Calzaghe, let's show a little respect...

[ono]

I'm an infrequent poster, but the criticism of Joe Calzaghe on this site (and others) has provoked me into a response. Basically, I think people need to stand back a little bit and get some perspective.

Calzaghe's record clearly speaks for itself: W 42 (31 ko's) | L 0 | D 0, a two belt world champion (and yes I know he's had to give one up) a Ring Magazine champion, he features on most of the respected pound for pound listings and he's the longest current reigning world champion.

I am inclined to agree we those that say however, that unless he fights Kessler or another truly big name, we won't know how good he really is, and whether he will go down in history as a truly great fighter, or merely a very good one.

But, lets get some perspective. In the final analysis, we can't judge a mans career until he hangs up his gloves. Yes, Manfredo isn't the most challenging fight for him out there, but so what? It will help raise his profile, (particularly in the US) and will help pave the way for the make the 'clash of the titans' fights we all crave. And why begrudge him of making a little money before thowing himself into the eye of the storm? In my opinion he's earned it (particularly as his ex-wife near cleaned him out in the divorce courts).

Another point. To all the people demanding to know why Calzaghe hasn't thought Kessler, Wright etc... Do you really appreciate how difficult is is to make these fights? We don't what fighters are really demanding to make a fight, despite what they claim. But I sincerely don't doubt for a minute that Joe would fight Kessler next week if the deal on the table the deal was good enough....

Lastly, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think we should show a little respect for fighters like Calzaghe. Boxing is a very, very tough and dangerous sport. You don't get to the top without being extremely talented, dedicated, courageous and a being a world-class athlete to boot. So unless all of you posters are ex-world champion boxers yourselves, less have a little bit more respect for the man, whether or not you agree with all of his choices.

I see you have a perfect cool click to sad click ratio. Allow me to change that. Sad click!

how sad ..

At least he had the balls to tell him he was sad clicking him, I can't say I agree with this guys post about Calzaghe but I wouldn't sad click him for it, actually I think the cool/sad clicks should be abolished.

Calzaghe will earn my respect when he steps up to the plate and fights someone of real merit without making them fight him with 40,000 Calzaghe fans behind him, all the American boxing fans already know him but if he wants us Americans to appreciate him he better get over here and fight someone we consider a great fighter. He doesn't even have to do that, he could grow some balls and unify the titles on neutral soil. Until he does that he's just another fighter taking the easy fights to build a record. I thought that was what new fighters did, build a record agains't lesser opponents and then step it up to better competition until they got a title shot. Calzaghe's going backwards losing the respect of his own countryman and us Amercans while Manfredo is gaining the respect of Joes own people. To bad for Joe, this fight does nothing but harm him, win or lose.

When has that ever happened. Manchester is in England and Calzaghe is from Wales (different country). There was 12,000 there for the lacy fight.