Antonio Tarver vs Joe Calzaghe @ 175

I hate Antonio Tarver, but I have to admit.. he seems like he's underrated at times. He's not unbeatable ( obviously ) but he's not the one hit wonder push-over that people often claim he is, either. He's a big guy, throws quick, short punches, he's powerful ( although not as powerful as his knockout over Jones would make it seem ), awkward, and he's got a good chin.

Calzaghe is also a big guy, so I can't see how moving up to 175 would diminish any of his skills. Calzaghe too is quick handed, he's powerful, and he too has a good chin. They both seem pretty even in skills, with the only real differences being Tarver seems a little more restrained and calculating while Joe is a bit more of a swarmer. I also think Tarver might be a bit more powerful than Calzaghe.

So who do you feel takes a fight between the two?

 

Rather than trying to be cute, why not explain why you disagree? :good

 

My opinion:


Although I think Tarver has the speed, power and ring-intelligence to give and take anything that Calzaghe's got, I think Tarver would be too restrained in this fight, and focus a lot on counter punching, which wouldn't be a great idea against Calzaghe who wouldn't have too much trouble handling Tarver's speed and power, and will probably continuously press the action against Tarver with quick flurries. I'll go with a reasonably close decision for Calzaghe.

 

Muriqi didn't beat Tarver. Hopkins on the other hand annihilated Tarver.

 

What indicates that Muriqi is awful? He looked pretty good against Tarver, whom himself still looks pretty sharp even considering his age at this point.

 

As far as what?