Quote Originally Posted by TyBuff
The more posts I read both for and against this guy, and the more I look into his record and the people that were around for him to fight, the more I realize that the guy never had anybody to fight. RJJ and Toney had already moved on before Joe as a serious champion then there wasnt anybody left that would have been considered a NAME for him to fight. From what I have seen of his fights Joe is a good champion but we will never know how great he could have been since he didnt have the greatest opposition to go against.
Good post.

Here's the thing...Calzaghe was often punished for what American fighters got away with...fighting in his own backyard. Jones did it...Hopkins did it...Toney did it...Floyd does it...Oscar...all the biggies & they get applauded for it.

It never made any sense to me because a great fighter is a great fighter...& that is what Joe is...a great fighter.

Quote Originally Posted by TyBuff
I feel that a better claim could be made about his opposition if he had moved up to lightheavy as there was/is better quality opposition there as opposed to the current and past SMW division.
I'm glad that he stayed where he was...I like the title run...it's not his fault for fighting at home...he's the champ...they should have come to him & taken what he earned. A lot of the fighters were fantastic opponents...others were not...thing is...he handled them all & well.

Joe deserves respect.

Quote Originally Posted by TyBuff
I know I have been aske to name a NAME that Joe should have fought but didnt, and I cant. The only names there was were names outside of his division. So I put the test to all of the knowledgeable posters out there in Saddo land to come up with the name(s) that Joe should have fought. Name somebody that IF Joe would have fought them, would have the boxing world thinking differently about Joe.
Hands down had he fought Jones & blasted him out...& I think for sure that he would have...the world would spin on their heels.

Truthfully...I would have been satisfied with him anyone that Toney or Jones fought during the prime time. Any name stateside would have sparked interest...personally...I think that Joe was just handled & managed improperly.

He's a hell of a fighter & honestly...there aint anyone out there that's really like the man. He's something to marvel at when on point.