My Breakdown Of Roy Vs Joe

[THE REED]

Yeah, I know that most RJJ fans will whine about how he isn't in his prime right now so the fight doesn't mean anything.

There is some truth to that, the fight doesn't mean anything--for Roy Jones Jr. But, just because it doesn't mean anything to RJJ doesn't take away for what it could mean for Calzaghe. I really truly belive that Calzaghe didn't gain anything from the fight with Hopkins--if anything it put his 'legacy' in doubt. I'd much rather see him fight Jones because, at this point in time, I think Jones is the better competitor.

Like I said I wasn't talking about his adaptability when I said he wasn't flexible. I mean that he just has a very one-tracked gameplan in that all he ever does is throw punches in bunches. Most of his adaptability remains on the defensive end. Defensive timing and so forth.

The reasons that I posted give me a basis for making RJJ the favorite for this fight; but, like I said, Calzaghe is far from out of it. I wouldn't say 50/50, as I think it's Roy's fight to win; but, Calzaghe definitely could win and I think it would be a good win for him especially if it's done in an impressive fashion.

Ok now I heavily disagree with you... if ANYTHING this fight means EVERYTHING to restoring a somewhat tainted legacy, and furthering his ATG status... for a 39 yr old legend to bounce back from 2 consecutive knockouts and beat a 45-0 undefeated SMW champion of 10 + years... would be INCREDIBLE for roys status and legacy, and would put him back on the pound for pound list...

On the other hand joe beating Roy... DOESNT mean so much, because if he does lose, then it proves Roy is definitely done from the elite level... although maybe not done from the elite level, being joe is undefeated... but definitely proves beyond a reasonable doubt, hes far from doing what he used to be able to do.


I think you have it completely backwards.

[abadger]

Yeah, I know that most RJJ fans will whine about how he isn't in his prime right now so the fight doesn't mean anything.

There is some truth to that, the fight doesn't mean anything--for Roy Jones Jr. But, just because it doesn't mean anything to RJJ doesn't take away for what it could mean for Calzaghe. I really truly belive that Calzaghe didn't gain anything from the fight with Hopkins--if anything it put his 'legacy' in doubt. I'd much rather see him fight Jones because, at this point in time, I think Jones is the better competitor.

Like I said I wasn't talking about his adaptability when I said he wasn't flexible. I mean that he just has a very one-tracked gameplan in that all he ever does is throw punches in bunches. Most of his adaptability remains on the defensive end. Defensive timing and so forth.

The reasons that I posted give me a basis for making RJJ the favorite for this fight; but, like I said, Calzaghe is far from out of it. I wouldn't say 50/50, as I think it's Roy's fight to win; but, Calzaghe definitely could win and I think it would be a good win for him especially if it's done in an impressive fashion.

Another good post. I don't agree that Calzaghe gained nothing from Hopkins or that Roy is the more threatening fighter at this point. Hopkins as Ring LHW champ and IMO best current LHW after Calzaghe was the most credible, serious opponent he could have faced. The Winky and Tarver fights weren't that long ago, and they are seen as amongst Hopkins best wins.

I also think that while Roy has nothing much to lose, he has a tremendous amount to gain, if he beats Calzaghe the two weight Ring Champ he is back on the current p4p list and more importantly takes a huge boost to his all time rating!

Thats an excellent point about how Calzaghe adapts, but he can adapt offensively too, he can really box and really brawl when he wants to and has won fights doing one or both in the past.

As for making RJJ the favourite, as I said I can see why you give him a chance, but I think you are looking past Roy's defeats and decline. While Calzaghe has become a two weight champ, Jones has beaten a journeyman and a washed up Trinidad. He has also lost to inferior fighters than Calzaghe. His skills give him a chance, sure, but on paper he has done nothing to be picked over Joe. I respect your opinion though, your choice is your choice.
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****STARS JULIA ANN

[Vigilant3]

No, sorry I should have been more clear. I meant that in the event that Calzaghe won, it wouldn't mean anything to RJJ's legacy, but it would mean something to Calzaghe. I wasn't talking about the fight in general. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

[THE REED]

No, sorry I should have been more clear. I meant that in the event that Calzaghe won, it wouldn't mean anything to RJJ's legacy, but it would mean something to Calzaghe. I wasn't talking about the fight in general. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

ok well that makes more sense...

[THE REED]

Another good post. I don't agree that Calzaghe gained nothing from Hopkins or that Roy is the more threatening fighter at this point. Hopkins as Ring LHW champ and IMO best current LHW after Calzaghe was the most credible, serious opponent he could have faced. The Winky and Tarver fights weren't that long ago, and they are seen as amongst Hopkins best wins.

I also think that while Roy has nothing much to lose, he has a tremendous amount to gain, if he beats Calzaghe the two weight Ring Champ he is back on the current p4p list and more importantly takes a huge boost to his all time rating!

Thats an excellent point about how Calzaghe adapts, but he can adapt offensively too, he can really box and really brawl when he wants to and has won fights doing one or both in the past.

As for making RJJ the favourite, as I said I can see why you give him a chance, but I think you are looking past Roy's defeats and decline. While Calzaghe has become a two weight champ, Jones has beaten a journeyman and a washed up Trinidad. He has also lost to inferior fighters than Calzaghe. His skills give him a chance, sure, but on paper he has done nothing to be picked over Joe. I respect your opinion though, your choice is your choice.

sure sounds like we almost have identical responses lol

[BattlingNelson]

I know roy isnt what he used to be.

I know his legs dont move like they used to move, and that his lateral movement isnt quite there anymore... which is why I give credit to a veteran fighter for switching his style up this late in the game... Hold your hands up winky style.. so you can see all the punches coming in, using your still intact hand eye coordination to block those punches and look for quick counters, instead of using slowed reflexes to move out of the way with your chin hanging out there...

It takes a lot for someone whose been fighting one way there entire career to switch things up, because they realize they cant quite do it like they used to do it. With that said, lets look at the abilities...

Work Rate: Will absolutely goto Joe... If theres one thing Joe Calzaghe is known for its his work rate. He throws lots of punches, and you better keep up, or your going to lose.

But what Bernard showed is that a great counter puncher will slow anyones work rate down.

Hand speed, Accuracy, and Power: all go to Roy... Hand speed is the only CLOSE candidate, as Joes hands arent exactly slow... AT ALL... But I think the conensus around here would agree Roy still has the hand speed advantage.... and this is what off sets Joe's workrate... Fast hard hands that can hit you at any time, is a problem for a volume puncher. Volumes of punches, leaves volumes of openings. I think accuracy and power are no brainers, as Roy only shoots shots off when he sees openings, and his power is also a no brainer.

Chin: I would give this edge to Joe... obviously with Joe coming up in weight, hes going to have bigger more powerful guys hitting him... and it showed that in the Bernard fight... although I realize it was a flash knockdown... So im not too concerned about Joe's chin, I know he has a great chin... Roys chin.. well, we all know that story... I personally feel the "china chinned" Jones has been slightly exaggerated... People tend to think if a piece of paper hit him in the face he would go into convulsions... Its simply not the case... And Joe doesnt quite hit like an Antonio Tarver, and Roy knows this full well.

Stamina: This edge also goes to Joe.. as hes used to going full 12 rounds always throwing punches... In Roys last 3 fights... Knowing full well none of his last 3 fights are the equivelent of a Joe Calzaghe, But Roy has shown little fatigue in his fights... even with his fight against Hanshaw, where he fought off the ropes for 3/4 of the fight... if you actually watch the fight... his defense was in practice, and he was countering right back all 12 rounds, dropping him in the 11th. Stamina... still goes to Joe, Hands down. But I think Roy has about twice the stamina Bernard has, as Bernard slowed down by the 4 - 5th rounds, and Roys hands stay fully effective all 12 rounds.

Interest: Why is this fight interesting? For me... its more on the Roy side... not because im a fan of his... but more to see, does he still have one more big fight in him... what if he wins? what if he does? what will that do to his career? will it erase some of the sour taste we were left with from 2004-2005? Where will it place him as an ATG? Roy back on the p4p List?!?! what?!

My Personal reason for thinking Roy can win: If theres one thing that we saw in the Bernard fight, that worked against Joe... it was the straight right hand. The only problem was, after 4 or 5 rounds, Bernard lost his speed and his pop... I believe Roy can throw Faster, more accurate, and more powerful straight right hands, an entire 12 rounds.. with the same pop. Also, Bernard didnt throw ANY combinations.. it was ONE straight right hand, and clinch... EVen this old dicrepid cane walking senior citizen roy... still throws combinations, there still fast, still accurate, and still powerful... Should be interesting... and Im definitely going to the fight... anyone else?!??!?!

Joe has the edge in the fight, Roy is the underdog...

Roy should lose this fight...

But when the bell rings... it doesnt matter what your record is... its the blue corner vs the red corner. ding ding.

Good post. So you are not the mother of all nut-huggers after all

With the chance of being accused of Calzaghe-nuthuging I must say that I think you underestimate Joe. I think the Joe that fought Hopkins was a sub-par Joe. If you base the analysis more on the Lacy and Kessler fights you would have to take Calzaghe's ability to adapt and change tactics during fights into consideration. I agree that RJJ is the underdog in this one. IMO this fight wont be close.

[THE REED]

Good post. So you are not the mother of all nut-huggers after all

With the chance of being accused of Calzaghe-nuthuging I must say that I think you underestimate Joe. I think the Joe that fought Hopkins was a sub-par Joe. If you base the analysis more on the Lacy and Kessler fights you would have to take Calzaghe's ability to adapt and change tactics during fights into consideration. I agree that RJJ is the underdog in this one. IMO this fight wont be close.

I never was.

Well, I must base Joe on his latest performance... and also Roy is a much better boxer than both Lacy and Kessler... as far as hard to look good against, and veteran experience... And also, this is a new Joe at a new weight... and I must base my assesment of how a fight with Roy would turn out according to how he did at Light Heavy against Bernard.

[BattlingNelson]

I never was.

Well, I must base Joe on his latest performance... and also Roy is a much better boxer than both Lacy and Kessler... as far as hard to look good against, and veteran experience... And also, this is a new Joe at a new weight... and I must base my assesment of how a fight with Roy would turn out according to how he did at Light Heavy against Bernard.

You know I'm kidding right?

I think it's dangerous to make the assesment based on the last fight. Boxing history has plenty examples of fighters turning in great perfomances after lacklustre ones and vice versa. STYLES make fights and in short this fight is work-rate vs. speed and slapping vs. glass jaw.

[THE REED]

You know I'm kidding right?

I think it's dangerous to make the assesment based on the last fight. Boxing history has plenty examples of fighters turning in great perfomances after lacklustre ones and vice versa. STYLES make fights and in short this fight is work-rate vs. speed and slapping vs. glass jaw.

I dont think its as dangerous as assesing him fighting a few years ago then it is now? You have to asses how he did at light heavyweight, because thats where he will fight Roy.

[THE REED]

lets get it on!