Calzaghe or Hamed - who has the better legacy?

Initially when looking at this subject I was inclined to just say Calzaghe hands down. But in retrospect using criteria I generally use for determining legacy they come out closer than I would have imagined.

Quality of h2h Opposition is fairly close. I give a lot of credit for losses if you fight the best guy. To me losing to a great is better than fighting and beating bums. So on h2h competition they are mostly equal.

Number of titles and title defenses is essentailly pretty close too. hamed won titles at different weights though which adds to his legacy. He also held multiple titles and moved around more than Joe, facing tougher fights in that process.

Overall record obviously favors Calzaghe and his zero loss status helps him here. Naz likely could have fought on and added a lot more legacy as he was still young.

Impact on the sport here favors Naz. he brought fans into boxing, people talked about him whether it was loving him or hating him it doesnt matter. Guys like Naz, Tyson, Margo etc are characters and that draws controversy. Controversy is good for boxing.

So after all that said and done. I see these 2 as fairly close based on my criteria I have been using to determine legacy and ATG status.

 

I didnt vote as I would have chose an option for too close to call.

 

But seriously, im a fan of both fighters...Naz used to infuriate and compel all at once. Joe is considerably better though.

 

Superb post!
+1

 

Hamed left behind no strong legacy at all, in his only fight against an A List fighter he was soundly beaten, he then sulks and retires before the age of 30 without a rematch or fighting Morales too. There is nothing on his resume that gives the toad an easy path to the HOF.

 

I loved to see Hamed fight and I would do a lot to not miss a fight of his. If I miss a Calzaghe fight I am not fussed. As people btw. Hamed is a sorry specimen whereas Joe is a nice regular guy.

Who was better? Hard to say - both were brilliant. Hamed fought bigger and taller men than himself because he couldn't be arsed to train properly. In the end he lost to a guy bigger and physically stronger than himself. Joe wasted some years fighting bums, but is obviosuly and has proven (to himself too) that he is a very unique fighter. I have the edge for Joe, but Hamed is not far behind if he would fight people his own height.

Who has the better legacy in terms of resume? Clearly Joe despite the fact that it could have been even better.

 

JOE CALZAGHE wont loses ... and thsi poll is no different. joe has the better legacy

 

When did he unify the division? I reckon he just wimped out because he knew he was out of his depth fighting Barrera and then the thought of fighting Morales would have him changing his trunks almost immediatley! He was good up to a point and once truly tested he was made to look fairly inept at the top level.

 

calzaghe.