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I'd say lack of punching power on Calzaghe's part would probably be his ultimate undoing in such a match. I do give him a shot based on his activity level; but stylistically, I think Roy would probably get him down the line....by split decision....in the states.
Think about it. While Calzaghe has been on the canvas, he's always gotten up to win. Therefore, there's no evidence to conclude that Jones would knock him out. Now, I will say there is a distinct possibility that Roy could kayo Joe; but it would have to come early before Calzaghe's constant pressure would close the gap to an uncomfortable fighting distance for Jones, which it would by the middle rounds, unless Roy outboxed him all night as he did Hopkins. But, here's the problem with that scenario. Roy didn' try to stay away from anyone whose power he didn't resptect. Hence, he laid on the ropes and countered alot.
If Roy couldn't knock Calzaghe out in the first four rounds, Joe, an intelligent fighter in his own right, would have probably solved some key timing issues with Jones, who was a terrible technician.......he improvised based on his tremendous skill; his fundamentals were never solid. Having solved some timing issues with Jones, which a quick figter like Calzaghe could potentially have done, this fight becomes a hard one to score down the stretch.
This being said....Calzaghe wins in Wales or the U.K. and Jones wins here in the States.
This fight, I think, could have been a lot closer than some of y'all think.Comment
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No it's not obvious that I fail to realize that at all.
In fact I know that that is why he lost to Tarver. he was weight drained.
I'm pointing out that even the basic premise of abadgers claim that "his technical deficiencies to pressure were exposed later on" is incorrect. At best it would be his technical deficiencies against counterpunchers (and that's because of the weight drain, and slowed reflexes but that's not part of this discussion).Comment
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A terrible technician? Roy Jones?I'd say lack of punching power on Calzaghe's part would probably be his ultimate undoing in such a match. I do give him a shot based on his activity level; but stylistically, I think Roy would probably get him down the line....by split decision....in the states.
Think about it. While Calzaghe has been on the canvas, he's always gotten up to win. Therefore, there's no evidence to conclude that Jones would knock him out. Now, I will say there is a distinct possibility that Roy could kayo Joe; but it would have to come early before Calzaghe's constant pressure would close the gap to an uncomfortable fighting distance for Jones, which it would by the middle rounds, unless Roy outboxed him all night as he did Hopkins. But, here's the problem with that scenario. Roy didn' try to stay away from anyone whose power he didn't resptect. Hence, he laid on the ropes and countered alot.
If Roy couldn't knock Calzaghe out in the first four rounds, Joe, an intelligent fighter in his own right, would have probably solved some key timing issues with Jones, who was a terrible technician.......he improvised based on his tremendous skill; his fundamentals were never solid. Having solved some timing issues with Jones, which a quick figter like Calzaghe could potentially have done, this fight becomes a hard one to score down the stretch.
This being said....Calzaghe wins in Wales or the U.K. and Jones wins here in the States.
This fight, I think, could have been a lot closer than some of y'all think.
The same guy Bernard Hopkins admitted to borrowing several of his moves?
The same guy who's expert analysis on HBO was second to none? The analysis that shows he is a SUPERIOR student of the game?
Was a terrible technician?
Please define technician. Then explain what that is.
Funny, I didn't read where you called Calzaghe's arm shots his being a terrible technician.Comment
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Those who speak of his technical deficiences just don't know boxing.
In his prime:
Beat Hopkins, Pazienza and Ruiz primarily with his jab.
Had excellent footwork.
Ridiculous combinations.
Excellent bodypuncher.
Incredible defense - whether covering up or evading.
The best body puncher in the game.
A master of gauging distance.Comment
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By "terrible technician," I mean that Roy relied more on his phenominal athletic ability to win fights, rather than solid fundamentals. Muhammad Ali was the same way early in his career. This was best evidenced with Ali, later on his his career, when he was clearly past his prime when he defended his title against Jimmy Young, who was a solid in-fighter from Philadelphia. True, Jimmy's passive aggresive style made him annoying as hell to watch; but he knew some of the finer points of the game that Ali didn't. That was the reason for the controversy of the decision.
This lack of fundamental skills and dependence on natural ability with Jones showed up later in his career against Tarver. Now, while it is true that his rapid weight loss did add to the decline of his reflexes, he was also beginning to lose just a hair off his timing at age 34 anyway. We didn't notice it against Ruiz because John was a much, much slower....as well as much poorer boxer than Jones.
As far as Calzaghe's slapping is concerned.....I thought that was self-evident.Comment
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It's not a matter of knowing the finer points of th egame. Ali was just...OLD. Fighters get old and guys like Hopkins, Archie Moore, etc. are the exceptions not the rule.
Simply because they're getting beat doesn't mean they were technically deficient in their primes.
Did Jones rely on athleticism? Sure. In the same way Tito relied on power, etc. He had special talents. But what is overlooked is his intelligence and yes, his technical skills.
I 100% agree with your last comment - EXCELLENT observation. I haven't been on here long but good to chat with you. Jones began slipping way back - perhaps as early as 2001 when Derrick Harmon landed 60% of his power shots against him.Comment
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