Who Was Greater: Duilio Loi or Joe Calzaghe?

Hi Flea, I seem to get much less time these days than what I'd like. Loi is a fighter I earmarked years ago to try and do some relatively in-depth research into, but a combination of lazy *******ishness and other various hurdles have kept getting in my way.

I think he was the Ring's number one lightweight contender at various points from the mid 50's and was highly rated by them even before then. An acquaintance of mine has a shedload of copies from back then, but I don't see him very often; nevertheless, I'll talk to him when I can and see what he has. He told me that Loi got blackballed early doors by the IBC after he refused to allow them (and Palermo and Carbo) to have any control, hence he was confined to obscurity in Europe for his troubles until the breaking of the IBC's monopoly in 1960 and the re-emergence of the light welter division.

I don't really know too much about Loi's competition in Europe (sorry), but I think he looks absolutely outstanding what footage we have of him. And as you probably know, I rate Perkins and especially Ortiz right off the scale; they're clearly way better than anyone Calzaghe beat, and Loi was a veteran when he overcame them. It's clear to me that he was a great fighter, but I can't prove just how much or to what degree, if you know what I mean. My instincts say that he was 'greater' than Calzaghe, but I've never really compared them before or thought about it in a critical sense, or in as critical/objective a sense as one can with stuff like this (not very imo).

There are some interesting stylistic similarities between them too in addition to their partly comparable career trajectories, both being light-hitting yet physically strong, tough, well-rounded swarmers with natural savvy.

 

I don't know enough about Loi's comp. All I know is that prime Ortiz and Perkins are about three levels up on anyone Calzaghe ever beat at the time he beat them.

That should close the thread in and of itself.

 

Happy birthday, Flea. I always enjoy your contributions.

I am going to have to watch more Loi to give a better estimation of this.

 

My Friend, May you always enjoy the finest things in life and be able to share them with those you love! Happy Birthday!

For my 2 cents, it has to be Loi. Close but clear. Joe did all he could do to leave a great legacy and he did leave an impressive one. But lets look at the little guy for a minute. 115-3 with 8 "European" hometown draws which means the lesser guy got his ass kicked but lasted to the final bell so since Loi didn't Ko the bum he gets a draw. Speaking of hometowns - In Loi's first attempt at a title the champ fought in his own Danish backyard and even then just barely got the decision - that speaks volumes. And speaking of lasting till the final bell - Loi finished every fight he fought - in fact I can't even find a KD against him. In 126 fights! Split decision losses against Ortiz and Perkins are nothing to be ashamed of. Avenging them after your peak is awe inspiring! Going out on top, like Rocky and Joe is another feather in his cap. Like you I admire what Joe did in the ring, I just have to think when you put it all together Loi accomplished more overall.

:rasta

 

Oh yes..

 

Trust me, I wish I didn't. Being skint, disenchanted, interested in other stuff and fighting to get a steady permanent job in this poxy economic black hole of a climate stops me from building up the sort of collection of boxing dvds, lit, memorabilia etc that I'd like. :twisted:

 

I'm saying Calzaghe for now but I haven't put massive thought into it.

Joe, for my money, was the number 1 SMW from the defeat of Mitchell (who I had beating Ottke in a unification fight) right up until Kessler beat *insert name* I did have Joe beating Hopkins (atleast I've scored it for Joe more than I have for Nard in 5 viewings or so). Joe was at one time the number 2 p4p guy and the world champion in 2 divisions. He isn't a contender for goat in any category other than SMW titlists but he was without doubt a great that doesn't always get his dues in my books.

I reckon he's above Loi, but like I say I haven't looked over my Loi notes for a while now.

 

Happy Birthday Flea

Great post also.

I don't know enough about Loi's opponents to comment. Loi's wins over Carlos Ortiz (x3 depending on whether you deem it a **** The Judges case) is clearly a good league above the B-Hop win.

Loi's win was also against a prime Perkins. I don't know how past his prime Loi was in their rematch.