By Liam Santiago: Over the past few decades Britain has been placed firmly on the map, as one of the greatest countries for producing quality boxer’s, by legends such as Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn, Ricky Hatton, Randy Turpin and Ken Buchanan. Each of them has cemented Britain into the idea that this is the land where brave warriors are produced. However, this worldwide idea, which had developed over many decades, recently began to crumble. Enter, Joe Calzaghe.
Calzaghe was at the top level in boxing, considered by many in the top three pound for pound fighters in the world. Who did he fight? Dawson? No. Froch? No. He took on Roy Jones, 15 years too late. No one wanted to see that fight. Throughout his long 46 bout career Calzaghe has had two ‘defining fights’. Kessler and Hopkins. Kessler also does not prove a lot. Who did he ever beat? I would have much rathered see Calzaghe fight Taylor, Johnson, Pavlik, Wright, Froch or Dawson instead of the likes of Manfredo and Bika.
The USA, and much of the worldwide boxing community, now see’s Britain as the fighter’s who do not wish to take on the big challenges. It is so sad that the reputation preserved and constructed by so many all time greats has been smashed. Obviously, the likes of Ricky Hatton is on a mission to get it back, constantly seeking the hardest fights available.
Joe Calzaghe hit the superstar stage when he out pointed the much over rated Jeff Lacy, who has recently been stopped by Roy Jones Jnr, 16 years past his best. This was the ”career defining” fight for Calzaghe. Make or break. Calzaghe almost pulled out of the bout with Lacy. But, looking at that win now, does it mean anything whatsoever?
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