When these two got it on in 1997,Eubank was way passed his prime. Calzaghe had n't yet reached his. So,take the Eubank of 1991 against the Calzaghe of the Jeff Lacy fight. I would still take Joe to win on points. He was just a little better than Chris,prime for prime. Like most people,though I consider Calzaghe lucky that he was n't up against Bernard Hopkins or Roy Jones when they were at their best.
I'd still pick Calzaghe, even if his skills weren't technically too nice, he was still a quality ring general in his prime and his workrate wouldn't be the most enjoyable aspect for Eubank. Calzaghe sets pace, and although Hopkins was able to nullify it at the end of his career, i don't see Eubank doing the same thing. Eubank's big right hand will likely find its mark though and i reckon Calzaghe hits the deck, gets back up, and he can adapt if he has to. It's a war, as was their actual bout, but i reckon it's the same outcome personally. Calzaghe has great mobility in a circular fashion, Eubank's footwork is brilliant but it's still a pain in the ass for him.
I love Chris and I am not a fan of Joe but I gotta think Calzaghe takes it purely on workrate, when Eubank stops throwing Calzaghe will carry on and that will win it for him. Eubank could hurt him mind, and if it was a series I'm sure hed get a stoppage victory or two.
Joe Calzaghe by UD seems likely, though Eubank could really wing that right hand and Joe could be a little reckless, so he could end up on a highlight K.O reel. Eubank probably wouldn't have the range to have a lot of goes at setting the trap, though, as Joe would never be plodding towards him, but darting in-and-out. Roy Jones is a bad match-up for Calzaghe. Just so much athletic ability, and Roy stays out of range a lot, so his workrate goes way down. A Jones UD most likely. I'd take a prime Hopkins over him as well, though this one is much closer. I scored the fight they actually had for Hopkins, and I scored it twice because no-one seemed to agree with me. I am not sure the younger version does better -- where is Hopkins prime at anyway? If we mean the same retreating old fox with better stamina, it would increase my confidence in him tenfold.
