Who has the best chance of beating Calzaghe?

Unquestionably a fighter with a comparable workrate (which would counter the advantage Calzaghe holds over all his opponents) and the power to keep him on guard, thus neutralizing his ability to throw a barrage of punches.

 

Chad Dawson poses a great threat. Guys like Pavlik get torn up due to massive styilistic disadvantages.

 

There are plenty of theoretical ways to do it, but very few fighters possess the attributes required to fit the bill.

In the recent past, Calzaghe's superior mirror image Roy Jones could have done it, as could brilliant counter puncher Bernard Hopkins (obviously a younger version).

Today, I believe Chad Dawson -- longer, just as fast, more power, converted southpaw -- would have the best chance, although I'd still favor Calzaghe by a hair. He's the only guy I can see outboxing Joe, whereas some others would have a puncher's chance.

 

How about glencoffe johnson?

 

I think any top three LHW poses a serious challenge, as Calzaghe is simply too small-framed to compete with guys coming into the ring at 190lbs or more. He had no power against Hopkins. Against a younger LHW with a comparable workrate and boxing skills to his own, but with LHW power and size, I think Calzaghe would lose. He is a natural SMW. Perhaps The natural SMW.

 

Dawson.

 

pavlik

 

A quick powerful southpaw with the ability to conduct and follow through with a gameplan while taking leather from Calzaghe's workrate.

A great powerful right hand is a must.

 

Father Time

 

Johnson didn't beat Dawson.

Pavlik is not the bigger man, he is slower than Lacy, less powerful and his jab would be useless against the southpaw Calzaghe who would rain 5-6-7 punch combinations of Pavlik. I cannot think of a worse matchup for Pavlik, than Joe Calzaghe.

 

Good call :good

 

So true.

The end draws near.

Possible assistants to Father Time when the time is right:

Chad Dawson
Kelly Pavlik

 

Wlad Klitschko

 

If we're just talking styles, Pavlik has the best chance because of his power. Calzaghe is a forward-moving volume puncher (to simplify his style) who has strength to back up his punch output.

To beat a guy like that you simply HAVE to have the power to discourage him, to keep him from overwhelming you.

Pavlik seems to have the power and the accuracy, but I'm not entirely sure he'd beat Joe, just because I think Joe has a substantial advantage in overall strength at 168 and a very solid chin. I love Pavlik but something tells me Calzaghe would be able to withstand his hard right hands and outwork Pavlik down the stretch for the comfortable decision.