I still think its up for debate as to whether Joe Calzaghe ruled the SMW division for so long because of his dad or in spite of him. Calzaghes talents of stamina, speed, adaptability, and up to a certain time, knockout power were natural gifts. Whilst his dad had to learn about boxing training from books. My question is this, would Calzaghe have been better or worse had he been trained by someone like Emmanuel Steward or Freddie Roach?
I mean, would his technique not have come across as looking so unattractive at times. I'm pretty sure that's one of the reasons so many people refuse to give him credit.
he had just about A perfect career, So no I don't think he would have been better off. Having that awkward style is what made him so good. Roach and Manny would have changed the way he fought, no telling how it would have affected him. If it ain't broken....you know the deal.
Agreed. Calzaghe had to capitalize on his ability to fight at an unreal pace. A more conventional style probably would have made him into an ordinary fighter. Reminds me a lot of the sprinter Michael Johnson who defied the track textbooks with his short stride and totally dominated the long sprints during his career.
its a little unfair on Papa Calzaghe to suggest that Joes stamina , speed and sometime KO power we're just something Joe was born with too, As I understand it Enzo is a maniac when it comes to the strength and fitness stuff so maybe another trainer would've had Calzaghe boxing a more pleasing style but would Joe still have had the crazy stamina etc ?
considering that he was pretty much as well rounded as you can get.. and lacked very little in every aspect,then no.
His dad was a reassuring and familiar psychological and emotional presence in the corner and throughout his career;but in terms of technique and accomplishments it made little difference.........Ronald Mcdonald could have trained him and he would still have been a consummate fighter.
In boxing, 1+1 doesn't always equal 2 . Calzaghe seems to have bad technique. Rocky Marciano is too small, started too late, and is too easy to hit. Harry Greb's style makes Calzaghe look conventional in comparison. Yet these three are among the three most successful in boxing history. There is obviously something is beyond mere skill and training that makes boxers succesful.Consider character, instinct, and a succinct awareness of whats happening in the ring. Abilities as rare and unique as the fighters themselves. Boxing isn't a great sport only because it's exciting to watch someone getting punched in the face. It is also a display of human character stripped down to it's under shorts, for worse, or in the case of the aforementioned 3, for better.
his boxing ability was never really dictated by his dad anyways. it's pretty plain to see the guy's a natural talent. who else has his dad trained who's even halfway decent? calzaghe's style is all his own. if he had a different trainer who maybe tried to get him to fight with a different style or something, he wouldnt have retired undefeated.
