Joe Calzaghe (2008) vs recent Andre Ward ?

[Lackeos]

I'm reasonably convinced that Andre Ward is better than the version of Hopkins that Calzaghe faced. Calzaghe, though, was barely a hair better than that version of Hopkins. I think Ward would have beat Calzaghe 7-5ish.

[Impractical Poster]

This is very hard. Calzaghe got into a great rhythm, his dad was a musician i remember, and his stamina, relentlessness and awkwardness would confound his opponents. But if Ward was to constantly disrupt his rhythm with the tackling and grappling....it would cause problems, but perhaps Joe could keep firing on the inside without tiring. I would want Joe to win.

It would be really rough for Ward. Hopkins had a really rough time disrupting Joe's rhythm. And that's probably because Joe had an odd rhythm to begin with.

[SFW]

Joe Calzaghe's unorthodox volume slapping would have presented a huge problem to any fighter, but unfortunately for him, the biggest names on his resume were all far removed from their physical primes, apart from Kessler.

The Welshman was also offered career-high purses twice to face Carl Froch, but he declined the opportunity to face the man from Nottingham in preference of receiving smaller paydays against easier opposition.

Andre Ward takes the victory in this fight comfortably.

This Froch accusation does need some proof, because it sounds like bullshit. Retrospective made up bullshit, which has followed Calzaghe forever. So, another long winded opportunity is here, please explain.

It's not bûllshît. I have previously presented my evidence to the forum. I can do so again... later on this evening.

I have a proven track record of defending my claims by citing evidence, so I'm a tad surprised that you doubt me.

Do you care to keep saying the word "bûllshît" over-and-over again, or do you care to research the matter for yourself and retract your bûllshît accusations before I post the proof?

Post proof please... only thing I asked for."Sounds like bullshit".... yes you have a long track record of that, which made this one curious since there was nothing cited just a claim. Hopefully it's legit and can be verified, real proof. I'd love to see it.

[gilgamesh]

Ward beats Calzaghe even if the fight takes place in Wales.

[greg]

Ward beats Calzaghe even if the fight takes place in Wales.

..would you expect him to leave his backyard? someone has to sever his umbilical cord first..

[gilgamesh]

Ward beats Calzaghe even if the fight takes place in Wales.

..would you expect him to leave his backyard? someone has to sever his umbilical cord first..

It's a valid criticism of Ward that he never leaves his corner of the world for fights, but my comment was meant to mean no matter where they fought I believe Ward would beat Calzaghe because he's better than him.

[greg]

Ward beats Calzaghe even if the fight takes place in Wales.

..would you expect him to leave his backyard? someone has to sever his umbilical cord first..

It's a valid criticism of Ward that he never leaves his corner of the world for fights, but my comment was meant to mean no matter where they fought I believe Ward would beat Calzaghe because he's better than him.

..I hear you, gil..I just believe that to prove your worth you have to take chances even if it means going to the "lion"s den" and fight the local champ in "hostile" environment. Ward owes that to HIS fans..

[Ruthless-RKO]

..would you expect him to leave his backyard? someone has to sever his umbilical cord first..

It's a valid criticism of Ward that he never leaves his corner of the world for fights, but my comment was meant to mean no matter where they fought I believe Ward would beat Calzaghe because he's better than him.

..I hear you, gil..I just believe that to prove your worth you have to take chances even if it means going to the "lion"s den" and fight the local champ in "hostile" environment. Ward owes that to HIS fans..

He doesn't owe that to his fans.

[gilgamesh]

..would you expect him to leave his backyard? someone has to sever his umbilical cord first..

It's a valid criticism of Ward that he never leaves his corner of the world for fights, but my comment was meant to mean no matter where they fought I believe Ward would beat Calzaghe because he's better than him.

..I hear you, gil..I just believe that to prove your worth you have to take chances even if it means going to the "lion"s den" and fight the local champ in "hostile" environment. Ward owes that to HIS fans..

His fans are all in Oakland. He has no charisma so unless you personally know him and have some sort of emotional investment in him from knowing him personally I doubt he has too many fans. One big reason why he doesn't travel is because if he did he'd be fighting to a half empty arena in most cases.

[greg]

It's a valid criticism of Ward that he never leaves his corner of the world for fights, but my comment was meant to mean no matter where they fought I believe Ward would beat Calzaghe because he's better than him.

..I hear you, gil..I just believe that to prove your worth you have to take chances even if it means going to the "lion"s den" and fight the local champ in "hostile" environment. Ward owes that to HIS fans..

He doesn't owe that to his fans.

ok, if his fans are happy to cheer for one of the most protected fighters, what do I care..

[Thomastearns]

Calzaghe's relentlessness and pace makes it hard for anyone at the weight to steal rounds off him imo..w

Yes Calzaghe is the great round stealer of recent times. No serious power, but phenomenal hand/slap speed. Like Leonard and Mayweather, his fragile hands forced him to fight like that. Great footwork, chin and stamina. Brilliant focus. Ridiculously underrated.

[Boxerbeetle]

Calzaghe's relentlessness and pace makes it hard for anyone at the weight to steal rounds off him imo..w

Yes Calzaghe is the great round stealer of recent times. No serious power, but phenomenal hand/slap speed. Like Leonard and Mayweather, his fragile hands forced him to fight like that. Great footwork, chin and stamina. Brilliant focus. Ridiculously underrated.

Calzaghe was known as a proper banger coming through the ranks before his hands betrayed him, forcing him to completely change his style. I often wonder how his career would have panned out if his hands had held up.

[Perseus]

Calzaghe had two extremely worthy scalps in 2008 - RJJ and Hopkins. Let us imagine him facing recent Ward on the the neutral venue with honest ref and judges. What do you think about this fantasy match ?

I think Ward would win, but I would root for Calzaghe. What about you ?

lol.
There would have been no chance at all of Calzaghe actually taking a fight with Ward.

Saying the 2008 version of Roy Jones jr is a "worthy scalp" on the resume of Joe Calzaghe is absolute confirmation of overall weakness of the Calzaghe resume.
Hopkins while still a top fighter was a 43-year-old, blown up middleweight, clearly long past his best and the loss to Joe was his third in five fights.

Joe didn't go anywhere near an actual light heavyweight who was in or even near his prime.
There is no reason to think he would have been game for a date with an at least near prime version of Andre Ward.

[Loki]

Joe Calzaghe's unorthodox volume slapping would have presented a huge problem to any fighter, but unfortunately for him, the biggest names on his resume were all far removed from their physical primes, apart from Kessler.

The Welshman was also offered career-high purses twice to face Carl Froch, but he declined the opportunity to face the man from Nottingham in preference of receiving smaller paydays against easier opposition.

Andre Ward takes the victory in this fight comfortably.

Where is your evidence? Froch really was only a viable opponent in 2008 after beating Pascal, then Taylor to win a belt. I highly doubt JC v Froch made more financial sense than JC v BHop or RJJ. JC retired in 2008.

Prime for Prime, it would close, puzzle vs puzzle, but I'd give JC the nod, as he was faster and a better boxer.

BTW, Calzaghe didn't slap until later in his career, after so many hand problems.

[Loki]

This Froch accusation does need some proof, because it sounds like bullshit. Retrospective made up bullshit, which has followed Calzaghe forever. So, another long winded opportunity is here, please explain.

It's not bûllshît. I have previously presented my evidence to the forum. I can do so again... later on this evening.

I have a proven track record of defending my claims by citing evidence, so I'm a tad surprised that you doubt me.

Do you care to keep saying the word "bûllshît" over-and-over again, or do you care to research the matter for yourself and retract your bûllshît accusations before I post the proof?

Post proof please... only thing I asked for."Sounds like bullshit".... yes you have a long track record of that, which made this one curious since there was nothing cited just a claim. Hopefully it's legit and can be verified, real proof. I'd love to see it.

I agree. I only remember Froch calling out Calzaghe in 2008.

[craigjenkins05]

Joe Calzaghe's unorthodox volume slapping would have presented a huge problem to any fighter, but unfortunately for him, the biggest names on his resume were all far removed from their physical primes, apart from Kessler.

The Welshman was also offered career-high purses twice to face Carl Froch, but he declined the opportunity to face the man from Nottingham in preference of receiving smaller paydays against easier opposition.

Andre Ward takes the victory in this fight comfortably.

When was this? Because allegedly has said in multiple interviews he offered froch the fight for good money and he wouldn't take it

[Horse]

Where is your evidence? Froch really was only a viable opponent in 2008 after beating Pascal, then Taylor to win a belt. I highly doubt JC v Froch made more financial sense than JC v BHop or RJJ. JC retired in 2008.

No, Froch was a viable opponent from 2004 after the won the British title.

It's not as if Calzaghe was only fighting the crème de la crème throughout most of his reign.

[Covfefe]

It's not bûllshît. I have previously presented my evidence to the forum. I can do so again... later on this evening.

I have a proven track record of defending my claims by citing evidence, so I'm a tad surprised that you doubt me.

Do you care to keep saying the word "bûllshît" over-and-over again, or do you care to research the matter for yourself and retract your bûllshît accusations before I post the proof?

Post proof please... only thing I asked for."Sounds like bullshit".... yes you have a long track record of that, which made this one curious since there was nothing cited just a claim. Hopefully it's legit and can be verified, real proof. I'd love to see it.

I agree. I only remember Froch calling out Calzaghe in 2008.

He was calling him out for a while before that. He was on the build up to the Manfredo fight on the phone to Calzaghe asking him for a fight, he was only British super middleweight champ at the time and didn't become a world champ, or mandatory for the WBC till after Calzaghe had already fought and beat Hopkins at lightheavy weight, and Carl said at the time he wouldn't go up in weight to fight him. Joe followed Hopkins with a career high payday against Jones and retired before Carl was ever a world champion. Two different eras unfortunately.

[Ossyrules]

Calzaghe 2008 was past his best slightly imo, punch resistance had started to go, seemed to get cut more easy. Ward would be slight favourite imo. I'd also say ward is possibly the more natural at this weight. Ward seems better at 175 than he was at 168 imo. Calzaghe had his whole career bar 2 at 168 so have t say that was his weight.

The Calzaghe around the lacy time I think would have beaten ward at any point of his 168 career. Obviously ward would've had his moments, but he eventually gets out worked and out fought in that fight. Froch said he felt ward faded in there fight. It doesn't bode well for ward being as the Calzaghe tempo was much much higher than frochs

[Ossyrules]

Post proof please... only thing I asked for."Sounds like bullshit".... yes you have a long track record of that, which made this one curious since there was nothing cited just a claim. Hopefully it's legit and can be verified, real proof. I'd love to see it.

I agree. I only remember Froch calling out Calzaghe in 2008.

He was calling him out for a while before that. He was on the build up to the Manfredo fight on the phone to Calzaghe asking him for a fight, he was only British super middleweight champ at the time and didn't become a world champ, or mandatory for the WBC till after Calzaghe had already fought and beat Hopkins at lightheavy weight, and Carl said at the time he wouldn't go up in weight to fight him. Joe followed Hopkins with a career high payday against Jones and retired before Carl was ever a world champion. Two different eras unfortunately.

This.

[Loki]

Post proof please... only thing I asked for."Sounds like bullshit".... yes you have a long track record of that, which made this one curious since there was nothing cited just a claim. Hopefully it's legit and can be verified, real proof. I'd love to see it.

I agree. I only remember Froch calling out Calzaghe in 2008.

He was calling him out for a while before that. He was on the build up to the Manfredo fight on the phone to Calzaghe asking him for a fight, he was only British super middleweight champ at the time and didn't become a world champ, or mandatory for the WBC till after Calzaghe had already fought and beat Hopkins at lightheavy weight, and Carl said at the time he wouldn't go up in weight to fight him. Joe followed Hopkins with a career high payday against Jones and retired before Carl was ever a world champion. Two different eras unfortunately.

Yes, that's how I remember it. I was working in Cardiff and lucky to attend Kessler fight. Froch was a later starter. To say Froch was offered to JC and he chose to fight bums is idiotic.

[boxing_rocks]

A result would solely depend on where the fight happened.

[SFW]

Where is your evidence? Froch really was only a viable opponent in 2008 after beating Pascal, then Taylor to win a belt. I highly doubt JC v Froch made more financial sense than JC v BHop or RJJ. JC retired in 2008.

No, Froch was a viable opponent from 2004 after the won the British title.

It's not as if Calzaghe was only fighting the crème de la crème throughout most of his reign.

Having a British title means what? 3 steps short of a World title? Calzaghe was top 3 p4p and on his way out looking for big name big $ fights. For reasons legit or otherwise Joe didn't make near the $ he should have in his career. Ripped off completely 20+ fights before he even got to Warren. Froch brought absolutely nothing to the table for Joe.. and since Carl didn't want to move up... Calzaghe proved himself long before Carl's name had even made it out of Nottingham, it was like another poster said, 2 different eras.

[squiggy]

Calzaghe 2008 was past his best slightly imo, punch resistance had started to go, seemed to get cut more easy. Ward would be slight favourite imo. I'd also say ward is possibly the more natural at this weight. Ward seems better at 175 than he was at 168 imo. Calzaghe had his whole career bar 2 at 168 so have t say that was his weight.

The Calzaghe around the lacy time I think would have beaten ward at any point of his 168 career. Obviously ward would've had his moments, but he eventually gets out worked and out fought in that fight. Froch said he felt ward faded in there fight. It doesn't bode well for ward being as the Calzaghe tempo was much much higher than frochs

I think Froch was just looking for something that felt better to say than "man, I might have lost every single round."

[Horse]

Having a British title means what? 3 steps short of a World title? Calzaghe was top 3 p4p and on his way out looking for big name big $ fights.

In 2004?

For reasons legit or otherwise Joe didn't make near the $ he should have in his career. Ripped off completely 20+ fights before he even got to Warren. Froch brought absolutely nothing to the table for Joe.. and since Carl didn't want to move up... Calzaghe proved himself long before Carl's name had even made it out of Nottingham, it was like another poster said, 2 different eras.

In 2004 Calzaghe fought: Mger Mkrtchyan & Kabary Salem
In 2005 Calzaghe fought: Mario Veit II & Evans Ashira

Froch was clearly credible enough to be fighting Joe Calzaghe at that stage of his career.