Will Calzaghe's doubters give respect?

I set him low because I have no idea how good he is against top notch opposition in meaningful fights. This Saturday should tell us all we need to know about Kessler. This is his biggest fight by a long way. I'm not trying to discredit Mikkel, I just see no reason why he should be ranked so high at this current point in time.

Also, I think I've found a way to make him 17th.

 

I am still waiting for that list, Pride!

 

Well pointing out weaknesses and critizising opposition is not hate. Picking Kessler to win is not hate either. I think most Kessler fans have very much respect for JC and I dont see a lot of hate these days. If JC wins he will get a lot of respect!!

 

Cant be bothered reading all the posts but I will say probably not, when Calzaghe wins Kessler will be seen as fraud/bum/hype job.

 

Calzaghe gets all the respect in the world from the knowledgable people inside the boxing industry. I doubt he is worried if a few American teenage boys give him a hard time on the internet!!

 

I will respect him, win or loose against Kessler. But REAL respect I'll pay him the day he fights abroad in front of a hostile crowd and against a caliber opponent with boxing brain and power.

 

Joe would have more respect if he went and fought outside the UK against a decent fighter for one fight. The fact that he has failed to do this makes me think he needs home advantage to win big fights. Remember the days of Nigel Benn going to the states and beating the Americans in their own backyard? Calzaghe should have at least had a couple of fights against top quality opposition there. Then his place as an ATG would be secured.

 

1. Mesi had a layoff for 2-3 years. Not sure about the story, but he now fights crap fighters.
2. They mean more than zilch. Do you rate JCs WBO and IBF titles as the same? If they are gained from beating a top rank boxer, and not from a vacant title bout, its pretty legit to me.
3. And...? Mundine is rated no. 3 in SMW. Higher than Lacy.
4. And...? Some are still very good, same applies to the "unknowns" on JCs sheet.
5. And JCs had at least 12 losses combined(Brewer 8, Mitchell 2, Woodhall 2). Not counting the interim champs. There had been little indication that Beyer was shot. Faded - maybe, but not shot. Just like Eubanks. Brewer never managed to defend his, Woodhall for 2-3, Mitchell for two before he lost to Ottke and tried to best JC afterwards.
6. True, but there is a pretty strong case that Kessler belongs there. Is JC prime?
7. Mundine was a contender as well as Andrade. And since he has only defended his title 4 times, thats 50%. The first title fight and 3rd defence was against a WC. The 2nd defence was against a former WC. You must remember that Kessler hasnt had 20 title fights...


No. 18? Damn I would like to see your list. Even Ring mag did better than that.

 

I already have great respect for Joe though I'm not much of a fan. If you beats Kessler I will give him his props but I hear Kessler has a bad hand injury plus who has Kessler really fought and beaten himself. I can't blame Joe for the lack of talent in his division, he came at the right time so more power to him.

 

Just out of curiosity, does that mean neither Mayweather nor ODLH (to name a couple of examples) have REAL respect either?

 

Haven't Mayweather fought against a hostile crowd? Other than that - they should receive more credit if they did so... Wouldn't you agree? Ie Mayweather vs Kostya Tszyu in Australia back in the day. ODLH in Germany vs Sturm or Tito in Puerto Rico.

 

If your point is that they fight predominantly in the US, I consider the US boxing scene more competitive than the European. Not by far but still.
As for the actual names you bring up I don't really have a detailed "respect metre", sorry.