It is quite difficult to answer for the reasons mentioned. I think the top level fights have brought out the best out of him, he's as smart as ever. Compare the way he fought Hopkins and especially Kessler compared with the headstrong Calzaghe that fought Byron Mitchell. The tactical nous is on another level. But at his age (and in the recent fights) it would defy logic to say he is at his physical prime. This is important for a fighter whos attributes are speed of hand and foot, and also he had a little more pop a while back. Overall, I think the smarts make up for his loss on a physical level. He's still pretty quick, his stamina is still unquestionable. If we were to take a Calzaghe to fight the best from around his weight I'd probably choose the Kessler version. That period.
From Lacy to Kessler. From those who will say he is past his physical prime, think of someone like Pac who's physical prime was over 5 years ago but people are still saying he's prime because he has more skills and experience.
Have you finished your all-time pound-for-pound top 20 yet? And where did you scuttle off to last night?? Coward.
2006-7 Kessler would have beaten any other version. Joe's defence and ring-smarts were worse when he was younger and had better power.
Sheesh, Mitchell put Calzaghe on the floor, no reason on the face of it why he couldn't have suffered other flash knockdowns like he did against Hopkins or Jones.