Kessler without a doubt. Unlike Hopkins, he came to fight and Calzaghe schooled him. Hopkins has the bigger name, but it was a poor spectacle and I don't think anyone would want to watch that again.
Kessler was the biggest for me, it was a real FIGHT. Then 2nd would be between Eubank and Hopkins, one was a war the other difficult in another way, then Reid, then Lacy.
Hopkins was certainly the toughest fighter style-wise that Calzaghe has beaten and certainly the most naturally talented. The question over whether the decision was right and the issue of B-Hop's age will leave a bitter aftertaste though. Personally, I saw a close fight in terms of control, but a fight that Calzaghe definately won purely on the basis of shots landed and intent. I also think B-Hop was in the shape most younger fighters would be envious of, so I don't think age comes into it. Thus, I view the victory as very impressive.
That said, I think the Kessler win was much more impressive and will become even more so over the course of time. Kessler will rule the Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions and while the Kessler victory already looks excellent, it'll look even more impressive once Kessler has cleaned up.
The Lacy victory may also be viewed with more respect in future, if Lacy ever recovers the form that made him the favourite going into the fight. I seriously question whether he will. Regardless of this, it's still an impressive scalp for Calzaghe.
Eubank was past his peak when Joe fought him, but anyone who has seen the fight knows Eubank could still fight at the time. It's an impressive victory, but I don't think it can be considered Calzaghe's best.
Comment