How would Joe Calzaghe have fared against John Conteh at LHW?

In terms of boxer's safety......

Conteh was actually good, assuming he was prime.

That should render him ineligible for a contest with Calzaghe, cup-tied if you like.

:yep

 

It is an interesting thread because we have only ever seen JC over 12 with a weigh in the day before... It would be interesting to see how he would have faired over 15 with a same day weigh in... With those rules in place I think JC would have had to vacate SMW a lot earlier than he did...:yep

 

Yep, definatly!!!

 

He really did.
Calzaghe has a very good right lead but Conteh had better timing in his.
And I'll see your Ashira and raise you a Yaqui Lopez and Mathew Saad Muhamed. He fought both guys virtually one handed and I'll think you'll agree they're slightly more capable opponents.

 

Conteh was certainly more impressive and faced a better standard of opponent. He was flexible, had a good outside and inside game, good offence and defence, and had enough power to keep an opponent honest.

Conteh is just the right guy to beat Calzaghe due to his own adaptability. Calzaghe can be bested in one particular area at times - like he can be countered if he has to come forwards, or he can be mauled on the inside, but he always adapts eventually and neutralises the other guy.

Conteh was a great all-rounder, so as soon as Joe started to respond to one approach, he'd change it up. He probably start with the nice hard jab, maybe dropping in some solid hooks, then he'd change to a counter puncher, making Joe pay, then he'd move to an inside fighter, nullifying Calzaghe's workrate and landing his harder punches.

But, Joe's adaptability and skill means he takes rounds as he figured out what was happening. I can see it being 8-4 or 7-5 to Conte.

 

I think Joe's workrate would be key for him. I don't agree that Conteh's jab was better but thats just my opinion.

Both had every shot in 'the book'.

Joe's footwork and angles would have also caused John problems.

Conteh had a great left hand but Joe was always good at removing this from fighters (hence why I think he would have done well against a prime RJJ).

Great thread though.

 

Calzaghe would win the fight. People got the ol' rose tinted goggles on. Conteh was very good but so is Calzaghe, and unless you have truely amazing power to not only hurt him but put him out for the count, or supreme counterpunching/defence/evasive skills then its going to be a big ask to outlast and outpoint him.

Conteh was more of a good boxer puncher than anything, there is no particular issue Calzaghe should have with his style. If anything its Calzaghe posing most of the questions in that regard as Conteh wouldn't have seen anything quite like it.

 

Oof...dunno.

Presuming Calzaghe's fists are in decent nick, it's a bout between two of the most complete British fighters in my lifetime.

 

Calzaghe beat no one near Contehs class.

 

An ageing Hopkins is the only one who comes close.

 

Would Conteh have beaten Hopkins more decisively than Calzaghe did?

 

The OAP Hopkins? Yes more than likely. Calzaghe robbed father time in that fight.

 

So when was Hopkins' Prime?

 

Calzaghe throws and lands a lot of punches.

That alone sees Calzaghe just about every legend the sport has.

People forget this.

 

Only the most hateful of Joe opposers would genuinely say Hopkins won that fight, either way it was close.

I think Conteh was better than Hopkins.