BoxRec

In the column he writes for the South Wales Argus, WBO light heavyweight champ Joe Calzaghe had some choice words about middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins' win over Howard Eastman: "Wasn't it a boring fight and didn't it prove once again that it's a joke to call Hopkins the best pound for pound fighter in the world? He has always been over-rated and if we fought right now I'd knock him out."


Christ almighty! The next time Joe fights someone rated in the top 20 by anyone except the WBO he can actually criticise Hopkins.

I hardly think getting decked by Kabery Salem whilst whaling away with wide hooks is a good indicator that you're going to be able to knock Hopkins out.

Although I would favour Hopkins to win Calzaghe would pose a lot more problems than Eastman. Would be nice to see it if only to see if Hopkins can still sustain a high pace at his age. Thats the way to beat him now I feel which is why I give Taylor a good chance.

Hopkins is a Middleweight, Calzaghe a Super Middle.

Calzaghe hasnt even beaten the best in his division.

Actions speak louder than words, Joe. You avoided Echols until he was washed up, and still didnt fight him then.

Calzaghe is a bit of a joke to say the least.

I am sure that Calzaghe could make a decent fist of a fight with Hopkins, at one time I would have made him favourite if they fought. However, I am just amazed at his cheek in criticising Hopkins.

Hopkins fought the man generally regarded as the best available contender (Taylor is now), and put on a clinic, whereas Calzaghe had a boring points win over no-mark Kabery Salem.

It just seems absolultely incredible to me that Calzaghe cannot see that his own career lately has been far from exciting.

I feel Calzaghe may have missed his boat. I really believe he is past his prime. He should've got the big fights following his win over Brewer. I feel he will never have that career defining fight. What a shame.

I think physically he's probably still in his prime, but inactivity, long layoffs, poor habits and increasingly mediocre opposition must surely have taken the edge off of his skills.

I cannot imagine for a moment that 3 years ago he would have waded into that wide hook from Salem.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
I cannot imagine for a moment that 3 years ago he would have waded into that wide hook from Salem.

Can't agree with that James, that sort of thing has been on the cards since day 1 just nobody has managed to land before. Whenever he opens up with his flurries he leaves his chin out to dry.

Although I agree as a whole his skills are not as sharp as they were that fault has always been there.

Joe would beat hopkins by KO

lvlarc_uk wrote:Joe would beat hopkins by KO

Joe who?

Joe Louis?

bugner

Would Hopkins get caught let alone dropped by Salem?!?!?!

Lvlarc, mate, you're off your bloody head. Calzaghe might conceivably outwork the old sod if B-Hop's looking his age, but knock him out? With what, pray? His girlfriend?

i think he means joe pasquale.

I think he needs help.

I too believe calzaghe would beat Hopkins.

Whats so hard to believe about that.
Hopkins said Eastman was like a supermiddle/lightheavy, if he fought Calzaghe he`d think he had a heavyweight in with him.

I think he`d be lobbying for a 52foot ring if they ever fought, and he`d run a faster mile than Kelly Holmes could ever dream.

Calzaghe is washed up now he couldn't beat Green or Lacy if they fought know. At least these two are trying to fight the best opponents not avioding them.

What next Hatton calling out Barrera and Pacman

What a joker...regardless of how the Calzaghe-Hopkins might go Calzaghe has a cheek criticising a guy like Hopkins while he is defending his trouser belt against waste of spaces like Kabary Salem...Hopkins defended against No. 1 contender and British/Euro/Commonwealth champion Eastman off the back of a win over Oscar De La Hoya, Calzaghe defended against a guy who lost a 12 round decision to Veit who Calzaghe stopped in a round....nuff said.