IF JOE CALZAGHE didn't.......

[IMDAZED]

...clowned around and made a fool of himself in his US fights with ROY JONES and BHOP, would you think he would have gained more respect from the AMERICAN FANS..and the BOXING FANS in general?

(personally I like him as a boxer and a fighter and has much respect to this guy specially for LACY and KESSLER fights but he is taking alot of flack and diserespect from a lot of people here in NSB...)

Threadstarter needs to ask himself some questions.

First, how does Joe Calzaghe not get respect? He is recognized as a top three pound for pounder in the world today by journalists worldwide. What exactly isn't being attributed to Calzaghe that should be? I don't think anyone doubts he's a HOF'er. So what is this lack of respect you're referring to?

It seems to me the problem is that there is a vocal minority who thinks his accomplishments warrant more acclaim (what exactly?) and are mad that, generally, he's not viewed on an ATG level. Because that's about the only thing he isn't viewed as. Is this the respect you feel he deserves?

[Scary]

I still don't feel that Calzaghe is getting enough credit for beating Hopkins. Everyone was saying the same about Hopkins, as they are saying about Roy now. I'll look forward to Roy's next match, imagine if he beats a good fighter, or if Kessler starts to become on of the REAL big fighters. Or imagine Hopkins beating Dawson.

[IMDAZED]

I still don't feel that Calzaghe is getting enough credit for beating Hopkins. Everyone was saying the same about Hopkins, as they are saying about Roy now. I'll look forward to Roy's next match, imagine if he beats a good fighter, or if Kessler starts to become on of the REAL big fighters. Or imagine Hopkins beating Dawson.

The problem isn't his win over Hopkins, it's his absolute refusal to fight him again. But whatever, he holds that win and though it could've gone either way, his performance was absolutely impressive and deserves credit. The rest of what you're saying is hilarious though (imagine if Roy goes on to beat a good fighter or if Kessler fights a big name). Yeah, that would make Calzaghe look better but 1. Neither of the two has happened yet (at least one probably never will) and 2. Wouldn't you rather imagine Calzaghe in some big fights?

[SHB]

A lot of people who have criticised Calzaghe on here seem to have only followed his career in the last three years, during which time he's beaten some big names but hasn't KO'd anyone. Well, apart from Manfredo - whatever you think about the stoppage, that fight shouldn't have happened anyway.

Many of us have watched him a damn sight longer than that and the Calzaghe of now is a world away from the Calzaghe of 4 years ago when his hands finally gave up the ghost. I defy anyone to watch the Mitchell, Brewer, Woodhall, Reid (1 handed) and Sheika fights and say they weren't just some of the most exciting fights of the late 90's/early 2000s. He always had the workrate, but back then he had real heavy power and scant regard for his own safety let alone his opponents. Forget the Hopkins, Jones, Kessler and Jones fights - those are my favourite Calzaghe fights and probably what colours my opinion of him.

I guess my point is I can see why some people don't like his work in the last couple of years. Me, I find it intriguing that someone who was effectively a heavy handed slugger when he started off his title reign is now IMO the best in-ring tactician in the business who doesn't have the hands to KO anyone anymore. I'd love him to fight again and for it to be like the old days - it wouldn't mean much legacywise IMO but a Mitchell style tearup with Glencoffe at the Millenium Stadium would be nice.

[Wales08]

A lot of american fans like Joe just some on here dont, why i have no clue.

Welsh are the true Britons! FACT!

[Wales08]

A lot of people who have criticised Calzaghe on here seem to have only followed his career in the last three years, during which time he's beaten some big names but hasn't KO'd anyone. Well, apart from Manfredo - whatever you think about the stoppage, that fight shouldn't have happened anyway.

Many of us have watched him a damn sight longer than that and the Calzaghe of now is a world away from the Calzaghe of 4 years ago when his hands finally gave up the ghost. I defy anyone to watch the Mitchell, Brewer, Woodhall, Reid (1 handed) and Sheika fights and say they weren't just some of the most exciting fights of the late 90's/early 2000s. He always had the workrate, but back then he had real heavy power and scant regard for his own safety let alone his opponents. Forget the Hopkins, Jones, Kessler and Jones fights - those are my favourite Calzaghe fights and probably what colours my opinion of him.

I guess my point is I can see why some people don't like his work in the last couple of years. Me, I find it intriguing that someone who was effectively a heavy handed slugger when he started off his title reign is now IMO the best in-ring tactician in the business who doesn't have the hands to KO anyone anymore. I'd love him to fight again and for it to be like the old days - it wouldn't mean much legacywise IMO but a Mitchell style tearup with Glencoffe at the Millenium Stadium would be nice.

Cracking piece of posting.