Carl Froch Challenges Joe Calzaghe's Perfect Record: "The Truth Is Shocking"

George Fields July 10, 2025, 5:10 a.m.

Froch, who hung up his gloves after knocking out George Groves at Wembley Stadium in 2014, shared his thoughts on the theoretical matchup between him and Calzaghe during an appearance on Sporting Talk.

"The only guy who's beaten me [Andre Ward] and that was on points, two of the rounds were 115-114, he beat me by one round, a guy who was Olympic Gold medalist, never lost a fight since he was 12, retried undefeated. First bout Hall of Fame I'm sure."

Froch then turned his attention to Calzaghe's career, suggesting the Welshman had faced some difficulties in fights that are often overlooked.

"Calzaghe would have smashed me after he got smashed by Robin Reid, got flattened by Kabary Salem, beat a guy called Tucker Pudwill – this guy couldn't even fight and he fought him."

Despite these criticisms, Froch acknowledged Calzaghe's impressive career achievements. Calzaghe retired with a perfect 46-0 record, holding a world title for over a decade and making a record 20 title defenses. He capped off his career by moving up to light heavyweight and defeating Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

Froch continued, offering a balanced view of how a fight between them might have played out:

"Calzaghe might give me a tough fight and a hard night's work but he might have ended up getting smashed himself and walking onto one. Cause a 42 year old Roy Jones Jr nearly did it to him."

The Nottingham fighter also made some controversial claims about two of Calzaghe's most high-profile fights:

"I thought Bernard Hopkins smashed him and didn't get the decision. Robin Reid punched his skull in for 12 rounds and Calzaghe showed how tough he was and won a decision and never rematched him."

It's worth noting that Robin Reid has previously stated he feels he beat Calzaghe in their 1999 WBO world title challenge. As for the Hopkins fight, while the American did knock Calzaghe down in the first round of their 2008 bout, he lost a split decision after the final bell.

Froch wrapped up his comments with a show of respect for his rival:

"But let's not rip the a**e out of Joe Calzaghe cause I've nothing against him, he's a top fighter."

With both fighters now retired, the debate about who would have won in their prime will continue to be a topic of speculation among boxing fans. You can watch Froch's full comments on the Sporting Talk YouTube channel.

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