Back in the day when Steve was champ and Calzaghe was just on the scene I would have picked Steve everytime but after Joe's recent performaances I'm not so sure.
If he had fought him back then, when Joe wasn't the complete package, it would have been competitive, with an edge to Joe...Calzaghe at his best, arguably the last 2-3 years, less competitive..being kind to Collins
I know he left the fame for different (medical) reasons, but I always likened his actions as opting not to prolong the inevitable, as I had Joe retiring him had they fought in late '97. Prime v. prime - depends on what we're classifying as Collins' prime. I kind of liken his most successful years to that of Hopkins, where the period he rec'd the most shine differed from when he was at his physical peak. I guess in separating the two: The best version of Joe beats the Collins of the Eubank fights, in a spirited battle, but still a clear win for Joe in the end. The best version of Joe beats the early 90's version of Collins, with room to spare.
Agreed entirely :clap: Mike McCallum described Collins as 'The toughest SOB' he ever fought, and he is very much underestimated when compared to the host of other British 168'ers of that era. I can't ever seeing Joe KO'ing Steve (who had a brick for a chin), but Joe at his very best would have beaten any version of Collins by a wide UD IMO.
Some good points in there, IMO back in the 90's I think Collins would have beaten Joe, But both guys in there prime......I would have to go with the Welsh Dragon.... I',m really looking forward to his next encounter,
