Flash vs Fast.

I think people need a lesson in what handspeed actually is.

Throwing punches in bunches ala Pacquaio/Calzaghe and Jones Jr demonstrates sustained flashy handspeed, you've got the opponent on the backfoot and you keep throwing punches, it looks impressive and makes you look fast.

Throwing one off punches after your opponent has triggered their punch, that lands before the opponent lands their punch is real handspeed. That's the handspeed that means something in a fight because if you can't get the opponent on the backfoot, throwing a flurry will simply get you smacked in the mouth by a right hand.

I believe Floyd is quicker than Pacquaio in that initial one off counter punch. I think he triggers quicker and I think his ability to move is quicker, you'll rarely see him caught by punches and the chances lessen as the fight goes on, while his punches landed get crisper and crisper.

I think this is one of the "shocks" for people when they're in the ring with him, because he doesn't throw flashy aggressive combinations with his chin held high up in the air, he simply counters off the block or slip and then resets his position, similar to B-Hop.

Why do so many people believe Pacquaio is quicker? He's not a noted counter puncher, he's a volume puncher. He's basically a mini Calzaghe in there with non-brittle hands.

 

Jones Jr was lightning fast, but I'm using him as an example where most people viewed his handspeed through his offensive action, not counter punching - He was very rarely a counter puncher, he normally got off first

In fact, this is why he struggled later in his career, cause he wasn't getting off first.

Calzaghe and Pac are very similar in their fight style. They both swarm their opponent, use their stamina to maintain a very high workrate and have many intangibles that make them more difficult to fight than they'd appear.

Pacquaio has a bigger punch P4P but quite interestingly, their stoppage ratio is virtually the same, both average about 70% KO's per fight.

Anyone discrediting Calzaghe needs to get over the fact that he beat up on fighters and retired unbeaten, the guy deserves mention.