Joe Calzaghe and Sugar Ray Leonard are two of the best fighters to ever lace up the gloves.
Leonard was a multi-weight champion, wining world titles in five divisions, including the undisputed welterweight title. He is best known for being part of the Four Kings back in the 1980s – alongside Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler – and he was the only man to beat all three of his rivals.
The quartet of fighters are well regarded as some of the most elite the sport has ever seen, and it is an ongoing debate amongst fans which fighters, if any, could be dropped in from another era and compete.
Speaking while ringside for Calzaghe’s fight with Peter Manfredo Jr at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff back in 2007, which the Welshman won by TKO inside three rounds, Leonard was full of praise for the long-ruling super-middleweight champion.
“Joe has got great punching power and has all the attributes you need.”
He then declared him good enough to have been part of the legendary Four Kings era.
“He would have held his own against all the greats I fought, like Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns. And he would hold his own with the others like Bernard Hopkins. He has the talent and heart and will be the undisputed champion.”
Not long after that, Calzaghe moved up to light heavyweight and did indeed beat Hopkins with a split decision win over 12, and then finished his career unbeaten with a 46th and final victory against Roy Jones Jr, also up at light heavyweight.
