fist wrote:EddieShredder wrote:fist wrote:
As for Lennox Lewis..couldnt stand him, boring fighter, who looked like he was bored himself! Joe is leagues above lennox in terms of skill and entertainment.
Joe had the opportunity over the years to prove that though, and his hesitancy/refusal to seek out the best fights and challenges available leaves him miles behind Lewis in terms of legacy.
Like Spud, thats what I find so annoying.... especially now he's confirmed that his talent was for real with his big recent wins. Bottom line is that Joe should, and would have gone done as an all time great had he left his comfort zone, and taken some very winnable challenges against the other sm belt holders over the last 10 years. Too many fights against journeymen, and sub-world-class opposition.
Lewis cleaned out the heavyweights, beat everyone he's faced as a pro, showed heart, focus and determination by avenging two KO losses in more devastating fashion - leaving no doubt as to who was the better fighter. He beat every fighter of note in his division over his era (bar Bowe, who refused the fight), and holds wins over at least 2 all time great heavyweights in Tyson and Holyfield, as well as very good wins over many other credible opponents.
In terms of class of opposition, achievements in the sport, defining fights, and legacy, Lewis is leaps and bounds ahead of Calzaghe. Talent and skill wise, Joe might be better - but he's never proved he deserves to be considered in the same vein.... it's his own lack of desire and drive which will cost him ultimately.
Too little, too late.
Thats your opinion mate and I respect that, but for me, Im happy with what he's achieved - he's undefeated, unlike Lewis, and he's proven he's the very best at SMW. For me, he's head and shoulders above Lewis. And yes, for me, he is an ATG. He secured that status when he took kessler's zero and unfied the division. I can't think of any fighter in the world at his weight who would beat him. Thats my view.
I agree with you that NOW there is no fighter in or around super middle who would beat JC. However, his dominance has only been
confirmed in the last 2 years, since the Lacy victory.
Lewis was arguably the no1 heavyweight for nearly 10 years, and certainly for over 5 years since the Holyfield fights to his retirement. His resume has
every notable heavy of his era on it.... compare that to Calzaghes, and there are too many gaps - too many big name fighters - who whilst they might not have beaten Joe, were certainly better challenges for him than half the opposition he faced.
Calzaghe is the best SM out there now, granted, and has unified his division. BUT, only recently.
In my opinion, for his to be considered in the same vein as Lewis, he would have needed to fight/beat much better opposition over the whole of his 10 year world title "reign", rather than just two big names at the end.
EDIT: Perhaps I should add, that personally, one of the criteria I look for in a "great" fighter, is the desire, drive and willingness to fight the best available opposition, in their own back yard, and on their terms if necessary. Having the skills and talent is only one part of being a great imo.
) that has come over to spank the Yanks!