Always leaned towards Ward on points in a scrappy fight in this one. Calzaghe's output and fitness were a big USP but I think Ward had the game to offset that. Guys like Starie, Salem, Bika and Hopkins all reduced Calzaghe from his usual 1,000 punches per fight down to the 600-700 region and he didn't look all that impressive or skilled in any of them, albeit it's a testament to him that he still got the 'W' in all cases. They did that by muscling Calzaghe in close and smothering his work. Calzaghe's strength was that mid range where he was always willing to let his hands go, even in potentially dangerous situations, but I don't think Ward would get trapped in those kind of positions enough. Ward was either right on the outside using his basic handspeed to accumulate points, or right on top of you, pushing you back, smothering your work and shortening his punches. He's the much better inside fighter in this case and not afraid to back that up with the dark arts. I just get the impression Calzaghe would never quite find his rhythm in this one and unlike the guys I mentioned above, who troubled him or made him look average but who weren't good enough to win, I think Ward would have the combination of fitness, nous and intelligence to eek this one out.
To win (Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward) Mikkel Kessler; Joe Calzaghe did it legally, and Andre Ward used illegal tactics (elbows). I try to avoid the "triangle theory", but I don't like dirty boxers. Joe Calzaghe wins in legal fight.
I think it takes more of a durable pressure fighter to beat Joe at 168, it's close but I like Joe here
50/50 Type fight….perhaps ward by a SD type of verdict if I had to choose a guy. Both great and would be a fun fight in my mind.
This would be a repeat of Hopkins vs Calzaghe a horrible sloppy fight these two would not mesh well, it probably ends in a controversial decision either way.
I honestly believe Joe would have been a bit too dynamic for Andre, his underrated footwork being the difference.
I like Ward by close but unanimous decision in this matchup, the only way Calzaghe wins is if he avoids extended exchanges and uses his legs to get in & out a lot. I had the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight much closer than most, and Ward to me is similar to Bernard in style. If Hopkins, at that age, could give Joe all those problems, then Ward in his prime is too much of a problem.