The problem with bringing up Ali when comparing he and Calzaghe as far as fighting mediocre fighters is that Ali faced many HOFers. Foreman, Liston, Frazier, Foster, Moore, Norton. Calzaghe hasn't faced that type of competition to warrant Ali-like praise. Although I will go one record as saying Calzaghe has been as dominant in the past 10 years as anybody in my lifetime. Joe Louis was pretty dominating as well - probably more dominating considering he faced excellent fighters and had an incredible KO ratio.
brooklyn1550 - I see your point mate...but: I would argue that if for example any of Calzaghe's opponents would take a dive like Liston did against Ali, poor Joe would be smashed for it, not Ali though...I would argue that the Kessler that Joe beat was far more dangerous than some of the names you bring up in Ali's list, like Moore...and why is Frazier labeled an ATG? Because of his win against Ali, who was past his prime. I like Frazier, but he is typical case of someone who got ATG status largely through media appeal. Schmeling didn't get ATG statur for his win against a prime Louis. Bottom line: The whole ATG thing tends to be quite subjective at times. Calzaghe dominated like rey few athletes in any sport ever have. In boxing, his dominance is unique, 17 years without coming close to losing.
Frazier is an ATG - for his win over an Ali that clearly had A LOT left and wins over Quarry, Bonavena, Foster, Ellis, Chuvalo, Mathis, and Bugner. He was the undisputed HW champion and a top 10 in the division. He's better than anybody on Calzaghe's resume. I agree with you on the other points though completely. Moore wasn't as dangerous to Ali as Lacy was when he fought Calzaghe.
When I read the title of the thread, I thought he was dead! He is one of the greatest boxers ever, and arguably the greatest British Boxer ever.
This post actually underrates Joe Calzaghe slightly, but there are people who would call it unfounded hype! atsch
O.K. i'll pay my respects. Here lies Joe Calzaghe..........wait, sorry. I'm a few years too early, my bad.
Well let's see :think...40 people as a pro. All but five with winning records. Several titleholders, top contenders and prospects. Joe Calzaghe (in one of his best performances, and still winning close to if not a third of the fight).
I believe in Joe more than most of his so-called hard-core fans, not just when it comes to boxing, but also when it comes to morality.