Prime Michalczewski vs 2007-08 Calzaghe: Who would have Won?

Michalczewski was a considerable force in his prime, which was around the time of the Virgil Hill fight. The 2008 version of Calzaghe was tricky , but I'm not sure Joe would have had the strength or power to hold off a rampaging Michalczewski for 12 whole rounds. Prime for prime, I'd say Joe may possibly squeak by, but the '08 Calzaghe might not.

 

I dont think Calzaghe was his his prime in 07/08. For me Calzaghe's prime was when he fought Reid, Brewer and up to Byron Mitchell Although he was still excellent when he fought Lacy and Kessler.

 

I thought he was a far more skilled and complete fighter after Reid.

Id say from Veit 1 to Veit II might have been his prime. Because he looked as quick as ever to me but wasnt as wild and careless as he was in early career.
Maybe its hard to tell though because he opposition of that time was just terrible.The lacy fight was damn near flawless, maybe he was just as good there.

Joe pretty much was a lightheavyweight..he would have fit into the weight fine and been a fairly average sized fighter there. I dont think there would be very many fighters that would have to kind of size advantage to bully Joe around but at the same time he wouldnt be a huge one.

I think Joe takes this...just. Probably a razor thin decision.
I think his speed and awkwardness would see him open an early lead over the slow starting DM but as the fight wore on I reckon Michalzewski would start to really fire up. His jab and physical strength starting the see him win some rounds.
Joe doesnt tire like his usual prey though...DM finishes with a flurry but its not enough and he probably loses a 7-5 or 8-4 verdict.

DM was a very good fighter in his prime make no mistake...Not Roy good, but I think he was a clear cut no2 in that era, at a time there was almost as much arguement to have him the no1 at the weight because he had a comparable record to Roy in Jones' early 175 career.

 

Calzaghe.

 

I reckon Joe can do it in his prime...I think he could do it with the version that beat Kessler.

It would be close...I think DM would give him all types of hell in the later stages of the fight. But as I mentioned Joe wont fade like most DM victims did and he will be able to see out the fight with a close but clear margin to seperate them at the end.

 

Id say Dariuz wins a hard fight on points or late stoppage.

 

Dariuz wins this in Germany on a UD and JOE in Wales.

Both were WBO kings, so they could compile statistically imposing records.

Close game two excellent fighters a notch below the elite.

 

A peak Michalcszewski would have stopped the Calzaghe that faced Jones IMO, the version that faced Hopkins, Kessler and Lacy would have most likely have scraped a decision over DM.

Both have styles that are nightmarish at times for the other - I'd expect this to be an entertaining affair. It could have been made at some stage around 2001, but DM couldn't find his passport and Warren most likely didn't feel Calzaghe was up to the task.

 

DM was bigger, with stronger punch and better chin. And he had no trouble fighting southpaws. If Joe was down in 1st round against shot RJJ and old Hopkins, I do not think he would survive full distance against DM.

 

I dont think he had to much of an issue with the stance but truth be told I thought he looked his shittest in the two Hall and Rocchigiani I fights.
Joe is anything but a stock standard southpaw ..if there is such a thing.

 

True, but Hall II is definitely not prime DM. He won the first easily, and actually the rematch was more interesting (although he didn't look good).

BTW, I am not sure why did he fight Hall the 2nd time, as the result of the first bout was anything but controversial.

Rocchigiani? Well, true again, but everyone can have a night off (like Calzaghe against Reid).

I just think that the combination of Clazaghe suspicious chin, his somewhat leaky defence with DM punch output and power makes the fight going full distance not very likely.

 

carl froch