Quote Originally Posted by Master View Post
When Calzaghe fought Hopkins he was near the end of his career at light heavyweight so I believe that would be an unfair fight to make a comparison.

I am sure Ward would try and use the same tactics to slow the fight down because no one can keep up with the work rate that Joe possessed. Conversely Joe would know that Ward will fight in bursts and not allow him to steal the rounds.

It would be a close tactical affair which could be decided where the location of the fight was fought.
Ward at a similar stage in his career was beating Kovalev , who was nowhere near as old as Hopkins, and that was after a long lay off for Ward.
The reason I used the Hopkins example is because Ward would fight a similar (But way better) style. The only other fight we can compare with is Kessler.
Kessler gave them both at one time , the toughest fights of their careers. Not sure myself what we can learn from that. It's an interesting matchup, and I suppose I'm playing Devil's Advocate for a sense of Balance , although I'm not certain myself.
no way am I doubting Calzaghe , because the Lacy fight proved you shouldn't do that.
btw, anybody who downplays the Lacy victory because "Lacy was Overrated" are wrong! Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
up to that fight , Lacy was seen as a beast, but sometimes when you lose , you don't just lose your "0". Calzaghe took his soul that night, not dissimilar to Barrera/Hamed.