how can Joe Calzaghe achieve P4P 1 status before retiring

[abadger]

He's clearly not done as he showed last April. But he's far, far away from the same fighter he was even 6-7 years ago, let alone 10 years ago. I think people argue that because Calzaghe fans like to argue that their man was "old" too lol.

Calzaghe's age is a funny issue. I see him and Hopkins as very similar indeed across their careers. If you go back and look at Joe's earlier defences, then you see a completely different fighter. Contrary to popular belief he really did used to punch hard and straight, he was much more of a brawler, just a fast one with some skill.

I'm pretty certain that just like you have described Hopkins trading off aggression for technique as he aged, so did Joe, he is much less physically powerful now than he was and I think that's due to having to boil down to the same weight he was in his early twenties. It seems to me that where Hopkins adopted a counterpunching approach, Calzaghe chose to concentrate on stamina and output. He also has got much better as a boxer, but this I consider a natural progression for such an experienced fighter.

[IMDAZED]

Calzaghe's age is a funny issue. I see him and Hopkins as very similar indeed across their careers. If you go back and look at Joe's earlier defences, then you see a completely different fighter. Contrary to popular belief he really did used to punch hard and straight, he was much more of a brawler, just a fast one with some skill.

I'm pretty certain that just like you have described Hopkins trading off aggression for technique as he aged, so did Joe, he is much less physically powerful now than he was and I think that's due to having to boil down to the same weight he was in his early twenties. It seems to me that where Hopkins adopted a counterpunching approach, Calzaghe chose to concentrate on stamina and output. He also has got much better as a boxer, but this I consider a natural progression for such an experienced fighter.

Calzaghe doesn't punch with as much power these days but I think that also has much to do with the increased level of competition. he's still a piss and vinegar fighter - as he showed in the past against guys like Sheika.

Contrary to what it looks on here, I used to be a fan of Joe C. Still kinda am - I like his style. Very, VERY intelligent fighter. But my enthusiasm tempered once I joined these boards. It's as if a fighter can't just be who he is. It's hard to cheer for a fighter when you're clapping and the other guy has pom poms. And badge, not referring to you and KrisSilver - two more knowledgeable guys.

[TheGreatAli]

Joe Calzaghe would easily beat a Prime James Toney and Bernard Hopkins.

James Toney lost to Montel Griffin twice.

Bernard Hopkins was drawing with Segundo Mercado and being knocked down twice in his apparent prime.

[IMDAZED]

Joe Calzaghe would easily beat a Prime James Toney and Bernard Hopkins.

James Toney lost to Montel Griffin twice.

Bernard Hopkins was drawing with Segundo Mercado and being knocked down twice in his apparent prime.

Badge,

See what I mean?

Dumb reasoning and complete lack of background/color on the fights they speak of. Probably haven't even seen the fights they speak of and even if they did, can't properly put it in its historical context.

This is what turns so many of us knowledgable fans off.

[Kris Silver]

I know, this dude has more alts then a skitzophrenic on acid.

Gives a bad name to some fans when you have such a dufus mouthing off so much.

Stop the alt's and lame posts already, bringing down the forums.

[SAN D13GO VILLAN]

lmao, get of this forum and learn somthing about boxing,

calzaghe would never fight david haye, their just too much of a dirrfrence in weight,

''KOing a 40 year old Jones isn't anything special'' jones is on a diffrent level to david haye, jones is a ledgend and still is, haye is a nobody at the moment who will try and gain somting ,

paciaqo fights would rival his, wtf,

eubank
kessler
lacy
hopkins
manfredo
roy jones jnr
pavlik?
sheika

somebody name paqiaos best oponents

That list looked big to me at first but if we compare as of now theirs only 2 names that belong in that list, and Paquiao has 3 Morales,Marquez and Barrera and now that I think about it I'm not sure if kessler belongs on this list either because the boy is good but he hasn't proven himself against any elite fighters.

[RightHandLead]

You think he loaned it to Calzaghe after the fight? "I was going to retire, but now..."

Possibly. These old crafty guys have to look out for each other, you know? It's a young man's game and the fact that guys like Jones, Hopkins and Joe are still hanging in there says a lot.

[abadger]

Badge,

See what I mean?

Dumb reasoning and complete lack of background/color on the fights they speak of. Probably haven't even seen the fights they speak of and even if they did, can't properly put it in its historical context.

This is what turns so many of us knowledgable fans off.

Yes. The same thing has happened to me with Pavlik, for whom I am now developing quite a loathing because of his crazy fans.

I think a lot of Calzaghe fans feel like this though: with every other fighter there are losses that have to be excused by "historical context", usually to fighters not as good as Calzaghe. With Joe there never has been and he HAS fought plenty of good opposition over the years. Now, I realise that sometimes losses can be excused, or at least explained so I'm not saying I agree with everything posts like that one say, but basically in a VERY long career Joe has beaten every fighter put in front of him, even when there were adverse circumstances, and whatsmore has never really come THAT close to losing, with Reid the closest followed by Hopkins. None of his opponents has ever been robbed and there have been no hometown decisions. Basically, his fans believe in him, somewhat justifiably.

[boxaholic]

A manny Pacman loss or Joe beating RJJ, AA, and Pavlik.

[abadger]

Possibly. These old crafty guys have to look out for each other, you know? It's a young man's game and the fact that guys like Jones, Hopkins and Joe are still hanging in there says a lot.

But who does it say it about? The old guys or the young guys. I think its a bit of both.