Joe Calzaghe Says Hopkins Can't Bring Him Out of Retirement
by Scott Christ on Jul 24, 2011 5:31 PM EDT
in Boxing News Analysis
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We mentioned yesterday that Bernard Hopkins was ringside for the Amir Khan vs Zab Judah fight in Las Vegas, and that he was asking UK media if Joe Calzaghe would come out of retirement for a rematch. Surely they had no definitive answers, but when asked later in the evening by Primetime's Andy Kerr, Calzaghe answered for himself:
"I think Bernard has a seat for me on the other side of the ring. I know what he will do, he will try and talk me into fighting him, but I am done, I am finished. I’ve done my thing, undefeated, two years ago and I am not coming back so sorry to disappoint everybody."
I have a few thoughts on this, and any potential comeback by Joe Calzaghe.
First off, it's a terrible idea for Calzaghe to come back. Our own jrok mentioned yesterday, Calzaghe is the exact sort of fighter who tends to not age well, guys built around reflexes and speed. At 39, and having not fought in three years, Calzaghe is no doubt not near the fighter he used to be. Hopkins, though he's 46, has been active and staying in top shape to fight. Calzaghe has not.
Calzaghe always wanted to retire undefeated, and he did that, and he did it at the right time, because the years were starting to creep up on him. In his mind, he went out beating two legends -- a close, debatable win in a terrible fight with Hopkins, and a pointless win over a shot Roy Jones Jr that nobody cared about.
To Calzaghe's credit (and Bernard's, I guess), Hopkins even said he'd go to Wales to make the fight happen, but Joe just doesn't sound interested. I think he's happy with his record as it is, and doesn't want to risk tacking on that first L in a fight that would seem more like an exhibition, even if it were for the legit light heavyweight championship. Joe Calzaghe had his time, and that time is over. He should be respected for realizing that, no matter what you think of his record or the decision in the fight with Hopkins or whatever else.
The two did meet up later in the evening and seemed to enjoy the chance to get together, which was nice to see.
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Scott, at the time I recall in the live thread that we both scored it a clear win for Calzaghe. Now it seems to have evolved into some kind of controversy. I’ve watched that fight a couple times, and I don’t understand the evolution here. Bernard just didn’t throw punches that fight, and even if your punches are light, you score more when you throw SOMETHING. Anyway, I’d be curious to know why your perspective on that fight has changed so much. To me it seems like the only person who still find the scoring controversial—or even really very interesting at all—is Bernard. And BHop, as you know, loves loves loves to complain about his losses. The rest of the world has moved on.
Totally agree with you though that it would be a terrible idea for Calzaghe to come out of retirement.
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
My perspective hasn’t changed, but to this day there’s a sizable portion of the audience that feels Hopkins won the fight. I personally do not agree at all. I thought Calzaghe was clearly better, as ugly and shitty as it was.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Jul 24, 2011 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The argument for Hopkins in that fight is “cleaner” punching… although the fact remains that both guys punches were about as clean as a Port Authority men’s room. Also, the KD in the first round.
But, whatever. Not a controversial decision. The decision to put on an encore fight would be more controversial, in these tough economic times.
Bad Left Hook
"My God, kids today think that the laces are for tying up the gloves."
-- Fritzie Zivic
Not to mention the fact that the world is pretty gloomy as it is. I already have to see all this crap on the news and sit in our depleted ozone summer heat. Leave me alone, guys.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Jul 24, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, give us a break, fellas. Put on a charity Snooker match or something.
Bad Left Hook
"My God, kids today think that the laces are for tying up the gloves."
-- Fritzie Zivic
The decision to put on encore fight would be a shit one no matter what the economic times.
Jesus , number two would , in all probability , be worse than the first.
Disarm you with a smile ....
by Sir Jack Daniels on Jul 25, 2011 6:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Number two would be a “number two”, if you catch my drift. Their styles are like water and oil. Either that or Calz would simply be walked over, the way both of them walked over RJJ. Ain’t much room in the world for a 39-year old speed merchant.
Bad Left Hook
"My God, kids today think that the laces are for tying up the gloves."
-- Fritzie Zivic
It was an awful fight, and mostly because of Hopkins. His faking the low blow and taking 5 minutes to “recover” was disgraceful…
Yes. The fight was a shitfest to be sure but when a guy starts pulling stunts to get a breather every five minutes I know who’s winning the fight
Disarm you with a smile ....
by Sir Jack Daniels on Jul 25, 2011 6:25 AM EDT up reply actions
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