
Originally Posted by
hitmandonny
In recent weeks I've heard a number of posters question Calzaghe because he looked slower of foot against Calzaghe and was easier to hit. I've even heard posters use this as validation of their opinion that Calzaghe could be beaten by Pavlik.
However, while some people have attributed Calzaghe's lethargic performance to his advanced age and period of his career, I have to look further into the issue.
In Hopkins' previous fight, a defensively brilliant fighter was seemingly easy prey for Hopkins, who struck him cleanly and regularly. (Granted he also took the liberty of striking him illegally with regularity.)
When taking the case of Wright and Calzaghe I feel that both fighters suffered from the rise in weight. Each fightr, in gaining bodyweight, limited their usual capacity for movement and flexibility and their performances suffered as a result.
I will not denigrate Hopkins' performances in either fight. His footwork, defensive mentality and counterpunching, would have proven problematic for any fighter. But lmost certainly, the additional weight on Calzaghe and Wrights slim frames had a negative effect on their natural styles and abilities.
So I feel that we should settle for fighters competing within their divisions. What is the purpose of taking a great champion like Pavlik and risking his repuatation and record at Super Middleweight/ Of what advantage is it to see 147 champions, having marquee fights at 154? There is no advantage of a champion shifting divisions only to lose only to return to the throne; a battered emperor. Weight gain/loss can rob a good fighter of the abilities he possesses at his natural weight and can result in an unfashionable loss.
Fights between the Big names are wonderful, fantastic events, where the action can grip not only the boxing fan, but the general public, but it can only go on so long, until superfighters lose marketability and fans feel disappointed with fights.
I think fighters such as Haye who feel they've done all they can in a division should by all means move on to higher climbs. But I really want to see the best from each division before we see guys hopping ship.
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