'I’d Have Won': Joe Calzaghe Claims He Would Have Beaten Canelo Alvarez In His Prime

Joe Calzaghe has lauded Canelo Alvarez as one of the greatest of all time but still believes a prime version of himself would have beaten the pound-for-pound king.

The former super-middleweight champion, who boasted a record of 46-0 with 32 knockouts during a remarkable career, says the Mexican fighter is a "true champion" ahead of his bout against Caleb Plant this weekend.

Alvarez is certainly the overwhelming favourite coming into Sunday morning's clash in Las Vegas.

Even if he does suffer defeat, the Guadalajara-born champion will undoubtedly go down as one of the all-time best.

That being said, Calzaghe still thinks he would have beaten him in his prime.

"If he continues the way he's going and winning titles, he has to be in the top 10 of all-time based on what he's achieved," the Welshman said via The Mirror.

"And his longevity, longevity is important as well. Winning the title is one thing, we've seen fighters win a title and then lose it, so for him to be champion for all these years is impressive.

"He's still only 31. He's just a true, true champion and I have a lot of respect for him.

"But of course I would have won, yes, I'd have won! He's never fought a Joe Calzaghe and I never fought a Canelo, but it's a fight when I look at it that I would love to have had.

"Of course, I wish I was around now when Canelo is around. Of course, it would be a tough fight. It would have been a great fight, but he's 5ft 8ins and I think I would have won."

Image credit: PA

Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton believes Calzaghe would give Canelo serious problems in the ring but reckons the Mexican would come out on top in the end.

"I think Calzaghe is probably the only one that gives him issues," he told The Sportsman.

"You've got Benn, Eubank and Collins; all incredible fighters. But you're talking about a different bracket here when you're talking about Canelo. He's just a special fighter. I don't think he would have had an issue with any of them three.

"But Joe was a different story. One of the best, if not the best ever, to come from the UK. So I think Calzaghe could give him problems. But Canelo probably still wins that fight."

Image credit: PA

Do you think Calzaghe has a chance in his prime against Canelo?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Boxing, Canelo Alvarez

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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