Calzaghe: Best British Fighter of My Time, Says Warren

[Chase8400]

I don't hold Lewis responsible for not fighting Tyson or Holyfield earlier, he didn't duck either of them, it was just boxing politics. And I know Bowe didn't want to fight him. Similarly I don't hold Calzaghe responsible for not fighting Jones earlier, he didn't duck him (neither ducked the other), it was just boxing politics (HBO wasn't interested in it, see my sig). And in 2002 Hopkins made it clear he didn't want to fight him (see my sig). Ottke also made it clear he didn't want to fight Calzaghe. Johnson and Calzaghe did want to fight each other, but injuries killed that match-up. Other than those fighters I can't think of any others that Calzaghe could have fought and didn't. So in terms of the competition the two fighters didn't face, I think their records are comparable - neither ducked anyone, but neither faced everyone one would have liked them to either, or not in their primes.

I'll sum this up, you are choosing Calzaghe and I choose Lewis. That's the long and short of it. No need to write an essay. You point has been well noted.

[Sweet Pea 50]

Most experts seem to agree that if Buchanan hadn't happened to run into arguably the greatest Lightweight of all time, he'd have had a long reign; and the manner of his loss to Duran was controversial, and he was unlucky never to be granted a rematch. I think he was a far classier fighter than Honeygan.

Sorry about not noticing you had Bob in your list.

I respect your opinion about Lewis, but Bert Randolph Sugar, in his book, The 100 Greatest Boxers of All Time, ranked Lewis # 33, and he was a real boxing expert.

He also has JCC above Hagler, I believe. Which in my humble estimation, is complete BULL****.

[Dave Rado]

I'll sum this up, you are choosing Calzaghe and I choose Lewis. That's the long and short of it. No need to write an essay. You point has been well noted.

Actually I think there's nothing to choose between them.

[Chunk..]

Where does Bert Sugar rank Joe Calzaghe?

[Dave Rado]

Where does Bert Sugar rank Joe Calzaghe?

The book "The 100 greatest boxers of all time" was published in 1984. As for his views today, you'd have to ask him.

[Chase8400]

Actually I think there's nothing to choose between them.

Sure there is, like the thread is made for in the first place. It's about who the best Brit boxer of all time is. I go with LL as the best of the modern era. How did you get so far off track?

[Dave Rado]

Sure there is, like the thread is made for in the first place. It's about who the best Brit boxer of all time is. I go with LL as the best of the modern era. How did you get so far off track?

I said I rate Lewis and Calzaghe equally - I don't see why that's off-topic.

My all time British top 10:

1) Jimmy Wild
2) Ted "Kid" Lewis
3) Bob Fitzsimmonds
Equal 4) Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe
6) Ken Buchanan
7) Jim Driscoll
8) Freddy Welsh
9) Ricky Hatton
10) Naseem Hamed

If Hatton can beat Pacquiao (which I think unlikely) that order would change, of course.

[Chase8400]

I said I rate Lewis and Calzaghe equally - I don't see why that's off-topic.

My all time British top 10:

1) Jimmy Wild
2) Ted "Kid" Lewis
3) Bob Fitzsimmonds
Equal 4) Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe
6) Ken Buchanan
7) Jim Driscoll
8) Freddy Welsh
9) Ricky Hatton
10) Naseem Hamed

If Hatton can beat Pacquiao (which I think unlikely) that order would change, of course.

There ya go. I must have missed your intent on that last post. I understand your point now and can definitely relate to your reasoning. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. And they are not far off in terms of British ATG. Your list is top notch for sure. I gotta move Naseem Hamed up ahead of Hatton at this point though , as he really forged the way for Hatton and Calzaghe when LL was strugling to do it. Much respect to that guy, wherever he may be now. I don't agree with his religion and feel like he should have kept that to himself in boxing but overall, he was a special talent. Athletic ability and the way he handled himself in the ring was only topped by the very elite guys, like Jones Jr. at the time. Hatton will be in the middle if he manages to break down Manny and enter the top 3 P4P, but I don't quite see him top ten yet, even though I would like to. Good talking to another intellegent poster on here. Hope we can do it again-Chase.

[Davros?]

Promoter Frank Warren is not holding a grudge against Joe Calzaghe. Warren promoted Calzaghe for over a decade until the two had a bad falling out in 2008. Despite their legal battle, Warren says Calzaghe is the best British fighter that he ever saw - better than Lennox Lewis or Ricky Hatton. Calzaghe announced his retirement last week, but Warren predicts a return is still very possible. [details]

well Warren will def say he is better than Lewis because he never promoted him.

[Dave Rado]

There ya go. I must have missed your intent on that last post. I understand your point now and can definitely relate to your reasoning. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. And they are not far off in terms of British ATG. Your list is top notch for sure. I gotta move Naseem Hamed up ahead of Hatton at this point though , as he really forged the way for Hatton and Calzaghe when LL was strugling to do it. Much respect to that guy, wherever he may be now. I don't agree with his religion and feel like he should have kept that to himself in boxing but overall, he was a special talent. Athletic ability and the way he handled himself in the ring was only topped by the very elite guys, like Jones Jr. at the time. Hatton will be in the middle if he manages to break down Manny and enter the top 3 P4P, but I don't quite see him top ten yet, even though I would like to. Good talking to another intellegent poster on here. Hope we can do it again-Chase.

Thanks Chase. I agree about Hamed in terms of raw talent - in fact in terms of raw talent I'd put him near the top of the list. I guess I just hold it against him that he went so far from fulfilling his potential after such an amazing start to his career; not training properly, not listening to anyone's advice. If it hadn't been for that, the result vs. Barrera might have been different, IMO, and it certainly would have been a far more competitive fight if his head had been screwed on right at that time; and Kevin Kelly would never have been able to get near his chin if Hamed had fought to his potential. He fell too in love with his power and thought he could neglect his skills, and eventually got found out. Hatton has less natural ability, but much more dedication; and he generally makes the most of the talent he does have, which I respect (although he, too let himself down a bit with the wrong tactics vs. Mayweather, but at least he's come back from that and hired one of the best trainers in the world in order to try to make amends).

Good to talk to you.