A number of things stand out about Joe's career. One of a select few to hold a World Title for more than 10 years and make more than 10 successful defences. If this was so easy why doesn't every "good" boxer do it? Retired undefeated, winning 46 fights. Yes he could have a stronger resume but he hadn't lost in something like 20 odd years including his amateur days, that's crazy. His competition wasn't always especially strong but regardless, that takes something special. Went to America and topped the bill, and won, in both Vegas and MSG. Beat a top 5 pfp'er in Hopkin's. Unified the SMW division beating an excellent fighter in Kessler. A young division but no doubt the greatest SMW of all-time and it will take a very special fighter to oust him from that pedestal. I would honestly be suprised if a fighter does surpass him as the greatest at SMW in the next 15 years and if they achieve more than him then they will have to go down as an ATG. My opinion is he is a Great at his weight, a British Great, and towards the lower end of the top 100 ATG's mostly down to the lack of the seriously big fights earlier in his career...A lot of his wins are underrated though. Another thing I don't understand about the Calzaghe haters is that the man loved a war, and would often end up in tear ups in his earlier days and also showed the versatility and ability to box the ears off his opponent too. Fwiw I do not particularly rate the RJJ win, other than as a win over a legitimate top 10 LHW. He did dominate, but Roy Jones showed little other than a lot of heart. I understand why Joe took the fight though.
So obvious that one of the last threads I started on Calzaghe was entitled "Calzaghe deserves a of credit for beating BHop" Surely the above thread which you posted, shows that I can see both sides of the argument? I makes me laugh how these Calzaghe nuthuggers accuse anyone who says anything remotely negative about the man, as being a hater or a bigot or the like. Calzaghe fans are VERY insecure.
How does that work then? He's "one of the best", but there is no one better than him? :huh Didn't think it through, did ya.
joe is very good but a bit lower than ATG status in my opinion. level of competition, resume win wise. there are the things which matter a lot. unfortunately joe c seems to be lacking in this aspect. and i am not a fan nor a hater. his slappy ways does turn a lot of people off, even me and hence gives the impression of him being a "soft" puncher. and getting KD by an over the hill RJJ and Oldie Bhop both ih the first round gives more credence to his true level. just imagine if calz met bhop or rjj 10 years ago.
Joe is a great fighteer Top 15 from the past 15 years, just misses out on the TOp 10 who are: Jones Manny Floyd Hopkins De La Hoya Barrera Morales Marquez Mosley Trindiad