Who should Calzaghe fight next?

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All this talk about a possible fight between Calzaghe & Hopkins is worrying me, as I just can't get excited about Calzaghe fighting a 43 year old middleweight who has not looked that impressive in 3 years.

I cannot think of a more boring fight in prospect than this proposed one.

Why has Calzaghe suddenly discovered his passport & has this huge desire to fight in the USA?

If it's for money, then he can invest in stocks & shares or something, if it's for his legacy, he's 8 years too late.

He should have acquired a valid passport in 1999, gone to the USA then & beat a path to the front door of Roy Jones Jr.

He should be looking to defend his title against Carl Froch.

That would be the biggest 160/168lb fight in the UK in 18 years, since the titanic Eubank -v- Benn tussle in 1990.

If he wants to step up, then there's Clinton Woods to look for.

It would be so nice to see Woods in a big domestic scrap & not endlessly fighting Glen Johnson, John DeLisle or Julio Cesar Gonzalez!

[Lightsoot]

Personally, I think Joe should retire. However, I agree with you - I'd much rather see Calzaghe vs Carl Froch instead of Clinton Woods.

[jamesmcdonnell]

The fights I would most like to see are Clinton Woods/Chad Dawson, then the winner of the Pavlik v Taylor rematch.

The former are big strong light heavyweights, whilst the latter are young hungry lions who are big at 160.

[Podmore_Birmingham]

If Calzaghe fights at super-middleweight again – which has been hinted – then it should be Froch. I'd like to see him in with Woods and then Dawson at light-heavyweight.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Personally, I think Joe should retire. However, I agree with you - I'd much rather see Calzaghe vs Carl Froch instead of Clinton Woods.

Really Ben? I'm surprised by that. I assume you think that means Joe would have an easy night with Clinton, which I certainly don't.

I think Froch is far too slow, flat footed and easy to hit to beat Calzaghe, I think he is certainly inferior to Kessler, and Joe won that fight pretty comfortably. Froch always has a puncher's chance I suppose, but Joe has a cracking chin, a champion's heart, and is more likely to hurt Froch than the other way around.

I'd like to see him fight Froch, but think Woods represents a sterner test.

[johnswan1]

Best fight for Calzaghe IMO:

1. Winner of Taylor-Pavlik
2. Hopkins
3. Froch
4. Mundine
5. Woods

I really don't want to see Woods, it would be a very easy fight for Joe. I think he also beats Froch and Mundine. Hey, after saying those two names together, wouldn't Froch-Mundine be a great fight, the two biggest mouths in the division.

Woods should try to fight Dawson and then retire if he loses.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

[johnswan1]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

Yeah I do actually James. I honestly see Woods completely folding against Calzaghe. Why are people talking Woods up so much? I really can't see what the big deal is with him. He is about as good as Glen Johnson, I think that is fair to say - a guy who is competitive with most fighters, and has done well for himself. Woods is a good solid fighter, but he is far from elite. The division he is in is poor and so are the majority of the opponents he has faced. Calzaghe is an elite fighter, an all time great at his weight - Woods will never be. I think Kesslers record before he fought Calzaghe as more impressive than Woods right now.

[oliverfennell]

I voted for Hopkins, not because it's necessarilly the best/most attractive fight (that would be Woods), but because the big US fight is the one thing missing from his CV. He needs to tick that box, or it will forever be a footnote to his career.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

Yeah I do actually James. I honestly see Woods completely folding against Calzaghe. Why are people talking Woods up so much? I really can't see what the big deal is with him. He is about as good as Glen Johnson, I think that is fair to say - a guy who is competitive with most fighters, and has done well for himself. Woods is a good solid fighter, but he is far from elite. The division he is in is poor and so are the majority of the opponents he has faced. Calzaghe is an elite fighter, an all time great at his weight - Woods will never be. I think Kesslers record before he fought Calzaghe as more impressive than Woods right now.

I agree that the 175 lb division isn't great, but then since when is the 168 lb division bristling with talent? Where is the strength in depth?

And, let's not forget, Woods is a much bigger man naturally than Calzaghe.

Did anyone see pictures of Calzaghe standing alongside Hopkins recently? Calzaghe looked the smaller man.

Woods walks around at 190-195, without ever getting out of shape. I doubt Joe weighs anywhere near that. He simply isn't that big a bloke.

That is why I think Woods gives Calzaghe a lot of trouble. I doubt Joe's shots will hurt him, whereas Clinton will be able to put a dent in Joe when he lands.

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

[johnswan1]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

Yeah I do actually James. I honestly see Woods completely folding against Calzaghe. Why are people talking Woods up so much? I really can't see what the big deal is with him. He is about as good as Glen Johnson, I think that is fair to say - a guy who is competitive with most fighters, and has done well for himself. Woods is a good solid fighter, but he is far from elite. The division he is in is poor and so are the majority of the opponents he has faced. Calzaghe is an elite fighter, an all time great at his weight - Woods will never be. I think Kesslers record before he fought Calzaghe as more impressive than Woods right now.

I agree that the 175 lb division isn't great, but then since when is the 168 lb division bristling with talent? Where is the strength in depth?

And, let's not forget, Woods is a much bigger man naturally than Calzaghe.

Did anyone see pictures of Calzaghe standing alongside Hopkins recently? Calzaghe looked the smaller man.

Woods walks around at 190-195, without ever getting out of shape. I doubt Joe weighs anywhere near that. He simply isn't that big a bloke.

That is why I think Woods gives Calzaghe a lot of trouble. I doubt Joe's shots will hurt him, whereas Clinton will be able to put a dent in Joe when he lands.

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

People were saying the same about Lacy in fairness. How will Joe deal with his strength? How will he be able to stop him coming forward? Well we all saw what happened there.

I was also surprised when I saw how big Hopkins looked beside Calzaghe but when Hops was at middleweight he was always really lean. But he didn't want any part of Taylor and wasn't prepared to deal with his strength until he gassed. Taylor was a huge middleweight and even Corey Spinks was able to go twelve rounds with him. Sometimes strength advantages just aren't as big a deal as they're made out to be.

I've always thought that Calzaghe looks a bit soft but I think he's proved his strength and toughness over the years. Don't let appearances deceive you. I don't think it matters too much how strong Clinton is or how natural he is at the weight - bottom line, if Calzaghe is picking him off all night he will think twice about coming forward, just as others before him did.

Watch this clip for example - Woods much bigger than Jones (albeit a prime Jones) but he wasn't capable of anything when he was getting picked off by a smaller fighter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNl5aI4Gokk

[jamesmcdonnell]

Jones was pretty much unbeatable at that stage. Calzaghe is a great fighter, but he is much easier to hit than Jones was at that stage.

Jones was also not much smaller, he was pretty natural at 175 by that stage, although not the biggest 175 lber, he wasn't exactly undersized.

We shall have to agree to disagree, Calzaghe against Woods would be a hard night for Joe in my opinion, the difference in size would have an impact because Joe has never fought at any other weight, and is not a naturally massive bloke.

[Autobarn]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

Kessler's superior in most ways to Woods, but isn't bigger.

[Dirk Kelly]

I would like to see him fight Woods, get the title and unify with Dawson and/or Green.

[Autobarn]

Interesting. It appears I'm on my own here. I think that Woods is the hardest fight out there along with Dawson.

Answer me this. Do you think Kessler is a bigger, better, stronger, harder hitting, or more well rounded fighter than Woods? I don't think he is.

Yeah I do actually James. I honestly see Woods completely folding against Calzaghe. Why are people talking Woods up so much? I really can't see what the big deal is with him. He is about as good as Glen Johnson, I think that is fair to say - a guy who is competitive with most fighters, and has done well for himself. Woods is a good solid fighter, but he is far from elite. The division he is in is poor and so are the majority of the opponents he has faced. Calzaghe is an elite fighter, an all time great at his weight - Woods will never be. I think Kesslers record before he fought Calzaghe as more impressive than Woods right now.

I agree that the 175 lb division isn't great, but then since when is the 168 lb division bristling with talent? Where is the strength in depth?

And, let's not forget, Woods is a much bigger man naturally than Calzaghe.

Did anyone see pictures of Calzaghe standing alongside Hopkins recently? Calzaghe looked the smaller man.

Woods walks around at 190-195, without ever getting out of shape. I doubt Joe weighs anywhere near that. He simply isn't that big a bloke.

That is why I think Woods gives Calzaghe a lot of trouble. I doubt Joe's shots will hurt him, whereas Clinton will be able to put a dent in Joe when he lands.

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

you may be a bit crackers then. i think Kessler's a lot better and let's not forget he faced a best-ever Calzaghe and surprised him with right hands at least 4 times in the bout.

But Woods is a much bigger bloke, has more natural strength as a light heavy and will use short punchers and lean on Joe. Given that Joe struggled with Bika's strength, I think Woods would be a tough fight. But I can't agree about Woods being better than Kessler, no way.

[dbf]

Jones was pretty much unbeatable at that stage. Calzaghe is a great fighter, but he is much easier to hit than Jones was at that stage.

Jones was also not much smaller, he was pretty natural at 175 by that stage, although not the biggest 175 lber, he wasn't exactly undersized.

We shall have to agree to disagree, Calzaghe against Woods would be a hard night for Joe in my opinion, the difference in size would have an impact because Joe has never fought at any other weight, and is not a naturally massive bloke.

I agree Joe is definately not a big guy and Clinton is definitely the stronger. Glencoffe Johnson, is not a big light heavy at all and he still managed to boss Clinton at times, and have him on the back foot.

I think Calzaghes swarming and pace would be too much for Woods.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Yeah I do actually James. I honestly see Woods completely folding against Calzaghe. Why are people talking Woods up so much? I really can't see what the big deal is with him. He is about as good as Glen Johnson, I think that is fair to say - a guy who is competitive with most fighters, and has done well for himself. Woods is a good solid fighter, but he is far from elite. The division he is in is poor and so are the majority of the opponents he has faced. Calzaghe is an elite fighter, an all time great at his weight - Woods will never be. I think Kesslers record before he fought Calzaghe as more impressive than Woods right now.

I agree that the 175 lb division isn't great, but then since when is the 168 lb division bristling with talent? Where is the strength in depth?

And, let's not forget, Woods is a much bigger man naturally than Calzaghe.

Did anyone see pictures of Calzaghe standing alongside Hopkins recently? Calzaghe looked the smaller man.

Woods walks around at 190-195, without ever getting out of shape. I doubt Joe weighs anywhere near that. He simply isn't that big a bloke.

That is why I think Woods gives Calzaghe a lot of trouble. I doubt Joe's shots will hurt him, whereas Clinton will be able to put a dent in Joe when he lands.

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

you may be a bit crackers then. i think Kessler's a lot better and let's not forget he faced a best-ever Calzaghe and surprised him with right hands at least 4 times in the bout.

But Woods is a much bigger bloke, has more natural strength as a light heavy and will use short punchers and lean on Joe. Given that Joe struggled with Bika's strength, I think Woods would be a tough fight. But I can't agree about Woods being better than Kessler, no way.

Woods has a better variety of shots than Kessler, has a proven rock hard chin, and is very experienced.

I am not neccessarily saying that if they were both 168 lbers that Clinton would beat Calzaghe or Kessler for that matter, but the fact is, Clinton is a big 175 lber, and that is the difference.

Do you think that if Kessler moved up to 175 he would beat Woods?

Johnson may be a 'small' 175 lb fighter, but there isn't a pick of spare flesh on him at the weight, and he isn't pumped up either.

[Chambers2]

I voted Carl Froch, because thats the fight I'd like to see, but I reckon JC-Nard will be next. Don't blame Joe for chasing that fight though its where the $£$£$£$'s and legacy is.

I think Carl has the best chance of beating Joe.

JC-Nard
I just don't see how Nard can keep up with JC's workrate and I don't think he has the pop to stop JC, although that might have changed up at 175. Calzaghe UD for me in an uninteresting fight, Nard is made to work at an uncomfortable pace throughout the fight and slows up down the straight

JC-Woods
I think it would make for a very entertaining fight, both throw plenty of leather and are technically very good, but I can't help thinking JC is a semi-class above and would win a UD about 117-111. Calzaghe UD

JC-Froch
Best fight of the 3 IMO. Its gonna be very difficult for anyone to beat JC on points IMO and I don't think CF would either. Carls one of the biggest punchers in the division IMO and he doesn't mind taking a few punches to land one BIG one. JC's got an excellent chin, but hes been dropped by smaller punchers than Froch and Carls an excellent finisher. Stylistically I like this fight for Froch, JC will take some BIG uppercuts and straight rights on the way in throughout the fight forcing him to take a count late on, Froch then unleashes the fury on him resulting in a Froch win KO9. I realize that JC is an awesome boxer and he may just well outbox Carl, but I think he has a far better chance of beating Joe than the other 2 do

[Bard of Boxrec]

kessler would beat woods comfortably, can you not see the difference in class? he may even stop woods like johnson almost did.

no brainer for me. calzaghe would walk through the guy.

[Mukel]

i would like to see him fight the winner of pavlik and taylor and by the time he actually faces the winner there would be a another challenge lined up i would presume, perhaps Bute or Froch will prove there credentials at super middleweight to persuade him to stick around, or maybe Hopkins. I certainly dont see the point in Woods aoart from an all british showdown, but the challenge is poor.

[oliverfennell]

An article I did on the same subject a few weeks ago:

http://www.britishboxing.net/news_2840- ... zaghe.html

[Mario]

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

In all the time i've been reading and posting on here James is one of the people whos opinions i'll take notice of, he seems a knowledgeable guy but when i read that i was shocked. I cant see how anyone picks Woods over Kessler, the only advantage he has as far as i can see is size. Kessler is better in every department for me.

As for the poll, i voted for Froch, i think it would be one of the greatest fights i'll ever see if it came off, and definitely the hardest for Joe. But i suppose the sensible fight is Hopkins as he's a bigger name, will bring more money and recognition, and is a lot more beatable.

[johnswan1]

I agree that Kessler beats Woods, but Calzaghe beats Froch fairly easily. He's just not busy enough and is too open.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I've little doubt that Clinton would beat Kessler pretty easily.

In all the time i've been reading and posting on here James is one of the people whos opinions i'll take notice of, he seems a knowledgeable guy but when i read that i was shocked. I cant see how anyone picks Woods over Kessler, the only advantage he has as far as i can see is size. Kessler is better in every department for me.

As for the poll, i voted for Froch, i think it would be one of the greatest fights i'll ever see if it came off, and definitely the hardest for Joe. But i suppose the sensible fight is Hopkins as he's a bigger name, will bring more money and recognition, and is a lot more beatable.

I don't really see what Kessler does better. Kessler is big and strong at 168, has a nice jab, and a good straight right, and good power, but I don't think he's a better all round fighter than Woods.

Woods has more variety in his work, just because he struggled with Johnson I think people are underrating him, he's not come close to losing anyone else lately.

Bizzare that people think that the flat footed Froch would be a massive problem for Joe, whilst the busier and more mobile, not to mention bigger and tougher Woods wouldn't.

Still, like they say, opinions are like arseholes...

[chesh]

I don't think Joe should hang around at 168 for Pavlik, Taylor or Froch. He's struggled to make weight for too long now. Froch's said he would fight him at 175, but I think JC beats him at either weight. CF's good, but not as good as Kessler. Other than Kessler, I really think the toughest fight out there for him is B-Hop. It won't be pretty, but Hopkins will find a way to stop Joe doing his thing. He won't be throwing over a thousand punches in this fight. Hopkins will tie him up, rough him up and possibly open up a cut with his head. Apart from the two highly debatable defeats to Taylor, B-Hop hasn't lost for 14 years and even now, at his advanced age, is ranked #4 P4P by Ring. And not for no reason. Hopkins in the US is the biggest threat to JC's undefeated record. For me, Joe just nicks it in a very ugly fight. B-Hop is the only fight left that can further enhance Joe's legacy. The fight should be made as soon as possible before Hop turns his attention to the Jones-Trinidad winner. After Hopkins, maybe one last fight in Cardiff against Woods.