Did Calzaghe's extensive roadwork give him the mental edge???

He must have done more than just simple road work to build the level of fitness he had though. Jogging won't give you the fitness required for the explosive energy he used in the ring.

 

I also think it had something to do with how relaxed he was. He never seemed to tense up which play's a big part in keeping your stamina. I've seen people who can run for miles gas out against people who don't seem to do much road exercise and it's all because how relaxed they were

 

Very good point and explains why fighters, who have clearly had a good camp, end up tired early in a fight.

 

His runs involved a lot of hills which is great for stamina. If he did hill sprints on top of that he would have the explosiveness in his legs that boxing requires. You are right in thinking that running long distance won't make you fit it's the intensity of the run that will give you that level of conditioning required to compete.

 

Something that tends to be overlooked is that stamina is also a matter of talent. This idea that someone like Taylorcould ever reach Calzaghe's level of stamina just by adding miles is silly. If that was true, anybody could run a 2:05 marathon. The truth is that a 2:20 marathon runner clogs as many miles as one of these African superrunners, the difference is talent. Calzaghe had the talent and the work ethic, his level of stamina required both.

 

One of the fittest fighters ever. Never saw him tire over 12 rounds it was sick to behold.

 

:good