Calzaghe vs Today's Russians

[The Old LefHook]

How would Calzaghe come out against Golovkin and Kovalev? Neither Russian seems to have much speed.

[zmm001]

I think he UDs GGG but probably loses to Kovalev by late stoppage or decision because of a couple KDs. Joe did have a pretty good chin though.

[Humean]

How would Calzaghe come out against Golovkin and Kovalev? Neither Russian seems to have much speed.

Somebody get the man a map.

Calzaghe versus both the Kazakh and the Russian would be interesting, Calzaghe certainly faster than both but both at least have enough volume to keep up with Calzaghe unlike a lot of fighters and if any two men could stop Calzaghe then it might be these two.

[KnockoutNed]

Kovalev destroys Calslappy

[BKM-2010]

Kovalev destroys Calslappy

I agree with that one. It would end very badly for Calzaghe, Kovalev is too complete and dangerous of a fighter not to mention the size advantage he'd have.

GGG I could see losing to Joe but could score some knockdowns. I wouldn't say JC had a good chin but he recovered very well. Could be a close fight ending up in points.

[$Bullsfam$]

Good fights but I want to see GGG at 168 before I make a decision here. Could go either way, Joe slapping his way to a decision with his speed or GGG brutally stopping him.

Kovalev no doubt stops him in my honest opinion. Kovalev just wouldn't show Joe any respect for his slaps and just absolutely floor him brutally. Imagine if Kovalev caught him like 40 something year olds Hopkins and Roy.

[Mugwump]

Calzaghe was a top fighter. Generally doesn't get the credit he deserves (and I'm not even his biggest fan). Exceptional ring-craft, extremely high volume of punches (which, contrary to popular belief, hurt - see Jeff Lacey's face at the end of one of the finest beatdowns I've seen in many years) and a cast-iron chin.

The Russians are good fighters. But I'll reserve judgement until the ends of the careers before voting for either.

[The Old LefHook]

Calzaghe was a top fighter. Generally doesn't get the credit he deserves (and I'm not even his biggest fan). Exceptional ring-craft, extremely high volume of punches (which, contrary to popular belief, hurt - see Jeff Lacey's face at the end of one of the finest beatdowns I've seen in many years) and a cast-iron chin.

The Russians are good fighters. But I'll reserve judgement until the ends of the careers before voting for either.

As ufual, you make good fense. I diflike Calzaghe in the extreme, but he was a heck of a fighter. You are right, thofe flaps hurt. Like you, I did not feel them, but I obferved the men who did. He broke Lacey's fpirit forever.

If Joel had been less of a cherrypicker we would know more. My opinion is he beats Ho'kins anytime and would lofe by KO to a younger Jones. He made fure he waited until both were well over the hill to fight them. I don't think any of the three were haraffing the others for a fight when it was timely. During their primes they were in three different divifions, fo they were able to get away with it.

One thing in Joel's favor is that he was quite a mean man in the boxing ring, much meaner than given credit for. His fhoulder roll was a real whiz, too. He developed his techniques in near ifolation, which put his own original ftamp on them. When he moved in it was impoffible to tell which hand he would lead with.

I have no hard and faft opinion on his performance againft the Reds, but I lean flightly toward his flapping them filly. He might get KO'd too. Thefe are not old men but frefh Reds who only need one punch to even the fcore.

Calzage got into defending meaningless trinkets, a downfall of many good fighters.

Yeah, let's watch the Reds a while longer, is my feeling too..

[LacedUp]

I agree with that one. It would end very badly for Calzaghe, Kovalev is too complete and dangerous of a fighter not to mention the size advantage he'd have.

GGG I could see losing to Joe but could score some knockdowns. I wouldn't say JC had a good chin but he recovered very well. Could be a close fight ending up in points.

Joe definitely had a great chin. I don't see how anyone could ever dispute that. Remember the massive uppercut he took against Kessler?

Sure he's been knocked down a couple of times, but you've never seen him on bambi legs.

I would imagine Joe to have a hard time with either fighter - obviously I think he'd have an easier time with GGG because of the power and size difference. I think he could beat both, but he could also lose to both.

I definitely see Kovalev as the much harder fight for Joe because of his very sound fundamentals as well as freakish power. GGG fighters more on the inside which I think would suit JCs style better.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

Both good fights...

Like it or not, calzaghe is very skilled in there and can hang with anyone..

I think he beats ggg in a mix between the Kessler and lacy fights..


Kovolev I think is too big, skilled and powerful... Probably drops Joe a few times, joe probably rallies late and steals some rounds but kovolev wins a clear decision