Q&A with Joe Calzaghe

It is with great pleasure that I can now reveal Joe's answers to your questions. Over the last few weeks, you have submitted dozens of questions for Joe to answer - earlier today I had the opportunity to speak with Joe to get his responses. Due to time constraints, we didnt manage to answer them all, however, during the hour that we did spend together, Joe came across as very easygoing and incredibly humble about his career.

Of course the reason for this Q&A is to promote the charity football match that Joe is taking part in this coming Thursday (8th September) at Pride Park - Details Here

The charity is for the John Hartson foundation which raises awareness of testicular cancer - if you havent donated yet and would like to so, please go to the 606v2 JHF Charity Page - Remember, even if its only a few pounds, it all helps.

We have also just done a Q&A with Kai Owen from Torchwood who is also playing - https://www.606v2.com/t12982-qa-with-kai-owen-of-torchwood-the-answers

So back to Joe - I would personally like to thank Joe for taking the time to talk to me and provide me with some great answers. Hopefully you enjoy the answers, as much as I enjoyed asking them.

What do you consider to be the best victory on your record?

The Jeff Lacy fight was certainly the most satisfying fight for me, along with the Kessler and Hopkins fights. And the main reason was that I was considered the underdog going into the fight.

If there was one fighter of the past that you could test your mettle against, who would it be, and why?

Its difficult to answer this question due to the respect and admiration I have for some of the older fighters. But if I had to choose, I would say Marvin Hagler. I used to love to watch him and he was a southpaw so would have enjoyed having a few rounds with him.

How do you feel you would have fared against the likes of Roy Jones Jr, Bernard Hopkins and James Toney had you met in the late 1990's, when each of those fighters were considered to be in their respective primes?

Its difficult to say as I was at my peak in the early 2000's so would it would have been tough. I think it would have been close but I still would have won. Out of those 3, Roy Jones Jr would have been the toughest challenge at that time.

Did you ever seriously consider fighting Carl Froch, or was he really not on your radar at that point in your career, and how would you have seen that fight going?

He was offered the fight in 2007 but turned it down. However, at the time he was ready and calling me out, the two fights open to me were Froch and Hopkins. No disrespect to Carl but Hopkins is a legend and at that time, Carl was big in Nottingham and growing. It also made a lot more sense financially to fight Bernard as well!

Every sportsman has one regret, if you could choose one from your boxing career, what would it be?

The only regrets were over some of the decisions I made regarding promoters. Lets just leave it at that!

Do you wish that you had travelled more during your boxing career, given that the only real negative on your career is the 'Stay at home Joe' tag that some labelled you with?

Not at all. My last two fights were in the states and the one previous to that against kessler was at the Millenium in front of 50,000 people. I also had fights in Germany, Denmark and Spain in my career so I dont regret it at all.

What do you think of James Toney, both as a fighter, and as a man?

I never really met him on a personal basis, so its hard to talk about him as a "man". As a boxer he was good but not in the same class as Hopkins or Jones. His recent forray into the UFC was a disgrace. No one should not train and just go along for a paycheque like he did.

How far do you think fellow Welsh fighter Nathan Cleverly can go? In the future, does he stand a chance against Bernard Hopkins?

He has the ability to unify the division in the future but he is still maturing at the moment. In the next 24months he should be ready to take on the huge fights out there. As for Hopkins, I dont think it will happen as they are at different stages of their careers. By the time Nathan is ready, Hopkins will be 49!

Did you ever consider moving up to light-heavyweight earlier than you ultimately did?

Yes I considered it but the opportunity wasnt really there due to the division not having big names. The only names at the time were Tarver and Clinton Woods, which wouldnt have been financially sensible.

Would you have been willing to go over to Germany to fight Sven Ottke, given this would have allowed you to unify the division much earlier and was a fight many, myself included, though you would have won pretty comfortably?

100% but he wasnt interested. I was a different class to him. He lost to Robin Reid and others and got some disgraceful decisions. would have beaten him easily.

Do you think that Chris Eubank at his very best would have run you closer, or would the style clash ensure that you always won comfortably?

I fought a very good Eubank but I was still the better fighter. It might have been closer at his peak but he still fought some great fights at cruiserweight after our fight.

Would you ever think about promoting again and what do you think went wrong the first time?

It was at a difficult time and I was maybe a bit naive. I didnt really have the passion for it. I don't intend to do it again at the moment.

What do you think is required in order to improve the popularity of boxing, and bring it back to a wider audience?

We need champions vs champions. There are too many belts with too many champs. It dilutes boxing too much. Most people could most probably only name a couple of champs - Mayweather, Pacquaio and thats it.

How do you rate the current crop of fighters in the Super 6 and would you have liked to of had a tournament like that to have brought you into the US public eye as it has Carl Froch?

I would have loved to to do a super 6 style tournament. I would have unified the division more quickly! Its great for boxing. Froch is great and he is fighting the best out there.

How hard is it for a prime athlete like yourself to keep busy and remain happy now that there is no cause to train?

Very difficult at first, as you lose focus and are generally bored. However, I am still training now and have got other things in my life to keep me going.

How do you feel about seeing Bernard Hopkins at 46 yrs old still being such a force in the sport? Just how difficult is it facing the Executioner?

It's great! I dont feel I really got the credit I deserved for beating him - people said he was too old and past his peak. But he is still champ now and every win makes my win look even better!

How did you get involved in this weeks charity match?

I was asked by John and things just went from there.

What do you think the score will be?

5-3 - Wales to beat Englandof course!

What's next for you?

I have started to do a bit of acting. I have just completed two small roles in films and will hopefully be doing more soon.



Remember you can watch Joe in action on ITV on Thursday the 8th September in the John Hartson Trophy match. And dont forget to donate - even a few pounds helps!

606v2 JHF Charity Page

Once again, I would like to thank Joe for his time and wish him luck in this Thursdays game - lets hope he gets the winner against England!

Good work Hobo, and some decent responses. Nice to see some respect for Froch, does kind of suggest the bad blood between the two was something of a media creation.

Thought you liked coxy's question about his hand problems? Wanted to know his opinion on the Johnson fight not coming off too.

Guys, just for the record, there were a fair few more questions submitted, however due to time constraints these weren't able to be answered.

Shame really, as I put the list of questions together myself and there were some really good ones that we didn't get chance to ask.

Good answers from Joe though, and to echo Rowley it is nice to see some respect for Froch.

Scottrf wrote:Thought you liked coxy's question about his hand problems? Wanted to know his opinion on the Johnson fight not coming off too.

Purely down to time constraints.

I did like the questions but we ran out of time. I am meeting him next week so will ask those two questions then and get answers.

Great work Hobo

My question got selected and answered as well

Hobo wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Thought you liked coxy's question about his hand problems? Wanted to know his opinion on the Johnson fight not coming off too.

Purely down to time constraints.

I did like the questions but we ran out of time. I am meeting him next week so will ask those two questions then and get answers.

Does this mean we might still have chance to resolve the question of my refund for the book?

I will ask him for you Rowley. If I am not heard from again, you know why.

I think people need to be a little realistic with what we are going to get out of these things. We are not the boxing press and the participants are not getting paid for giving up their time, by that very fact we have to accept some will be more open/forthright than others and to a degree we have to consider this in either what we ask or the tone in which we ask it.

Ultimately though people tweeted questions in for this one, if some of those take the time to drop in and join on the back of doing so it will have been a beneficial enterprise for the board to undertake. Personally have enjoyed this series, the Martinez and Frampton ones were excellent.

I quite agree, Jeff.

I'd say we have done very well, too, given that we are a relatively new player in the world of sports forums, and with some other exciting potential interviews to come we aren't too badly placed.

We aren't in a position to really get stuck in to the subject of the interview, and attempt to dredge up their every secret and innermost thoughts, given that a) they aren't paid and b) we don't carry any serious clout in the sporting world (yet!!).

Hobo/FOF,

Great coup - enjoyable read.

Are you going to bag an interview with Robbie Savage as part of this series by any chance?

Electric Demon wrote:Hobo/FOF,

Great coup - enjoyable read.

Are you going to bag an interview with Robbie Savage as part of this series by any chance?

I was more hoping for Ched Evans. Theres a few questions he needs to answer...

Steffan wrote:

Electric Demon wrote:Hobo/FOF,

Great coup - enjoyable read.

Are you going to bag an interview with Robbie Savage as part of this series by any chance?

I was more hoping for Ched Evans. Theres a few questions he needs to answer...

If we're interviewing sportsmen from the country you can't speak about, it has to be Andy Powell. That bloke would be a scream.

Michaels, Sean wrote:

Steffan wrote:

Electric Demon wrote:Hobo/FOF,

Great coup - enjoyable read.

Are you going to bag an interview with Robbie Savage as part of this series by any chance?

I was more hoping for Ched Evans. Theres a few questions he needs to answer...

If we're interviewing sportsmen from the country you can't speak about, it has to be Andy Powell. That bloke would be a scream.

I'm just genuinely interested in the opportunity to hear from Robbie Savage - because he is my favourite football player.

I will do my best for you Demon.

If nothing else, I will get you a personalised autograph!

By the way, for anyone who donates to the charity, you can PM me a question to ask any of the stars playing - cant say fairer than that.

Make sure you contribute folks.

Nice work guys, like was said, nice to see some respect between Joe and Carl.

Ironically, while we are talking about the pair of them, Carl Frochs least favourite footballer is Robbie Savage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56cU1P4krNM

I'd never tire of taking a hammer to Savage's face.

Scottrf wrote:I'd never tire of taking a hammer to Savage's face.

Thug

I met Robbie Savage once when he was at the darts, I was a little drunk and it was just after he had played for Birmingham, so I went up to him and told him I would not forgive myself if I didn't point out he was a dirty blue nose bar steward, he had every right to tell me to sod off or chin me but he just laughed, said fair play and shook my hand, top bloke.

rowley wrote:I met Robbie Savage once when he was at the darts, I was a little drunk and it was just after he had played for Birmingham, so I went up to him and told him I would not forgive myself if I didn't point out he was a dirty blue nose bar steward, he had every right to tell me to sod off or chin me but he just laughed, said fair play and shook my hand, top bloke.

Funnily enough, I've heard he's a top bloke in real life as well.

I was smiling when I said it and it was obviously meant in good humour but thought to take being insulted off a complete stranger in good grace spoke well of him. To be honest would have prefered him to tell me to do one, could have still hated him then.

Steffan wrote:Thug

I was just trying to have an opinion, can't make myself anything but apathetic towards someone I've never met in reality.

I'm sure you're a nice guy in real life Steph.

Scottrf wrote:

Steffan wrote:Thug

I'm sure you're a nice guy in real life Steph.

Lets avoid going over the top there Scott

rowley wrote:I met Robbie Savage once when he was at the darts, I was a little drunk and it was just after he had played for Birmingham, so I went up to him and told him I would not forgive myself if I didn't point out he was a dirty blue nose bar steward, he had every right to tell me to sod off or chin me but he just laughed, said fair play and shook my hand, top bloke.

Legendary stuff, Jeff! Good man.

I think he's all about the wind-up isn't he? He loves to give it, but he's also fully willing to take it, and even seems to enjoy it (like in your story rowley).

Scottrf wrote:

Steffan wrote:Thug

I was just trying to have an opinion, can't make myself anything but apathetic towards someone I've never met in reality.

I'm sure you're a nice guy in real life Steph.

I was only jesting

I am a nice guy in real life (although I drink too much and my dress sense could be improved)

I bet he would give us some smashing answers to a Q+A.

I hope you can pull it off Hobo. (Though he may not be willing, or contractually allowed to because of his media career with BBC and ESPN)

rowley wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

Steffan wrote:Thug

I'm sure you're a nice guy in real life Steph.

Lets avoid going over the top there Scott

Oh come on Rowley wheres the love brother?

Only joking Steffan, its the weekend, you're right no need for the bad vibes.

rowley wrote:Only joking Steffan, its the weekend, you're right no need for the bad vibes.

Its all good fella

And where was my "excellent" question (quoting Hobo)?!?!??!?

I'm never coming back.

Result.

Scottrf wrote:Result.

And who says these Q&A sessions are pointless

rowley wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Result.

And who says these Q&A sessions are pointless

Me. I spent hours writing the perfect question, acknowledged to boot by our unesteemed owner.

I feel the whole session missed one hard hitting question. 6/10.

Pun intended?

Oh yes.... not here all week though

Calzaghe is better then Sugar Ray Robinson because:

Robinson was beaten by Joey Archer
...who was beaten by Emile Griffith
...who was beaten by Alan Minter
...who was beaten by Tony Sibson
...who was beaten by Frank Tate
...who was beaten by David Telesco
....who was beaten by Byron Mitchell
...who was beaten by....SUPER JOE!!!

Calzaghe is better then Henry Armstrong because:

Armstrong was beaten by Chester Slider
who was beaten by Sammy Walker
who was beaten by Alfredo Beezer
who was beaten by Jose Edwin
who was beaten by Ossie Marcano
who was beaten by Frankie Olivera
who was beaten by Bobby Cassidy
who was beaten by Ramon Ranquello
who was beaten by Arturo Diaz
who was beaten by Vyacheslav Yakovlev
who was beaten by Lionel Butler
who was beaten by Daiman Wills
who was beaten by Oliver McCall
who was beaten by Cedric Boswell
who was beaten by Jammel McCline
who was beaten by Chris Arreola
who was beaten by Tomasz Adamek
who was beaten by Chad Dawson
who was beaten by Jean Pascal
who was beaten by Carl Froch
who was beaten by Mikkel Kessler

who was beaten by SUPER JOE!!!


Calzaghe is better than Willie Pep because:

Pep lost to Calvin Woodland
who lost to Alfredo Marcano
who lost to Art Hafey
who lost to Danny Lopez
who lost to Jorge Rodriguez
who lost to Johnny De La Rosa
who lost to Roberto Sierra
who lost to Joel Casamayor
who lost to Diego Corrales
who lost to Joshua Clottey
who lost to Carlos Manuel Baldomir
who lost to Verron Forrest
who lost to Sergio Mora
who lost to Brian Vera
who lost to Jaidon Codrington
who lost to Sakio Bika
who lost to.........................SUPER JOE!!

Calzaghe is better than Joe Louis AND Muhammed Ali because:

Joe Louis lost to Ezzard Charles
who lost to Alvin Green
who lost to Kirk Barrow
who lost to Karl Mildenberger
who lost to Henry Cooper
who lost to Muhammad Ali
who lost to Tevor Berbick
who lost to Tony LaRosa
who lost to Billy Zumbrun
who lost to Mike Mollo
who lost to Jammel McCline
who was beaten by Chris Arreola
who was beaten by Tomasz Adamek
who was beaten by Chad Dawson
who was beaten by Jean Pascal
who lost to Bernard Hopkins
who lost to SUPER JOE!

Calzaghe is better than Harry Greb because:

Greb lost to Tiger Flowers
who lost to Leo Lomski
who lost to Lee Ramage
who lost to Bob Pastor
who lost to Jimmy Bivins
who lost to Ezzard Charles
who lost to Alvin Green
who lost to Kirk Barrow
who lost to Karl Mildenberger
who lost to Henry Cooper
who lost to Muhammad Aliwho lost to Tevor Berbick
who lost to Tony LaRosa
who lost to Billy Zumbrun
who lost to Mike Mollo
who lost to Jammel McCline
who was beaten by Chris Arreola
who was beaten by Tomasz Adamek
who was beaten by Chad Dawson
who was beaten by Jean Pascal
who lost to Bernard Hopkins
who lost to SUPER JOE!

Calzaghe is better than Benny Leonard because:

Leonard lost to Jimmy McLarnin
who lost to Tony Canzoneri
who lost to Al 'Bummy' Davis
who lost to Rocky Graziano
who lost to Chuck Davey
who lost to Vince Martinez
who lost to Cecil Shorts
who lost to Fate Davis
who lost to Vernon Mason
who lost to Clyde Washington
who lost to Chuck Mince
who lost to Jamie Thomas
who lost to Paul Whittaker
who lost to Randall Yonker
who lost to Montell Griffin
who lost to Glen Johnson
who lost to Carl Froch
who lost to Mikkel Kessler
who lost to Super Joe

Calzaghe is better than Robert Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Haggler and Tommy Hearns because:
Duran lost to Hearns
who lost to Haggler
who lost to Leonard
who lost to Terry Norris
who lost to Laurent Boudouani
who lost to Felix Trinadad
who lost to Roy Jones Jr
who lost to SUPER JOE

.

Slow day Scott?

It's copied.

Great interview Hobo and some really good honest answers I thought. Seemed a bit reluctant to talk about Frank...

He was reluctant to talk to Frank as well.

Scottrf wrote:It's copied.

Pity prefered to believe you had spent the afternoon writing it.

Fists of Fury wrote:

rowley wrote:I met Robbie Savage once when he was at the darts, I was a little drunk and it was just after he had played for Birmingham, so I went up to him and told him I would not forgive myself if I didn't point out he was a dirty blue nose bar steward, he had every right to tell me to sod off or chin me but he just laughed, said fair play and shook my hand, top bloke.

Legendary stuff, Jeff! Good man.

Good old Savage at the darts always gets a few boos. Did anybody ever see it when everyone was booing him and he held up his card saying "boo if you love Robbie Savage" at which th whole crowd erupted in cheers. Top top man when he's not on a football pitch.

Muhammed Ali
lost to
Larry Holmes
who lost to
Mike Tyson
who lost to
Evander Holyfield
who lost to
James Toney
who lost to
Roy Jones Jnr
who lost to
Super Joe

Scottrf wrote:He was reluctant to talk to Frank as well.

I thought that was De La Hoya

A little dissapointed some of my more colourful questions didn't get asked, interesting stuff all the same.