I now have Ward 33-3, he doesn't belong in the same category as Calzaghe

Agreed re: Joe's problems with Kov and Ward, although the Kovalev comparison is probably the harshest as Joe was in decline when fighting at LHW.

Ward vs Joe is a tough fight to call as I respect the talents of both, and both were at their peak campaigning at SMW, so that's where I see the match-up. I've said this before, they are the kryptonite to each other's superman. Ward would definitely not be comfortable dealing with 1,100+ punches over the distance - he tired badly in the last two rounds against Froch, for example. Ward likes to dictate the pace of fights but could he slow the pace of Calzaghe enough to get his own work off? Joe took away his opponent's thinking time and this is mentally draining. And Ward doesn't have the power to dissuaded this approach.

But Ward, as we know, is expert at making opponents fight his fight, on his terms, using clinches to break rhythm and is certainly stronger on the inside than Joe was. He's stronger period. He might just have what it takes to reduce Joe's output and tire him by making him miss more than he's used to. His body work might have taken the steam out of Joe over the 12 rounds.

The thing is, both were/are elite at adapting their style during fights. Calzaghe was losing against Kessler until after the 4th round where he took a couple of vicious uppercuts and changed his approach, boxing behind his jab from range and turning a tough fight into a routine win. Ward adapted at the weekend after getting clipped in the 2nd, taking the action inside. I thought this won him the fight - just.

I slightly favour Ward vs Joe, and Kovalev too, mainly because that fight would have to take place at LHW.

 

the title of the thread is true, joe has never reached the same category as ward.

ward eclipsed "joe's category" with his first title fight, a level joe reached in his last title fight.

 

I guess 3 times

 

You borrowed the ESB time machine didntcha? Most guys here use it to travel back in time to tell us for sure how fights between famous guys from the past and current fighters play out, but you dialed it in for 2021.

 

I've not been on here in months and I see we're still making threads about Calzaghe. Some things never change

 

Lol
I watched Kovalev knock Ward down, read that he outlanded Ward and seemed to look like he was dictating the pace of the fight and not get a decision
I wonder where (if it happens) the rematch will be. Respect to Ward if he were to go to Russia, but I dont think that will happen

 

didnt notice ward not lowbowing kovalev.

like joe lowblowing a 40something in order to survice a knockdown and avoid a KO.


that said, joe, a long term unknown belt holder did well to beat the now 40somethin ATG by the narrowest margin. respect for raising his bar that night.

 

This new ESB set up is rather impressive. If you have someone on ignore it doesnt even show their name and just writes ignored member.
Someone who I have on ignore must be posting???

 

People think Ward is better than the Pride of Wales

 

Nobody cares about the opinion of keyboard critics.

 

Headbanger stop banging your head, you are developing pugilistic dementia.

based on ward eclipsing joes best effort that took him 11 years to do, in wards first title fight. And doing it better, i know, tell me about it.

 

Ward might be on Joe's level when he actually fights world class fighters outside of the US.

 

Boone and Bika? Not banner nights for him but he didn't lose either. Kovalev however should've gotten the close but clear nod.

 

Ward lost to Kovalev clearly. Calzaghe will outbox Kovalev handily.