How would Joe Calzaghe approach Andre Ward

Joe could definitely have won a decision for sure.

However, I would say that a prime version of Andre was better than the Hopkins who Joe fought, who feigned injury in the hope of a break or even a DQ.

I think the fight would definitely have played out like that one did.

I think it could have been a very dull affair.

Yes, you could say that Joe wasn’t in his prime. But he had a hard night with the physical but limited Bika, and he was only about 27 when Reid gave him all that he could handle.

 

Calzaghe had excellent ring IQ and footwork; he wouldn't approach Ward head on and allow him to clinch. Ultimately I think he could outwork Ward in a messy but competitive fight.

 

I am happy the fight never happened. It was almost guaranteed to resemble Hopkins and just be dog UGLY with holding, low blows, hitting below the belt, etc.

I wasnt a fan nor hater of Ward but I didnt love his style. There were things he did I really liked but generally speaking he was not entertaining. Also, Ward LOST Kovalev 1 and that left a bad taste in many fans mouths.

The fight wouldve come down where it happened, who the judges were, and who the ref was. Both Calzaghe and Ward had a strong preference for fighting on domestic soil. Would the judges prefer volume and action? Calzaghe would be the favor. Would the judges prefer counter-punching and defense? Ward would be the favor. Would the ref allow rough-house tactics like Ward/Hatton? Or would it be a more involved ref like Bayless?

Your winner was whichever fighter had more in their favor as I dont see either guy scoring a KO or even KD imho

 

Not convinced RJJ smokes either of them.............if PED testing is done.

Sorry to bring it up but its perfectly valid, sadly

 

If there was any style that gives prime RJJ any probelms it's Zags swarming, volume and workrate.

 

But not without the confidence and the absolute belief that he could have beaten him.

 

That's a given. Roy would have been firm and deserved favourite. But it would have been something to see the Zags form the Lacy fight against Roy from his shutout of Toney - I feel regardless of how that went, it would have been one for the ages!

 

IMHO, they’d have gone feint for feint in a very cautious fight.

 

That’s fair!