Joe Calzaghe's brittle hands...

[Kris Silver]

Most know Joe Calzaghe has long struggled with hand injuries, very early in his career he was told by a doctor he could not box, but persevered against the odds. Many accuse him of slapping without full consideration of the extent of his serious hand problems having effected him. He was a renown KO artist early in the day, knocked Eubank down in the first round, something big hitter Nigel Benn never managed.

He still has a lot of power which he sometimes uses when the risks are low, but generally given he's broken his hands in fights before, it's far too risky, painful and just not doable. It's testament to his ability having lost the attribute of being able to use his KO power and knock opponents out, he's had to improve on and rely on other area's of his game. If his hands weren't brittle then given earlier career power punches, and KO's, he'd not only be favourite in any match-up of a top SMW or LHW guy as he is without it, it's reasonable with it he'd be more so, and imo, untouchable and p4p no. 1.

Thoughts...

[BattlingNelson]

Most know Joe Calzaghe has long struggled with hand injuries, very early in his career he was told by a doctor he could not box, but persevered against the odds. Many accuse him of slapping without full consideration of the extent of his serious hand problems having effected him. He was a renown KO artist early in the day, knocked Eubank down in the first round, something big hitter Nigel Benn never managed.

He still has a lot of power which he sometimes uses when the risks are low, but generally given he's broken his hands in fights before, it's far too risky, painful and just not doable. It's testament to his ability having lost the attribute of being able to use his KO power and knock opponents out, he's had to improve on and rely on other area's of his game. If his hands weren't brittle to this day, I firmly believe it's reasonable to say given earlier career power punches, and KO's, he'd not only be favourite in any match-up of a top SMW or LHW guy, he'd be untouchable.

Thoughts...

Source please........

[Live Dog]

Most know Joe Calzaghe has long struggled with hand injuries, very early in his career he was told by a doctor he could not box, but persevered against the odds. Many accuse him of slapping without full consideration of the extent of his serious hand problems having effected him. He was a renown KO artist early in the day, knocked Eubank down in the first round, something big hitter Nigel Benn never managed.

He still has a lot of power which he sometimes uses when the risks are low, but generally given he's broken his hands in fights before, it's far too risky, painful and just not doable. It's testament to his ability having lost the attribute of being able to use his KO power and knock opponents out, he's had to improve on and rely on other area's of his game. If his hands weren't brittle to this day, I firmly believe it's reasonable to say given earlier career power punches, and KO's, he'd not only be favourite in any match-up of a top SMW or LHW guy, he'd be untouchable.

Thoughts...

we are talking about the same guy right?

[rizkybizness]

There's no justifying his poor punching technique. Look at Malignaggi, his hands are brittle as hell too, but he doesnt slap.

You can still punch correctly but just hold back on power.

[Dirt E Gomez]

It's a testament that putting true power behind your shots no longer matters so long as you convince the judges that amateur scoring applies to the pros.

[BattlingNelson]

we are talking about the same guy right?

Well we definetely need a link to that outrageous claim!

[x-PeROxiDE-x]

Well we definetely need a link to that outrageous claim!

What outrageous claim?

Calzaghe's nickname used to be "The Destroyer". Look at sopme of his earlier fights, it's on the front of his shorts.

He has the same power now, just doesn't use it.

Also, he was an amatuer when he was told he would never be able to box again. 45-0 with 32 KO's is not bad for someone a doctor deemed physically unable to box.

I could probably find you a link if you really want one, seeing as you are a very reasonable poster and are not just hating on Calzaghe because he's not American, but I don't see what was so rediculous?

[Kris Silver]

Some predictable early posts, some a little pointless, but backing up the ignorance outlined I guess.

Source for what in particular? Most of what I said many know to be true over several years, so it's a little tedious and pointless asking for sources. There's some opinion in there of course, which your welcome to disagree with. But if Calzaghe can knockdown Eubank early on, and even late on with very brittle hands, knocdown Lacy, hurt him, and Kessler, without using the power he can, he'd obviously only be a better fighter without brittle hands.

It's beyond logical, and pretty much fact. He could hit harder if he didn't have brittle hands, result, he'd be a better boxer. Why is it soo hard for some ppl to accept and credit such a backed up point, that a fighter without an injury would be better, i.e Calzaghe would be.

[BattlingNelson]

Some predictable early posts, some a little pointless, but backing up the ignorance outlined I guess.

Source for what in particular? Most of what I said many know to be true over several years, so it's a little tedious and pointless asking for sources. There's some opinion in there of course, which your welcome to disagree with. But if Calzaghe can knockdown Eubank early on, and even late on with very brittle hands, knocdown Lacy, hurt him, and Kessler, without using the power he can, he'd obviously only be a better fighter without brittle hands.

It's beyond logical, and pretty much fact. He could hit harder if he didn't have brittle hands, result, he'd be a better boxer. Why is it soo hard for some ppl to accept and credit such a backed up point, that a fighter without an injury would be better, i.e Calzaghe would be.

As you probably know my remarks was a little pay-back from the other day. I have no problem with you. I actually think you are a fine knowledgeable poster.

As for the topic I agree. He'd start a favorite vs. any LHW or SMW and he's also no.1 in my p4p after Floyd's retirement. Whats amazing is the fact that Joe's 35 years old, and one cannot help wonder what his legacy would be like had he had his american break-trough earlier in his career.

[DiegoFuego]

It's a testament that putting true power behind your shots no longer matters so long as you convince the judges that amateur scoring applies to the pros.

Exactly. If effective punching is no longer required, then why don't they just wear headgear?