Non-British perspective: Froch easier to like than was Calzaghe

[p4pking]

He may not have "ducked" anyone, but he also didn't make any efforts whatsoever to pursue the best opponents available for much of his career. I'm not a fan of Calzaghes and I love to watch Froch fight, however I do feel that Joe would probably have been able to take a decision over Froch at his best. However, his resume is already a joke compared to Carl's and he commands MUCH less respect for this imo.

[ruthless rocco]

of course froch is more likeable! that's a no brainer.

he shows up to fight. he brawls and gets hit alot. he leaves it all in the ring.

that's what we like in fighters.

[ross]

I think its unfair to compare the two.

Calzaghe didnt have many other big super middle names and neither did he have the super six which is what made most of these names. Like Dirrell and Abraham, even Johnson, would they have been names at super middle without the super six?

In fact Kessler (the favourite going in who still beat Froch) made his name by getting beat by Calzaghe!

I will agree that Froch now does have a greater resume than Calzaghe but Froch would lose to Calzaghe, of that not many would disagree. Also, Joe fought and beat Eubank (was supposed to be Collins, who pulled out) in his 23rd fight for the title. Abraham and Taylor were really middle weights and Froch lost to Kessler and Ward and most think he lost to Dirrell. Its easier to like Froch because he is fighting alot of known quantities that we can guage his talent on whereas Calzaghe never seemed to get those opportunities (Bernard accepted a fight years ago while still middle champ but then asked for double!). For me, the Kessler fight is evidence that Calzaghe was leagues above Froch and the trouble that Bika had Ward in late wouldnt have me betting against Joe vs Andre either.

Also, id like to see Ward fight Pascal. I think Pascals quick combinations would catch Ward and then you have another Froch v Bute situation where someone seen as nigh on unbeatable and above Ward surprisingly beaten by the seemingly lesser fighter. He is about to fight someone Pascal hurt and beat comfortably after all.

[Gandalf]

I don't see the point in comparing who is easier to like. Outside the ring I like them both and inside the ring much the same. Calzaghe was the better fighter of the two though, but Froch is one of the best today. Definitely top 2.

[Fenster]

He may not have "ducked" anyone, but he also didn't make any efforts whatsoever to pursue the best opponents available for much of his career. I'm not a fan of Calzaghes and I love to watch Froch fight, however I do feel that Joe would probably have been able to take a decision over Froch at his best. However, his resume is already a joke compared to Carl's and he commands MUCH less respect for this imo.

I think its unfair to compare the two.

Calzaghe didnt have many other big super middle names and neither did he have the super six which is what made most of these names. Like Dirrell and Abraham, even Johnson, would they have been names at super middle without the super six?

In fact Kessler (the favourite going in who still beat Froch) made his name by getting beat by Calzaghe!

I will agree that Froch now does have a greater resume than Calzaghe but Froch would lose to Calzaghe, of that not many would disagree. Also, Joe fought and beat Eubank (was supposed to be Collins, who pulled out) in his 23rd fight for the title. Abraham and Taylor were really middle weights and Froch lost to Kessler and Ward and most think he lost to Dirrell. Its easier to like Froch because he is fighting alot of known quantities that we can guage his talent on whereas Calzaghe never seemed to get those opportunities (Bernard accepted a fight years ago while still middle champ but then asked for double!). For me, the Kessler fight is evidence that Calzaghe was leagues above Froch and the trouble that Bika had Ward in late wouldnt have me betting against Joe vs Andre either.

Good post ross. Sums up the situation perfectly.

[p4pking]

That is certainly a fair post Ross, I just don't think Calzaghe ever really wanted to test himself the way Froch does. It's not as if Joe was completely without options and barred from leaving Wales, he must have more or less been content with the way he was being handled. I'm also less and less sure that it would have been a wide points win for Calzaghe every time I see Carl fight.

[Althugz]

That is certainly a fair post Ross, I just don't think Calzaghe ever really wanted to test himself the way Froch does. It's not as if Joe was completely without options and barred from leaving Wales, he must have more or less been content with the way he was being handled. I'm also less and less sure that it would have been a wide points win for Calzaghe every time I see Carl fight.

Exactly, you'll notice I never said Froch would beat Calzaghe. I think Calzaghe would use those b.s flurries that don't land to trick judges into a points win - Carl would never stop working though and not tire like Hopkins did. (which I still thought Hopkins won - boxing isn't scored on punches missed/pitty pats with the inside glove)

Ross, the Eubank fight is a joke example. He was finished and had 2 weeks notice. Even if he fought Collins. Collins was at the tail end. That example just adds to my point imo.

My main point is - regardless who you think would have won if they ever met, when being ranked Carl Froch should be ranked higher than Joe Calzaghe. I don't see an argument to have it any other way.

[Fenster]

Froch will NEVER be ranked above Calzaghe because he's never established himself as the No.1 in the division.

You can rubbish Calzaghe's opposition all you like but the simple fact is - Lacy was the no.1 ranked supermiddle, unbeaten and IBF champion when Calzaghe beat him and Kessler was the no.1 ranked supermiddle, unbeaten and WBC/WBA champion when Calzaghe beat him.

Having tough fights and winning tough fights are two completely different things.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

...Handbags at dawn fellas

[Beanz]

@Althugz you come across as anything but neutral. You own credibility is critically undermined by your unreasonable and childish tantrums. You expect people to have empathy for your bizarre tirades against not just Calzaghe but also "the Brits" who appreciated his talent. Your anger is not the response of a rational man. Maybe you need some more carbs and a sense of perspective.

[0james0]

Froch is more likeable than Calzaghe, certainly for a neutral.

His guns blazing style, his humility outside the ring, the fact he appears willing to fight anyone seemingly better than him.

Who was better we will never know. Not yet anyway. Froch still has a couple fights in him, including an almost definite Kessler rematch. That could change many people's perception, would lose the whole Joe beat Kessler, Kessler beat Froch argument.

I like both fighters, I don't even want to have to split them on who I prefer. I think Calzaghe would have beat Froch if they fought, but that doesn't mean I think he is the better fighter. It's a bit of a rock, paper, scissors problem. Styles beat other styles. A bit like Ward would probably do another job on Froch if they fought again.

I think Froch should stick to fighting in Nottingham. He's done his share of travelling and some. He's proved himself to be fearless even in the lions den. He is clearly better when fighting at home.



Out of interest, Calzaghe vs Ward? Who would you pick?

[C.J.Rock]

Of course Froch is easier to like than Calzaghe. Carl Froch FIGHTS!!!
Calzaghe cherry picked his oppnents throughout his career. Never wanted to fight away from home soil. He also lacked the heart of a champion EG Joe wanted to pull out of the Jeff Lacey fight "injured" but Enzo kicked his ass and made him fight.
Calzaghe knew he did not deserve the nod over Bernard Hopkins either hence his refusal to fight a rematch even though it would have been at home in wales. What a way to thank his devoted fans but instead he retired.
Calzaghe had the talent but lacked the cojones. Froch has a champions cojones

[ross]

Of course Froch is easier to like than Calzaghe. Carl Froch FIGHTS!!!
Calzaghe cherry picked his oppnents throughout his career. Never wanted to fight away from home soil. He also lacked the heart of a champion EG Joe wanted to pull out of the Jeff Lacey fight "injured" but Enzo kicked his ass and made him fight.
Calzaghe knew he did not deserve the nod over Bernard Hopkins either hence his refusal to fight a rematch even though it would have been at home in wales. What a way to thank his devoted fans but instead he retired.
Calzaghe had the talent but lacked the cojones. Froch has a champions cojones

Exactly, he saved them all from having to watch a fully grown man reduced to crawling round on all fours like a little sissy cry girl looking for sympathy because he was getting worked over and didnt like it. They were also spared the sight of Calzaghe littally fucking Hopkins ass while poor old Hopkins truned his back and cowered in fear

Absolutely no one wanted to watch a rematch! The only reason anyone watches a Hopkins fight is curiosity to see how much longer he can compete for. He met his match in Calzaghe and if hed have had the balls to take the match when it was originally signed while he was reigning middle champ, rather than ask for double the comtacted money at the last minute! then he would have probably been stopped against a younger harder hitting Calzaghe.

[Althugz]

Of course Froch is easier to like than Calzaghe. Carl Froch FIGHTS!!!
Calzaghe cherry picked his oppnents throughout his career. Never wanted to fight away from home soil. He also lacked the heart of a champion EG Joe wanted to pull out of the Jeff Lacey fight "injured" but Enzo kicked his ass and made him fight.
Calzaghe knew he did not deserve the nod over Bernard Hopkins either hence his refusal to fight a rematch even though it would have been at home in wales. What a way to thank his devoted fans but instead he retired.
Calzaghe had the talent but lacked the cojones. Froch has a champions cojones

Exactly - where there is smoke there is fire and a LOT of people think the same about Calzaghe. I'm not the only one.

Calzaghe fans are downright emotional! He had one of the worst closeouts to an overall mediocre career. Manfredo, old Hopkins which many thought he won and braindead RJJ. At his peak he had another controversial decision against Reid, fought his socks off against the bum, Lacy. Best win against Kessler. Why does that fact put a rocket up JC fans arses?? It just is what it is *sad face*

A fair career. Nothing special. That's coming from a Brit who just says what he sees. Nothing more, nothing less.

[IamInuit]

You prefaced your intent on slapping at the end of his career. In other words, the end justifies the means. It's really at a point where I really have no reason to point it out. Objective intent I am sure lol.