Went back and watched some of his big fights when he was in his prime (Around 30 years of age). He really performed to the level of his opponent, the bigger fights, he performed better. His biggest asset however, was his workrate which was otherworldly, if you don't have anything to stop him in his tracks, he will just overwhelm you. I haven't seen anyone above 160 lbs be able to throw that many punches. Pac, Paul Williams and Magarito have shown exceptional workrate in recent years, but they weren't that big. I can't see many 'pure boxers' beating a Prime version of Joe unless they have exceptional power. Current Bivol would get overwhelmed, Ward is 50/50 but the workrate would be hard to stop, Ward had a great jab, head and clinch game to slow him down. Benavidez would be dangerous but I'm sure Joe would tighten up his defence and gameplan for him. Canelo simply too small, not enough out put. Golovkin similiar. Roy Jones Jr in his prime wins, possibly by stoppage, depending on if Joe keeps trying to win or not. Beterbiev would be very dangerous for Joe. Kovalev too. That's how I see it.
Calzaghe was massively overrated because he defended a then unrecognized belt in a boxing backwater for his entire career before finally facing post prime versions of American legends. That's it. His best win is a decision over Kessler. We're talking about one of the most overrated boxers of all time. But yeah he definitely beats Bivol, Benavidez, Ward, etc. because he won two SD's over guys in their 40's at 175 getting knocked down each time. Terrible thread.
