After RJJ, Calzaghe will be thought of as Marciano-like legend...

he is a icon in england, not in the usa.

 

I would categorize RJJ as a "Class A" ATG, meaning in the SRL-Ali range. Many will disagree and scream "heresy", but I think that this is a proper estimation of him, legacy- as well as skillwise. One should not discount the achievement that is being a 4-weightclass champion, and being the first middleweight in more than a 100 years to become a heavyweight champion.

Hopkins I would consider a "Class B" ATG, who I'd put in the same category as someone like Marvin Hagler or James Toney. Great fighters, who never really got to be the dominant force of their time, but who will pull of the most amazing things and whose fights are the stuff that boxing history is made of.

Calzaghe I would consider a Class B abilitywise and a Class C/borderline class B legacywise. There is room for improvement if some of his opponents go on to do great things after he retires, but he should have left his home turf earlier if he really wanted to manifest himself as a "real" ATG. You can't go out and beat up a couple of old guys in the last minute before closing time and expect to be considered one of the top tier guys.

 

Only place Calzaghe will be looked at like Mariciano is Wales. The Rock could floor Joe inside 6 rounds, and I speak as a guy who follows Calzaghe.