remember the term 'world champion' doesn't necessarily mean in boxing what it does in other sports - but i understand what you mean.
Have to agree. Calzaghe was punch perfect that night, mixed the flurries with hard straight punches, really everyhting he tries that night came off, brilliant to watch. The hand speed, footwork, he humiliated Lacy. The victory may have lessened in import since, but it was the closest he came to a perfect performance in his career. Kessler was his best win, overcame a slowish start to show how intelligent and effecient he could be. Calzaghe has often been a risk taker when hurt, in that fight he showed his maturity along with his skill. 2 of his showings that I have enjoyed the most were Woodhall and Sheika, showing off his hand speed and accuracy, especially the latter who was very game and aggressive. Calzaghe just picked him off and cut him to pieces. Neither fight is spoken of that often but they are excellent examples of his ability.
Must comment, you are no doubt an educated man who writes well however I cannot except that Calzaghes work was ineffective and inaccurate. This was not Foreman Lyle by any stretch but two educated fighters at work and the right man won regardless of age or whatever. Hopkins is still active and successfull. Hopkins has beaten hall of famers. But they are small men. Over rated is an understatement
Keeping someone off balance is not how you win a boxing match, you win by landing clean effective punches... which if you watch the fight Calzaghe just didn't do.... I counted no more than 10 punches actually land clean and none that really landed with any force . Hopkins landed better more effective punches .... he lost completely based off his inability to keep punching and calzaghe's workrate.