Joe Calzaghe's brittle hands...

[MikeBrew328]

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.
Thoughts...

That doesn't change his inability to meet the "clean, effective punching" part of boxing.

He's not the only boxer thats been told to never fight again. Actually I think almost every single top boxer has been to never to fight again. Miguel Cotto, Mayweather, Leonard was told to becuase of his eye, Malignaggi, the list goes on.

[x-PeROxiDE-x]

wait a second, what the hell? Benn definately put Eubank down in the first fight, it was in the 8th round I believe. have you seen those fights? Eubank was at his best in the 1st Benn fight, you should get a hold of the tape.

and you have to take into account that Eubank was slightly more worn down in the Calzaghe fight. he wasnt shot or anything, but he had seen better days.

still, Calzaghe was a good puncher back in the days.

It was Steve Collins who put Eubank down in the 8th, in their first fight.

I have seen those fights, many times. Yes, Eubank was at his best, but I also know that Benn was at his best, and was a destructive puncher.

Twice Benn fought Eubank, and didn't put him down once.

I think Eubank only went down twice in his whole career(?)

[Steak]

It was Steve Collins who put Eubank down in the 8th, in their first fight.

I have seen those fights, many times. Yes, Eubank was at his best, but I also know that Benn was at his best, and was a destructive puncher.

Twice Benn fought Eubank, and didn't put him down once.

I think Eubank only went down twice in his whole career(?)

ummm...Eubank went down against Benn. Im positive. Im watching the video right now. Overhand right, beginning of the 8th round.

also, Eubank went down against Michael Watson in their second fight, although I have not seen that one, because I dont really want to because of what happened to Watson.

[Kris Silver]

It was pretty much the first punch of the fight, which sent Eubank flying backwards, and onto the floor, how often do you really see that. So he was fresher when he got knocked down then when he did in earlier fights. He still had a decent chin, it sent him flying lol.

Pre Calzaghe;

Paul Mason 1st R KO;
http://www.**********.com/?d=RM624NO6

Darren Littlewood 1 R TKO password if needed = pugilistspecial
http://www.**********.com/?d=DVB18GTQ

Frank Minton
http://www.**********.com/?d=7KL8YLUN

Watch the last one in particular, broke the guys nose, then tell me Calzaghe can't hit hard.

[x-PeROxiDE-x]

ummm...Eubank went down against Benn. Im positive. Im watching the video right now. Overhand right, beginning of the 8th round.

also, Eubank went down against Michael Watson in their second fight, although I have not seen that one, because I dont really want to because of what happened to Watson.

****, I remember that now. I think that was a slip though, I also discount the second Calzaghe KD of Eubank for that very same reason (although not a slip; he didn't go down, and his glove grazed the canvas, but not holding him up)

For some reason when I tell myself it was a slip I forget all about it, and end up looking a right twat when I deny it ever happened lol.

Don't know how I forgot the Watson KD though, that was inexcusable...

[Steak]

****, I remember that now. I think that was a slip though, I also discount the second Calzaghe KD of Eubank for that very same reason (although not a slip; he didn't go down, and his glove grazed the canvas, but not holding him up)

For some reason when I tell myself it was a slip I forget all about it, and end up looking a right twat when I deny it ever happened lol.

Don't know how I forgot the Watson KD though, that was inexcusable...

ah ok, I understand that completely. I do the same thing all the time, like when I remember robberies as wins for the other fighter. It was kind of a slip, but the punch did land and Eubank was slightly shaken before that from a left hand.
but yea, partially it was him off balance and with unstable footing.

[Pullcounter]

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...

there's no excuse for poor punching technique

[BattlingNelson]

It was pretty much the first punch of the fight, which sent Eubank flying backwards, and onto the floor, how often do you really see that. So he was fresher when he got knocked down then when he did in earlier fights. He still had a decent chin, it sent him flying lol.

Pre Calzaghe;

Paul Mason 1st R KO;
http://www.**********.com/?d=RM624NO6

Darren Littlewood 1 R TKO password if needed = pugilistspecial
http://www.**********.com/?d=DVB18GTQ

Frank Minton
http://www.**********.com/?d=7KL8YLUN

Watch the last one in particular, broke the guys nose, then tell me Calzaghe can't hit hard.

That Eubank shot only became a KD because Chris was caught off-balance going backwards, otherwise I dont think the punch would have had that effect at all. Look at Eubank taking the count. He doesn't look hurt to me.

[x-PeROxiDE-x]

That Eubank shot only became a KD because Chris was caught off-balance going backwards, otherwise I dont think the punch would have had that effect at all. Look at Eubank taking the count. He doesn't look hurt to me.

I remember watching the fight on TV, and you can't tell on youtube, but you could actually hear the punch connect, it sounded sickening.

Eubank himself admits that it was a good shot and a clean knockdown, he mentions nothing about going backwards or being off balance. He did say he didn't see it though, which is probably the real reason he went down.

[Kris Silver]

That Eubank shot only became a KD because Chris was caught off-balance going backwards, otherwise I dont think the punch would have had that effect at all. Look at Eubank taking the count. He doesn't look hurt to me.

I disagree, I don't think Chris was leaning back much, the weight of the punch is what knocked him back. He showed he still had a good chin as a similar punch seriously shook Veit. Eubank nodded and even said in the ring, good punch, and said so more strongly after the fight. Sorry but I'm taking his word over anyones, he's been in with some powerful guys, doesn't exaggerate. If he says Calzaghe hits hard, Calzaghe hits hard.

Watch those other 3 vids there, in particular the 3rd.