Joe Calzaghe vs Byron Mitchell

WBO super-middleweight title
International Arena, Cardiff, Wales
28-06-2003

[@ultimatewarrior4685]

Calzaghe's defensive clinch and feints are so underrated.

[@lennonmichaelsingh1093]

G.O.A.T of his era - never ducked ANYONE - You the BEST Joe... what stamina

[@hughgrection4205]

What a delight Joe was. The Welsh lads must have been so proud of their man.

[@leroyoneill1929]

Well said Hugh sir, he really was an amazing fighter to watch.

[@TheVillest]

i love joe but i wish he made more of an effort to get big fights in the prime of his career. there was a point after he fought eubank where he wasnt really fighting anyone for a looooong time. he could have been a way bigger name had he fought more outside of the UK in the prime of his career

[@darksideofthemoon1002]

Yes I'm from Cardiff seen him a few times nice humble fella,but when he was sniffing coke he was a prick,but what a father and son combo top fellas may his old fella enzo rest in peace

[@jamesbovington8218]

A real hero and great ambassador for the sport.

[@robrusso1arms]

@@TheVillest had a lot of hand trouble, was his left hand, this was kept secret, only towards end of his career they went for broke, and what an end it WAS, TRUE WELSH LEGEND,,,

[@goodyeoman4534]

What an absolute pleasure it was to watch Calzaghe fight in his prime. I saw him live a few times at the Cardiff Millennial Arena.

[@dalegriffin6768]

I watched every Calzaghe fights,he was Must see TV

[@johnjohnnyjohnson9987]

Byron handled that interview well especially with adrenaline flowing.....A class act!

[@emgee3057]

Byron Mitchell = Class act , Good man---- Joe Calzaghe = One of the best fighters EVER.

[@sheruffa6032]

min 09:16 Calzaghe takes off in moments! :)

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Agreed, true class.

[@irocksup123]

Jim Gray = worst interviewer ever

[@mydogiscalledoscar]

Mitchell is a classy guy. Really honest.

[@BozJust]

Props to Mitchell, he didn't bitch or complain too much, he gave Joe his credit. I salute you, Slama from Bama! You were a really good fighter who gave it all in the ring.

[@bobshenix]

He had a right to complain but didn't make too much of it because i think he knew he was on his way to an L. Still, bad stoppage IMO

[@roberthorton6619]

Cal is open for straight right hand left cross all day long

[@roberthorton6619]

He was a bum didn't use his head

[@chrismitchell7280]

Being open for it, yeah maybe, but it didn’t lose him any & im sure his opponents saw it as you did

[@Roybhoy888]

Fantastic sportsmanship.

[@marcusmccurley1897]

Mr Byron Mitchell you are one classy fighter who is living in a world where that's a rarity in your profession! Congrats sir! You've earned my respect!

[@elondiadoc1]

Byron Mitchell was a contender and a champion

[@BLITZY261]

@Jim Con ...and a great representation of the U.S.A. RESPECT to this man.

[@sasfunc6170]

Presented himself as a true gentleman. That's truly what sportsmen should be.

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

Early stoppage. Mitchell was definitely hurt but he had plenty more left. Mitchell has great class. A great role model for young fighters.

[@danielfowler9459]

...........If that fight goes any longer, he ends up in a hospital.

[@billyshears911]

Complete boxer I don’t think I will ever get tired of watching this fight, Best Super middleweight ever in my opinion!

[@adamlees4496]

Byron Mitchell's interview was class. Both great guys. Credit to both brave warriors.

[@jibrohni]

Byron Mitchell, humble guy

[@monkeycrud]

This fight was the one that made people realise he wasn't just super skilled but tremendously courageous and nasty

[@samueljay8271]

The reason it was stopped a little early (as a fan would say) is due to fights like benn v McClellan and outhers who have ended up disabled ( eubank v watson) this is a sport not gladiators

[@sasfunc6170]

Maybe slightly early. His legs were rubber.

[@boondockapostate751]

2nd round was one of the best 2nd rounds of the last 20 years! Props to Byron Mitchell a true boss in defeat. Dam a couple extra round woulda been nice though ...

[@randomy5151]

Boondock Apostate i love joe this was stopped too early. Two honest fighters

[@brianmorecombe2726]

t could have lasted a bit longer but what the commentators were on about Calzaghe pushing him on the ropes.Seriously he needed to see the optician,i never saw any pushing going on and that Gray prattle at the end WTF.

[@Baggamuss]

Now that is how you lose with dignity, fair play to Mitchell for giving credit to Joe and not being a sore loser.

[@fiveowaf454]

I think Mitchell knew he'd lost the fight whether it was stopped or not at that point, he knew he had no answer for Calzaghe's speed. The early stoppage allowed him to retain more pride in the loss than if he'd been beaten to a pulp, which was obviously how the fight was going to end.

[@checkandbalance2903]

Why are Calzaghe fans obsessed with people giving him credit?? Seriously it’s like you all have borderline pets disorder

[@sheruffa6032]

@@checkandbalance2903 simply because those who are not American, it is very difficult to get credit that is due, because you play outside the home, for example boxers of the thickness of Maravilla Martinez have had to work hard to get their credit, so for other boxers, therefore, therefore it is always feared that someone for hostility towards a group does not attribute the attention and the merit due to a boxer.

[@checkandbalance2903]

The most popular fighters in America right now are Canelo, Lomenchenko, Manny Pacquiao, Tyson Fury. Not one of them is American . America always value fighters from wherever they are. However, if you refuse to fight in America like Calzaghe did, it makes people suspicious. America is where the money is so if your avoiding fighting here than it just seems strange.

[@lesliesmith1797]

@@checkandbalance2903 Excellent point. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@ECS1978]

Thrilling fight. Joe is the greatest at 168 lbs. Mitchell showed he was all class afterwards. Great boxing memory.

[@stivvyalright5043]

excellent post fight interview both true gents

[@RossKempOnYourMum01]

It was, but the interviewer crossed the line a little bit. I thought he was a little disrespectful towards Calzaghe

[@ketchup5344]

Joe Calzaghe: legend. Respect to a very worthy opponent

[@leegould8743]

Whenever I'm talking with friends about boxing I always say "look up some Calzaghe fights, man was a legend"

[@Sean-pk2rg]

Much respect to Mitchell for his honesty and grace , , beautiful , , great heart definitely stopped early ,, but saved getting more punishment from a true Legend CALZAGI ,, GREAT FIGHT

[@callumsear9505]

People say that the fight was stopped too early but if you watch closer you can see that Mitchell legs are all over the place. Apart from that it was a awesome fight and a awesome comeback from a boxing legend.

[@maristoldboys5466]

Mitchell's eyes were rolling back in his head like a horse's. The ref did the right thing. If it had gone on longer he could have had permanent brain damage.

[@phillipcarlroberts4640]

RivJohnson101 you can see the glancing left that sent mitchell to stumbling to the ropes at the time of the stoppage,and because the punch wasnt even a clean punch it shows that mitchell was in no condition to continue. both knokdowns in the fight were legitimate,there was one big difference though,mitchell was unstable when he got to his feet,and a british referee will always try to protect any fighter from permanent life changing injury. if calzaghe had been in the state mitchell was he would have stopped calzaghe.

[@phillipcarlroberts4640]

RivJohnson101 no effect ,he must have hit mitchell so hard that it made you dizzy.

[@phillipcarlroberts4640]

RivJohnson101 a pen is a female swan,it describes you bird brain.

[@phillipcarlroberts4640]

RivJohnson101 who are you talking to?

[@henrilloyd2]

Thanks for uploading. Such a good scrap.

[@willz100]

I was at this fight 💪🏻

[@danielmcgee2879]

I love Joe to deAth, but I have to say Byron is a greAt man.....Good on you Mr. Byron, nothing but the best Brother!lol but

[@dubtownman9508]

Byron Mitchell is a terrific human, a throwback gentleman sportstar..

[@garywood3804]

amazing fight Joe is my favourite boxer but hats off to Mitchell especially for dropping Joe for the first time and then total respect to him for his comments at the end of the fight. Joe just never loses.

[@kingcurry6594]

Byron Mitchell is a true gent. It was stopped too early, but it would have ended soon the same way. But he showed Calzaghe the respect he deserved.

[@SiRasputin]

Calzaghe got home town decisions so many times. He's got nothing on his resume.

[@swarthyjake4433]

you know nothing !

[@8ballphil150]

@@SiRasputin obviously not a boxing fan

[@SiRasputin]

@@8ballphil150 Big boxing fan… not from the UK tho

[@Nick-N-Plus-Infinity]

@@SiRasputin You can be a big boxing fan and still lack any knowledge of the sport, judging by your original comment that appears to be the case.

[@laissetomber6912]

Byron Mitchell is a great man, he showed humility and respect and didn't complain, he was very stoic. It's a shame that it was stopped so soon, but if the referee thought he was in danger, that's his decision to make.

[@dogson5000]

What a pair of true gladiators.

[@MrMarco855]

These 2 rounds were far better then most 12 round fights. What a war and the guts both put on display was something to behold. I rate Calzaghe very high overall, he's a better fighter then some give him credit for. Top 30 or 40 all time p4p in my book.

[@1968leg]

Yet another example of Calzaghe being the most adaptable fighter in the sport. That with the best Engine and lightning speed. Not just a Champion, a super Champion.

[@alframseysporndungeon8]

What a class act Byron Mitchell is, alongside Roy Jones Jr who was also very respectful to Joe. Two of the classiest American boxers I've ever seen. In complete contrast to the vast majority of American fight fans who are rarely respectful to any fighter outside the US.

[@MilesCobbett]

Two Great Men

[@lightlightism]

This match poves that Calzaghe is so rare a fighter, may be we will never ever see a boxer like him . May Calzaghe himself is not aware how much greatness and boxer capabilities he has. so unique. no one in the history of boxing has his style. May be future generations will study his born in style just to win a boxing fight.... like others tried to immitated Mohd Ali style. in the future will have Calzaghe style.

[@rover7784]

Huge respect for Mitchell. The man could throw. If he had head movement , he would of been dangerous.

[@james43623]

Watch this fight at.75 speed truly amazing

[@Charli-yv4nx]

Que peleas daba cazalghe hasta con boxeadores defensivos como hopskin,roy jones el buscaba la pelea y les daba accion las hacia entretenida y les ganaba ,una leyenda el le podia ganar a cualquier estilo!

[@Azzlad]

I don't think it was stopped too early, Joe can punch like that for 12 rounds he has one of the best engines in boxing. Joe even looked at the ref to call it because he saw the Mitchell was on his way out, his legs were wobbling. Good call, no sense in taking anymore damage.

[@MrDontfeedthematrix]

This is when Joe used power punches - before he switched to using his speedy arm punches. I guess he had to do this because his hands kept breaking.

[@royw-g3120]

Naseem Hamed has the same hand issues but never adapted like Joe did, his coaches should have made him.

[@checkandbalance2903]

The hand injury stuff is bunk. All fighters have and claim hand injuries.. as you step up in competition you just flat out get. Less KOs. Naseem just couldn’t fight the way he did against the Berreras and Calzaghe could not fight that way against a fighter like Hopkins. There not going to get into wild swinging. It’s just that simple. Mayweather blames hand injuries for his lack of KOs. He just couldn’t ko the top class fighters. It’s very hard to KO top class fighters. Most championship fights between P4P level fights go the distance

[@sheruffa6032]

This Calzaghe was even stronger than I thought, in this match he pulled out abilities I had never seen before, the first round is full of ideas, about the ability to dodge and fight back, great boxer!

[@sheruffa6032]

this when Joe doesn't want to miss his favorite TV series!

[@japsley6172]

Check and Balance thats a big call to make. You are right many boxers have hand issues. There is often a lessening of Kos as the fighter moves up in standard. To say the “hand injury stuff is bunk” though? From observation Calzaghe did seem to adjust his style, to a lighter, high tempo punching system, albeit keeping those fabulous combinations for when he needed them. The great Australian fighter Jeff Fenech, had similar issues and tried to just punch through the pain but ultimately found he couldn’t.

[@wayevs]

this is what a injury free calzaghe could do, Mitchell did well to survive the first round , what ferocity from Joe in the 1st round you could see he was going for the stoppage from the first bell and then to be put down for the first time ever on the second and to react the way he did just showed how much of a champion Joe was , after Joe caught Mitchell and floored him you could see that Joe's punches were having more effect than the first round, and from then on in there was only one outcome.

[@mikefondanova4413]

Both classy men very rare these days

[@mtns7036]

Another great sportsman in Byron. His manager was pissed off but Byron educated him there in how to take defeat. Joe is a special fighter, not many are, there's no shame in not being, just so happens Joe was!

[@caitlincaitlin4703]

i certainly wasn't bored watching this fight.

[@peterbrennan9648]

I felt the stomach was premature. Byron Mitchell was a former world champion and should have been allowed to carry on.

[@andrewduis1881]

Mitchell is a Real man...and a good fighter...I never have seen him before...The fight was stopped to early however he was obviously hurt...Great battle.

[@sheruffa6032]

the referee saw him bend his knees and go to the ropes and believed that he could no longer defend himself, if I had been the referee I would have waited at least 10 seconds, to check if Mitchell was really able to defend himself, he was injured but maybe it could be resumed and Mitchell deserved at least 10 more seconds, the boxers work, they train a lot and must have every chance to fight until the end.

[@3vimages471]

Early stoppage but it saved Mitchell a beating and knock out. Joe is the best UK fighter of all time even with the truly great Tyson Fury around. Good looking bastard as well.

[@lukepatterson1531]

Boxing was around before the last twenty years you do realise

[@3vimages471]

@@lukepatterson1531 Wowwww really! Can that possibly be true?

[@rossgraham8503]

What heart calzaghe has what a legend. Mitchell was a danger man at that time too.

[@garychristopher5480]

The best fighter joe was beyond anybody trure heart and skill and exceptional ability.my favorite boxer to this day.PURE CLASS

[@ukr1pp3r99]

Tough guy Mitchell real class not complaining think he knew. Great little fight.

[@adamlees4496]

A great example of a great fighter.adversity.knocked down.then bites that gumshield and says "i'm gonna getcha!".so many average fighters would have tried to survive and get through the round but joe took the fight right to mitchell as if to say "how dare you"!.

[@steveballinger9643]

6:04. Great fight. Great commentary

[@mmcneil777]

Joe has incredible recuperative powers. Similar to Ali and Holyfield. Very fast and non stop pressure and an incredibly strong will. Calzaghe-Jones in their primes would have been a good fight.

[@Enigmaprince]

Easily one of the most entertaining boxing match ive watched. Shame the ref had to intervene so fast. But damn I think this was the closest Joe has been to be defeated!!!

[@brendos444]

stopped too early.

[@sheruffa6032]

No, Calzaghe was actually putting him on the ropes, remember after going down Calzaghe got up beautifully and evened the score with Hopkins, after which Calzaghe was trying to finish him, hopkins he was weak, but honestly he still had it, I wouldn't have stopped the match but I would have counted Mitchell after he hit the ropes and I would have reassured him that he was in a position to continue, but in my opinion stopping the match was a mistaken sensation of the referee who had to give Mitchell the chance to express himself on his condition during a count, after the Match Mitchell he expressed himself with elegance, but to tell the truth it was a bit damaged by the decision according to me, an early referee. this and everything, said that Calzaghe was really a funny, fast, resistant boxer , and with a big chin, very underestimated at least by some American.

[@orlandomontero6236]

Excelente boxeador calzaque . Ese si que tenía huevos loco

[@saren6538]

Joe looked razor sharp around this time of his career

[@incorrigiblycuriousD61]

Looking at the comments I can't help but notice that British fight fans show more class and sportsmanship than the trash talking American boxers. Not all of them act like that, but, man, do I get tired of it. These two gentlemen boxers are like a throwback to a different era before Ali when people spoke respectfully of their opponents. Respect to both, thumbs down on the interviewer, and respect to British fight fans.

[@markmcclennan6970]

Watched this in Wales absolutely great fight n great night

[@SurfingBullDog]

Both fighters fought their hearts out here. Calzaghe is the man, tho.

[@danielfowler9459]

The only guy who gets more dangerous after being knocked down... it just pisses him off. 46-0, with good cause.

[@evilelf5967]

fair play,he took the loss with ignity and sinereuty

[@mazza4190]

Hot fight. Should not have been stopped.

[@jdlc903]

Joe calzaghe what a fighter-kinda early stoppage

[@anthonystitt3052]

Byron Mitchell - good fighter - all class

[@stevecrow7020]

Two well respected fighters.

[@thomasbays8292]

I like to see a fight where a guy battles his way out of trouble. Joe was prepared to lose either way.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Damn ! Mitchell is huge!!

[@paulweston6049]

"Calzaghe's in Big trouble......Mitchell goes down"...Two class acts.

[@PBazBarrett]

Simply THE BEST.. UNDEFEATED ALL TIME GREAT JOE CALZAGHE.

[@paulmorgan7441]

i slipped man 😂😂😂😂

[@billytheyid626]

Early stoppage for me.

[@neiljones9787]

great stoppage by the ref. the whole point is for the fighters not to take undue damage. live to fight another day. byron mitchell is a true gentleman

[@anthonykilgannon3443]

Byron Mitchell is a class guy so honest.he came close but calzaghe is an unbelievable champion.

[@paulcook7986]

Both boxers were amazing

[@johnfitzjohn4300]

joe was the best and a hell of a nice man

[@krissper2768]

Byron Mitchell seems like a top guy. Good fighter

[@mrnegative48]

classy guy byron mitchell, the fight might have been stopped a bit early but mitchell was wobbling all over the place while Joe was hammering him

[@andrewsmith423]

mitchell says to referee after being stopped- "where am i"........lol

[@corriejacobs5876]

This champ is not talking shit when it comes to his job to win

[@Queenwraith]

What a fight! Joe was/is amazing!

[@dalegriffin6768]

I give props to Byron,he gave it all he had

[@michaelhughes8413]

Byron is a real gentlemen here. Both are

[@simondavis8300]

Not premature stoppage imo. Mitchell was looking gone on his feet right at that point and possibly unable to defend himself. He was surely only going to get really badly hurt in the last 20 secs of the round and that's when real damage starts..he took a fair few power shots to the head from Calzaghe in quick succession...Refs can see in a split second what we can't and he thought with the cumulative effect - enough! Fantastic sportsmanship! Indeed from both. Great guys!

[@CHOPPA78]

Calzaghe must have been a cat in his last life, the way he just windmills 😂😂😂

[@mickyjb2003]

Mitchell in his comments was a real Professional.

[@steveharris7938]

Joe should have been called the octopus because he threw so many punches.

[@dalegriffin6768]

Byron was cool about it,no excuses he was a true professional

[@jketcham9004]

Byron Mitchell said Calzaghe slaps, probably mistake, Lacey said it too.

[@fiveowaf454]

Easy to underestimate the power of his "slaps" until you are on the receiving end.

[@billytheyid626]

He did slap, but the way they came in so wide made them very hard to see and block.

[@michaelpereyra6288]

One of the most emotional fight, i assume he's would considered the best

[@noodles169]

Calzaghe was a real old school type fighter. Nonstop in your face

[@KevinKilgorepage]

Joe catches him on the head right before, hos balance went coo coo , and that is why it was stopped

[@topbanana4013]

what a nice fella Byron Mitchell is.

[@randomy5151]

Brilliant fight

[@frobsey]

this should not have been stopped,joe would have won but this guy should have been given a chance

[@carlconnor1520]

No one ever beats Calzaghe Welsh warrior

[@user-eh5gj1hx9z]

Yes ... this was stopped TOO EARLY! Mitchell went backward over a 'trip' not a direct blow - BUT ... Mitchell DID look extremely groggy and a bit out of it to let Calzaghe just keep hammering away! A 3rd round would have been quite interesting!

[@hugocespedes7046]

Extraordinario simplemente extraordinario

[@mr.perceval6811]

Premature stoppage. If i was Mitchell i would have been fuming!

[@goatfader]

Mitchell was a quality fighter, shame he then retired for four years and came back to become a gatekeeper punchbag.