Is Joe Calzaghe actually considered a great fighter

[Stuntman Mike]

Gotta disrespectfully disagree with ya there, bud. They were far from tomato cans. And of course, predictably, soon as he beat Lacy, oh well...he wasn't that good to begin with (despite being the favourite). True, he didn't beat Hopkins and RJJ when they were at the primes, but neither was Calzaghe, I mean he's what.. two years younger than RJJ?

As to why the Hopkins fight never happened earlier. Showtime senior Vice President of sports and events Jay Larkin revealed:



The truth is Calazaghe, if anything, is underrated and doesn't get the credit he deserves. I believe he would have beat Hopkins and Toney in their primes. His boxing IQ, resilience and heart is unparalleled. I also commend him for retiring with his health intact.

Oh and on the Jones and slappy being similar ages ..Jones put his body through a hell of a lot went up to heavyweight then lost 20 pounds of muscle and went back down to fight tarver within 6 months he was a shell of himself after that..not to mention the back to back ko stoppages from tarter and Glen Johnson...you're seriously trying to pass of they has similar miles on the clock??

[Hatesrats]

Calzaghe Vs. Froch the GREATEST What If??? (168lbs history)??

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Calzaghe Vs. Froch the GREATEST What If??? (168lbs history)??

Prime Calzaghe schools him. Bad style matchup for Froch. Had they fought around 2008 when Calzaghe was past his prime Froch maybe has a chance to get to him late but I’d still pick Calzaghe by UD in that one, he’s the all round better fighter.

[IronDanHamza]

Tough question

Iran Barkley maybe, that’s probably peak Toney at 168.

Interesting though isn't it, considering most of Toney's mental internet fans say he was close to death level of drained against Roy Jones in that very same weight class, even though he fought there just a few months prior. But that's the case for every weight class he fought until he was fat and out of shape.

Reality is there's no version of Toney that's "in shape" or "drained" or whatever, it's all the same Toney. It's just a convenient excuse for every time he looked terrible.

I mean, many cite Prince Charles as peak Toney, that was literally less than 4 months prior to when he was supposedly drained to the point he was on his death bed with IV's in his arms against Jones (Yes that has really been said by his crazed internet fans). It makes no sense. He went from his supposed to peak to his death bed in a matter of months.

Against weaker opponents like a past prime Iran Barkley he'd excel (most of the time), but against higher level opponents he'd often struggle.

No different with Calzaghe I'd imagine, he'd lose vast majority of the rounds more than likely.

[PBR Streetgang]

The eye test tells me he was a great fighter. I think he ruined Lacy and his win over Kessler (who I rate pretty high) impressed me enough nevermind the wins over Hopkins and RJJ.

[Lupara]

Calzaghe is more akin to Sven Ottke than the ATG's

[BodyBagz]

Better than good but not great.

[iamboxing]

Oh and on the Jones and slappy being similar ages ..Jones put his body through a hell of a lot went up to heavyweight then lost 20 pounds of muscle and went back down to fight tarver within 6 months he was a shell of himself after that..not to mention the back to back ko stoppages from tarter and Glen Johnson...you're seriously trying to pass of they has similar miles on the clock??

I'm not even saying Calzaghe is better than RJJ and Hopkins. I'm saying he is still a great fighter. There are degrees of greatness, and just because Calzaghe may not be as good as Roy (in your opinion) does not automatically mean they're trash. Also the fact that you keep saying "slappy" just means you already hate the guy and biased.

[hugh grant]

Well he was underdog against Jeff lacy and we know how that went, and was criminally underestimated, so give him credit and don't dismiss him again when.you learnt lesson not to. He beat Kessler who was very good and hopkins
So Joe was a great fighter. Thin resume maybe if you place it h2h with others.

[M312]

Calzaghe had hand speed, angles and footwork most boxers could only dream of.

Also had underrated power (serious power before hand problems) and a great chin.

If he didn't want to get hit he wouldn't, but he loved a war so was always in great fights too.

Dude has every attitribute to beat any boxer at 168. Obviously other boxers were amazing too, but Joe was a special boxer for sure.

The masterclass v Lacy for example is one of the best boxing displays you will ever see. Everything about it is a dream performance for any boxer.

And v Kessler too. The adjustments he made mid fight are something no ordinary boxer could do.

A great no doubt. Haters gotta hate, but nothing to hate on here.