Some of his stoppages were hilarious, but technically and in achievements definitely among the best 168ers ever.
The most unorthodox champ of all time. At times his punches thrown against Hopkins looked like he was doing an impression of Ricky Ricardo playing the bongos. Baba-loo! Ton of energy, ton of heart, not much skill. Or as Kessler said post fight " He spoiled by boxing" LOL! Worthy to be a HOFer for sure.
Class act. Not everyone's cup of tea but his volume of punches and intensity was never matched in the ring by his opponents. Very hard to score rounds against him. Never received a gift decision. Made a few bob, had a good relationship with his father, retired on his own terms. Whats not to like about the guy
Most accomplished and best SMW ever with the best SMW resume ever Stands head and shoulders above the others at the weight
One of the best of his generation but a tad overrated. He doesn't have any good wins on his resume and just waited for Bernard and Jones to get old.
I find him to be highly underrated by so called knowledgeable fans... Very unique and underappreciated style of fighting, could easily have been a 15 round fighter, was far more entertaining than ever given credit for, and much like B-Hop and Ward, had an ability to take his opponents will and heart away in some of his biggest matches. No, he did not 'dominate' Hopkins, but he took Hopkins out of his game plan more so than any other opponent that i ever seen, with the exception of 94 Roy Jones. Its unfortunate Calzaghe's career and Wards career just missed each other, i think their contrasting styles would have made for an epic showdown that would have tested the limits of both fighters. People who refuse to give Calzaghe his props just dont know S about boxing.