Quote Originally Posted by shza
The big problem, and the reason that this fight is happening and that there's really no good response to AdamGB's question, is that the SMW division is exceptionally weak, and has been for some time. JC and Kessler are really the ONLY top-level fighters in the division, and really, Kessler is still pretty unproven. This is why so many people (including me) still have questions about how good Joe really is too--I'm not hating the guy or saying he's no good--he might be great--but he's just never fought anyone great (though he's fought a couple who USE TO be great) and probably never will, because they're not there. (no, fighting a completely shot RJJ now wouldn't qualify either--Jermain Taylor or Bernard Hopkins are really the only fights that would prove something, and neither of those fights will happen (not Joe's fault))
Amen on your descripition of the SMW division, if there were more good fighters there who could compete with Joe, or those in the ring with him brought the most out of themselves, then he might be better respected. The only person who has ever really pushed him very close is Robin Reid, who was at his peak when he came close to Joe. The big question at SMW is how will/would Kessler fare in a matchup with Calzaghe, as it is pretty much a given that most of the rest would fall by the wayside. As for fighting Bernard Hopkins, I don't think it would silence the doubters as he is 42 now, and were he to lose to Calzaghe, many critics would say Hopkins was too old. Even beating Jermaine Taylor would still leave him open to critics, as they would have a go at him because he didn't bring all he had up with him to SMW from MW. In any case, the world is full of haters, and there is always someone to hate on.

CC by the way mate