Who had the better Career? Who wins H2H? Who ranks higher All-time? Joe: 46-0 (32 KOs) 22-0 in world title fights Best wins include Eubank, BHop, RJJ, Kessler, Bika, Lacy Career assessment: Joe had some "homecooking" and earned the nickname Slappy Joe after getting some eyebrow raising stoppage wins. He received benefit of the doubt in regard to judging on more than one occasion but didnt appear to benefit from a "robbery." Consistent though unimpressive at times via the eye test. Misses: Coming to US sooner to face RJJ and/or BHop. Those are by far his greatest shortcomings. There are other ranked matches he missed out on due to refusal to fight "across the pond" though in his defense neither BHop nor RJJ (nor most ranked opponents) crossed the pond either. Ward: 32-0 (16 KOs) 10-0 in world title fights Best wins include Kovalev, Kessler, Froch, Abraham, Bika, Dawson Career assessment: Both had some controversy in regard to judging but Ward appears the larger beneficiary as almost everyone watching Kovalev 1 saw Sergei win. Kovalev 2 was a shame. Ward legitimately hurt Kovalev with a right hand that made Sergei stagger. If Tony Weekes intervenes after first lowblow and gives Sergei time to recover a proper stoppage was likely to come for Ward in what wouldve been his crowning moment. That was not the case though and Ward lowblowed a hurt Sergei into submission in what would be his final fight. Major Misses: Bivol or Beterbiev at 175, GGG at 164, Bute before Froch For career achievements I edge Calzaghe. Head-to-head I think requires 3 fights. ATG ranking gotta go to Joe.
The main problem when comparing Calzaghe and Ward, is that Ward is vehemently hated here, so it is hard to see a objective take on the matter. Hopkins and Jones are better wins on paper, but neither was in their prime at the time. Whereas Ward's victories were better as Kovalev was in his prime. There was nothing controversial with the first bout. I always thought the second fight with the low blow was some ****. 168 - Calzaghe. 175 - Ward. Head to head, I would favor Ward. He would edge it in a close fight. Calzaghe with 21 defenses in a 10 year title reign is the better achievement. Calzaghe, along with Ottke, Lopez, Michalzewski and Louis are the only fighters to amass over 20 title defenses. I know Abe Atell has 22 defenses per Wikipedia, but I'm not sure whether it is verified. Samson Dutch Boy Gym had over 30 defenses of the WBF world title, but that obviously doesn't count.
Calzaghe. Ward's resume has aged pretty poorly, and the home town advantage has left a bad taste in many mouths, I think.
Nothing great about Joe’s title reign. 1. It wasn’t a major belt. 2. A dozen of his defences came against non world level fighters.
Ward. Calzaghe struggled to beat an old Hopkins. Ward was a stronger, more athletic and probably more cerebral 2.0 version of Hopkins.