Is Calzaghe the greatest British boxer of all time?

Wheres the love at for big frank bruno then? ,only joshing,though i used to love frank,id say joes right up there,but i always prefered benn myself,and im a big fan of hatton now of course.

 

**** list. Hamed greater than Wilde, Lewis

 

I wouldn't even make any real attempt to compare fighters of different generations, far too much has changed in boxing, sport and life in general for any effective comparisons to be made. In terms of comparing modern fighters though, well Lewis took on and defeated Ruddock (a fight many were surprised he was willing to take) in sensational style way back in '92. In '03 he took on Vitali at under two weeks notice and won, retaining the undisputed title. Between those two fights he frequently illustrated his class against worthy opponents. Calzaghe did not approach his career in anything like the same way. The only way you could reduce the disparity in their achievments, is by referencing Lewis' two losses, but I don't think that makes enough of a difference. You can't judge a fighter's career on two fights, whether they are wins or losses.

 

Agreed.

I personally have joe c as the best brit ever but even if you dont then as you say, he is very close.

:yep

 

Age isnt the factor here mate use your noodle.By that time Eubank was an old fighter physcially.His best days were long gone.After that loss to Joe he fought Thompson twice and retired.Remember this was a guy that turned pro way back in 1985.

 

Talent wise yes.

 

He hasnt beaten the calibre of opposition that Lewis did. Calzaghe has fought alot of nobodies. Kessler, Lacy and Eubank are the only fighters he has fought basically, all three were champions but Eubank was old and coming down in weight, Lacy was massively overhyped and Kessler was another young guy hyped up. 10 years as champion sounds good but WBO was never regarded as much of a championship, they let him fight rubbish opponents for years. But Joe is in reality the Undisputed champion, he has now won all the belts and is a great fighter. He just hasnt had the level of competition that Lewis has. Another thing is that he has never left his home advantage and gone and fought in someone elses yard! Lewis spent his whole career fighting away from home.

 

That was only after plying his trade here first.When he turned pro he didnt bother doing it state side as there was a plethora of heavyweights in the US that were big household names already.It was only when he became a known commidity that he moved to the states.Either way he gets props for going to the lions den.

 

Bob Fitzsimmons is a Clear first, Lewis is second.

Even modern Boxers like Benn (who I like) have greater records then Joe...

He perhaps isn't even the greatest Welsh fighter of all time... many would say that accolade belongs to Jimmy Wilde.

 

No. He's not close.

Learn about Jimmy Wilde and ask your self again.

Wilde, Fitzsimmons, Ted Lewis, Welsh, Driscoll, Lennox Lewis. All should be above Calzaghe.

 

He is one of the most talented but his competition is questionable compared to others before him.

 

No.
Needs better opposition...

 

No. He hasn't fought enough good opponents. Simply being unbeaten isn't the be all and end all.

 

Yes.

 

I think wins over RJJ and then Pavlik would make him a strong contender. But as things are right now, then no, Lennox Lewis is.
Talent wise, I also think Naseem Hamed is right up near the top.