that Castillo won that fight is ridiculous. I was just pointing out that it isn't. No... Just his. I normally wouldn't make mention of it, but he's been spouting off so much untrue stuff about Floyd and Joe that he deserves every bit of criticism.

I wasn't calling him a hater just for that bro. Did you not read the last 5 pages? He's been totally discrediting Floyd like no other. Well I normally wouldn't care if people scored it for JLC(does not matter what they think) I felt like proving him wrong again. No problem, although, just so we are clear, these were your words: You actually though Castillo won the first fight? Really? You are just a hater dude, Now to me, that pretty clearly indicates that you think any suggestion that Castillo won that fight is ridiculous. I was just pointing out that it isn't.

It is not at all unreasonable for him to think Castillo won that first fight, the majority do. I scored the fight for Floyd in a razor close decision but it definately could have gone the other way. To act like he is a "hater" simply for saying Castillo won that fight is ridiculous. Just saying. I wasn't calling him a hater just for that bro. Did you not read the last 5 pages? He's been totally discrediting Floyd like no other. Well I normally wouldn't care if people scored it for JLC(does not matter what they think) I felt like proving him wrong again.

Calzaghe is a bold face coward he rantire from real real fights

You actually though Castillo won the first fight? Really? You are just a hater dude, Floyd has won every fight he has ever had. Bernard could have gotten the nod against Joe, it was a close fight. Joe never gave him a rematch, Floyd BEAT JLC and also gave him a rematch. Floyd won the first fight dude END OF. I could easily say Joe robbed Robin Reid as well, but I won't. It is not at all unreasonable for him to think Castillo won that first fight, the majority do. I scored the fight for Floyd in a razor close decision but it definately could have gone the other way. To act like he is a "hater" simply for saying Castillo won that fight is ridiculous. Just saying.

Some of your argument has merit, except your perception of the Calzaghe/Hopkins fight. Calzaghe really did beat Hopkins. There was no controversy there as it was in the Castillo I /Floyd fight...that was criminal. But, you cannot prove to me that corrales and castillo were heftier opponents than Kessler, either. They were more famous for sure, but that's about it. Kessler is a great young champ in his prime....beaten decisively by Joe Calzaghe....the old man. Hmmm. You actually though Castillo won the first fight? Really? You are just a hater dude, Floyd has won every fight he has ever had. Bernard could have gotten the nod against Joe, it was a close fight. Joe never gave him a rematch, Floyd BEAT JLC and also gave him a rematch. Floyd won the first fight dude END OF. I could easily say Joe robbed Robin Reid as well, but I won't.

Some of your argument has merit, except your perception of the Calzaghe/Hopkins fight. Calzaghe really did beat Hopkins. There was no controversy there as it was in the Castillo I /Floyd fight...that was criminal. But, you cannot prove to me that corrales and castillo were heftier opponents than Kessler, either. They were more famous for sure, but that's about it. Kessler is a great young champ in his prime....beaten decisively by Joe Calzaghe....the old man. Hmmm. God... you are SUCH a smart guy! Everyone should take notes, because, you know, this guy is REALLY smart, ESPECIALLY when it comes to boxing. Smart, smart guy.

Floyd had a controversial win over Castillo, but he immediately set the record straight in the rematch. Calzaghe had a controversial win over Hopkins, and chose to fight shot Roy Jones then retire. End of story.

Awesome troll topic here. So many bites. A+.

Some of your argument has merit, except your perception of the Calzaghe/Hopkins fight. Calzaghe really did beat Hopkins. There was no controversy there as it was in the Castillo I /Floyd fight...that was criminal. But, you cannot prove to me that corrales and castillo were heftier opponents than Kessler, either. They were more famous for sure, but that's about it. Kessler is a great young champ in his prime....beaten decisively by Joe Calzaghe....the old man. Hmmm. maybe in your mind. hopkins made him look like a complete amateur fool. calzaghe couldn't hit him and hopkins landed basically all the clean punches in the fight(dont bother quoting compbox) Isn't that what boxing is all about. hit and dont get hit as opposed to calzaghe's get hit and don't hit strategy which is the opposite of good boxing.

Some of your argument has merit, except your perception of the Calzaghe/Hopkins fight. Calzaghe really did beat Hopkins. There was no controversy there as it was in the Castillo I /Floyd fight...that was criminal. But, you cannot prove to me that corrales and castillo were heftier opponents than Kessler, either. They were more famous for sure, but that's about it. Kessler is a great young champ in his prime....beaten decisively by Joe Calzaghe....the old man. Hmmm. Right now, Castillo and Corrales are better resume names than Mikkel Kessler. To argue otherwise is just stupid. Kessler is a great fighter and he still has prime years left, but right now his resume just does not measure up to those two guys. His best wins are probably Anthony Mundine and Andrade. He may change that, but right now saying that Coralles and Castillo do not represent more credible opponents than Kess is just a bit ridiculous to be honest.

I like Floyd and Joe and think right now their resumes are fairly equal. Joe has some great hall of famers on his resume. A very good underrated fighter in Veit who he beat twice before anyone else touched him. He has some good young fighters on his resume with the likes of Kessler. He never got beat. Floyd I think has been hit less, but fights like the Augustus fight bother me with Floyd and theres no way Emanuel should have been able to hurt a really great fighter, but Floyd looked a bit hurt. I dont know. I love PBF though and think he and Joe are two of the top fighters of all time. There is something to be said for just winning. That is the goal of a boxer. Many boxers, especially Joe, couldnt control who they fought, all they could do is beat who was put in front of them...if you do that you are/were great in my opinion, how great depends on the quality and things like title defenses and how you looked/struggled in fights. This is a fair post.