A JC fanboy's perspective

[Bomp]

I've had some time read a little of the sentiments of the board, I just don't agree with most of the other Calzaghe fans.

I did expect a tough fight, but Hopkins didn't bring anything to the table that we didn't expect him to, yet team Calzaghe's preparation was obviously deficient. I've been a fan of Calzaghe's all through his reign, but I'm not going to make excuses for him. While Hopkins' expected illegal tactics nullified JC's close game (which everyone expected), Hopkins's legal tactics were just as effective, and he WOULD have won if he were 6/7 years younger.

Papering over the cracks of Calzaghe's performance will not prepare him for the next challenge, he needs a reality check, and blaming his performance entirlly on Hopkins' holding and the ref will only be a case of denial.

Hopkins was very effective in maintaining his distance and making Joe fall forward, which is exactly the tactic I'd expect from Roy, yet Roy has more speed in his lead right (and lead lefthook) counters. He needs drastic, honest revision before taking the next fight, or his legacy may be tainted for ever.

[Fenster]

Are you sure you're not just disappointed because you expected more from Calzaghe?

Nobody looks good against Hopkins.

There's not a fight on earth he couldn't turn into an ugly disjointed mess.

[Taeth]

I don't think Calzaghe was any different in this fight, I was watching B-Hop vs Wright and Tarver, and I never believed Calzaghe's speed was much superior than Bernard's especially how quickly they think in the ring I thought B-HOp was always faster than Calzaghe in the regard. However I was surprised by how effective footwork is against Calzaghe, I mean I always knew Calzaghe is IMO pretty poorly balanced, and that he needs to set up to throw punches, but B-HOp really limited Calzaghe offense arsenal both in close and when they were fighting from a distance. I think Calzaghe has a really hard time chasing opponents down which is understandable when your used to fighting a certain way, but B-HOp made Calzaghe fight his fight, and B-Hop won this fight... imo.

[Bomp]

Are you sure you're not just disappointed because you expected more from Calzaghe?

Nobody looks good against Hopkins.

There's not a fight on earth he couldn't turn into an ugly disjointed mess.

Well we're talking about sticking Calzaghe top of the p4p, and IMO he looked very beatable last night. Hop was getting the better of the close exchanges as well when he had the energy to go punch for punch (which used to be Joe's bread and butter), which leads me to believe he could have one the fight if he was a few years younger.

I didn't expect it to be an easy fight at all, but I expected a more composed performance, he was way TOO relaxed at the start expecting an easy night. I just hope the camp are truthful when they're assessing the fight and realise they have to make changes before the next challenge, especially in his defence.