fist wrote:IMO Calzaghe is a much better boxer than Hatton, that is not to discreidt Ricky. Joe is superior in terms of adaptability, fluidity, speed. I like Hatton, but not been impressed with him in recent years, been irritated by his holding at times, though strategically I understand why he has done it late on in fights when his stamina has gone. Which also raises another thing Calzaghe has over Hatton, amazing stamina. Joe cant fight at ridiculous pace non-stop. Lacy's people thoght he would tire and could not continue at that rate, but he did, easily.
As for Lennox Lewis, respect the opinions on this site which deem LL as the best of British, but I truly could not stand him as a fighter. Good jab, but it bored me. Excellent world champ, particularly for a big world champ - 6'5, but never got me excited. Never liked a tear-up and would not have been good in one. Not exactly amazing stamin and pretty flat footed. Plus was sparked out twice, the second while he was laughing - questionable defence at times and of course, questionable chin. Just never liked him as a boxer.
I agree with this assessment. Overall Calzaghe has the best repetoire of skills, and that includes Lewis, although, for a big man, Lewis was far more skilled than most.
Joe has shown pretty impressive versatility over his career, and the fact he boxed Kessler to a standstill for the majority of their fight, and just plain bamboozled an aggressive brawler like Lacy, annihilating him to boot, confirms this.
However, Ricky is good at that he does, and more versatile than some would suggest.
Yep agreed, Ricky is clearly world class, but some of his recent fights Ive found boring, with him running out of breath half way through and after stepping up a weight, looked ineffective, small and weak. But an excellent champion who has a chance against meayweather. Calzaghe though as stated has many more attributes if we are comparing - amazing stamina, outrageous hand speed, fights with venom, excellent inside and out, great ability to move opponents around the ring, adaaptability.... could go on. For me, the best of British and in terms of SMW, well hereos like Benn say Joe would have beaten them, sums it up from a warrior.
Last edited by fist on 04 Dec 2007, 14:53, edited 1 time in total.
