But is he good enough to mix it with the big guns?

This debate is now closed.

The Welshman was rarely troubled by Jimenez and comfortably accumulated the 11th successful defence of his belt via an unanimous decision.

Despite his impressive record, Calzaghe has thus far failed in his attempts to secure a lucrative clash with either Bernard Hopkins or Roy Jones.

Has Calzaghe got what it takes to mix it with the best?

Joe's last two fights went 10 rounds. These were not even half decent opponents. Hall of fame stars such as Hopkins or Jones would simply destroy Joe no later than the sixth round.
Paul Bedorf, Canada

His blistering speed and rock chin will just simply be too overwhelming for Hopkins. Hopkins cannot knock him out and just simply isn't strong or fast enough to win a decision against Joe.

Roy Jones on the other hand will be able to match Joe's speed. That would be a good fight, probably Jones toughest ever. I do see Jones probably winning that fight, but absolutely no way can Hopkins beat Joe. And whoever said Joe isn't recognized as the Super Middleweight champ is clueless. Everyone recognizes him as the best in the division; even Roy said it not too long ago.
Wes, USA

Calzaghe has all the tools to beat Bernard Hopkins. He's fast intelligent, and a sharp enough puncher to deal with Hopkins. He's the finest British fighter I've seen.
James Cook, U.S.A

Calzaghe is not on the level of Eubank, Benn or Collins but he is the best that we have and we should be getting right behind him and supporting him all the way.

As for Hopkins and Jones Jr I really don't think they want him. Hopkins is being ridiculous in his financial demands; Roy Jones Jr only wants to fight people who make him look good. Admittedly Joe wasn't on top form on Saturday night but is capable of getting in the ring and taking these guys the distance. Come on Hopkins you are the undisputed middleweight champion of the world, now prove it by fighting Joe.
Ben Franklin, UK

Joe is quite simply an average-decent boxer, no more than that. He came along at just the right time as far as competition goes. If he was around when Benn, Eubank, Collins, Watson and even Nicky Piper were fighting at least every four months we would of never had seen Joe Calzaghe. Good luck in a very poor division.
Alistair McIndoe, Warrington, Britain

This guy is the most underrated boxer in the world. Everything about him screams class. Ok, he may not have the biggest right hand in the world, but he counters that with his immense skill. He needs a chance to make it big, and he will take it.
Gareth Hopkins, Wales

Everyone has to remember that there is absolutely no power in Joe's weight class at the moment, and he'll be very fortunate to take on either of these guys and win.

If he's going to move up or down, I think it would be foolish to fight the best straight away. He's top of the tree where he is, but that doesn't mean he's earnt the right to a fight with Hopkins or Jones. He should do it properly, and prove he's got what it takes to fight in a different class.
Anon,

I still don't rate Joe. He's no spring chicken anymore, and yet still doesn't seem bothered about fighting any of the big names - whether that's his lack of desire, Frank Warren's incompetence as a promoter or purely just boxing politics.

I mean, do you really think he would have lasted in the ring with Benn, Collins, Eubank or Watson in their prime? I certainly don't.

I think Robin Reid is the biggest 'waste' of talent in the division. He had the potential to be one of the greatest pound for pound boxers ever, but unfortunately, not the motivation required to guide him there.
Simon Royle, England

Is he ready for the big time?! He's been ready for the last eight years! He beat Eubank, Steve Collins ducked him and now the only thing stopping him getting the big US names into the ring is boxing politics (how long did it take Lennox Lewis to finally get the big names in the ring?)
Dave Dominguez, Mumbles, Wales

A contest with Hopkins would see Joe eating the canvas by the fourth round: Hardly a way to get recognition among US fight fans.
Lee Watts, America

First and foremost, Joe needs Hopkins way more than Hopkins needs him. Joe must come down to 160lbs and face the man that will stomp on him. He won't do it. As far as going up to 175lbs goes, to face RJ, that is a joke. Jones will beat him bad.
Israel V. Garcia Jr., United States

He looked absolutely awful against a three-week substitute and then calls out the best pound for pound fighters in the world. It's like Partick Thistle winning a home match and then calling out Inter Milan.

Jones or Hopkins would club him like a seal. He should stick to the weak opponents at super middleweight.
Tom Gray, Scotland

I'd like to strongly disagree with the comments made earlier by "Peter, England". Joe Calzaghe is the best boxer Britain has ever produced. His hand speed, power and chin are first rate and he avoids nobody!

If (quote) "Hopkins or Jones would destroy Calzaghe, no question", why are they avoiding him?
Brendan O'Connor, Leeds, England

Big question mark. He has not had that really high-class competition so no-one knows. Bernard Hopkins would be good. Then he would get noticed.
Paul Webber, France

Bring on the Americans. It's about time that he had his chance.
Pete, Wales

Joe Calzaghe is a great boxer with good skills and stopping power. But there are only two ways to make waves in the boxing world - one is to be the best make such a reputation the world takes notice i.e. a young Tyson. The second is to shout your way to the top, to have charisma (Prince Hamed) or just be Muhammad Ali and do both.

But in Joe's case the first option is his best bet and goes for a unification fight. A big name with less money and he doesn't have to go across the Atlantic for that with the IBF champ Sven Ottke here in Germany. A fight of that calibre is what he needs for recognition and respect.
Andy Southwood, Germany

Calzaghe is for real and you British people better get on the bandwagon because when he destroys Hopkins, he will become an American product, and who can blame him if he defects? You people give him no recognition, I repeat, Joe Calzaghe is the best, and he can beat either Hopkins or Jones Jr, why do you think they are avoiding him?
Withheld, Canada

Calzaghe is the best boxer by miles that Britain has on offer with his mix of power, speed and an excellent chin. He keeps himself in excellent shape and is a very level headed guy.

He is about the most attractive proposition that either Jones or Hopkins has on offer as they have no big fights coming there way in their divisions (Clinton Woods proves my point). If Jones and Hopkins are really out to prove they are out to mix it with the best then Calzaghe is the man they have got to do it with.

Super Middleweight has very few good champions and none of them are willing to defend against Joe because they fear losing their titles as he is simply too good for the division.

You talk about class in boxing - Domestic Class, European Class, World Class and your pound for pound class. Now is the time for Joe to join Jones, Hopkins, De La Hoya, Barrera and co in that elite class
Gav, Scotland

Every opponent he has despatched with relative ease. He is truly a world class fighter and without a doubt the best in the UK. Good luck with your next fights Joe.
Dewi, North Wales

Hopkins or Jones would destroy Calzaghe no question, I wouldn't even put Calzaghe on a par with Benn, Eubank or Collins. Calzaghe needs a stiffer test but he is nowhere near the class of Hopkins or Jones, the fight with Jimenez proved that.
Peter, England

Calzaghe is pretty impressive and I think he steps up in the big fights, but he's pretty erratic- his performances between destroying Omar Shieka, Mario Veit, Kid McIntyre he looked more jaded against Brewer & Jimenez not to forget David Starie.

I think Calzaghe is going over his head a bit. Hopkins is a legend and all time great. He is a philly fighter - tough + resourceful.
Shahzad, UK

Calzaghe's power is questionable, as he was not able to take out the likes of Charles Brewer who is actually known for his weak chin. He has not faced top notch competition as far as I am concerned, so he is a bit untested.

He should start unifying, and then we'll see, the WBO belt isn't a real belt anyway (one of the three majors). He isn't the recognized divisional champ by RING magazine, and if I am not mistaken he isn't the linear champ either. They should put more effort in getting him better opponents before he starts thinking of taking on Hopkins or Jones.
Vincent, Netherlands

In the three fights I have seen Calzaghe in, he would be beaten by those fighters a notch below Hopkins. Let him take on William Joppy or someone with a bit more credibility than some of his last opponents. Charles Brewer made him look mediocre at best and his marketability, as well as his talent, has to be questioned. There are enough journeymen fighters in the US, without having to import them.
Steve Davies, Bahamas

Joe Calzaghe delivered an impressive display of boxing to beat a very durable opponent. Jimenez was never going to be a pushover and Joe effectively did what was required.

Despite not having knocked Jimenez out, I think Joe has nudged himself closer to a big clash with the likes of Bernard Hopkins, etc.

Had Joe delivered a devastating KO win the Hopkins camp would be far less inclined to put their man in against him. This was the right type of win against a hard working and tough opponent. Anything more would have left the Americans wary of Joe and would leave him waiting even longer in the wings.
Mike Sloyan, UK - Birmingham

He definitely has got what it takes to mix it with the best in my opinion. Often we see boxers who either possess power, or if not that, then very good boxing skills. But it takes a fighter who has both attributes and more, to take on the very best. Calzaghe has the lot!

I think the Hopkins fight is most likely to happen, and I hope it does. People bang on about Roy Jones being the best pound for pound fighter in the world. I'm far from convinced on this. He has been exposed in my eyes as a picker of fights. An avoider if you will. That's not the mark of a true great in my eyes.

I have far more respect for Hopkins, who has been strangely snubbed for so long in the US. A fight between Hopkins and Calzaghe would be an absolute belter for fight fans, and would rekindle the feeling of those wonderful big occasion British/American fight nights of the Honeyghan v Starling and Benn v McClelland mould!

In other words, two very worthy and exciting fighters, who deserve to be at the top, who don't duck people, and who can deliver a class performance! Great stuff Joe...go and get the biggest prizes out there...you deserve it!
Jeff Gibson, London, UK

Joe Calzaghe is a very good boxer but unless he goes up a weight & leaves a very mediocre division behind him then he will not go down in history as a great fighter.

He has been tight at this weight for some time & his KO record of the last few years shows that his power has been affected by this. The more punches he throws the more damage he does to his hands.

Nigel Benn went to America to get himself noticed after his defeat to Eubank, he was a true great. Joe is not getting any younger & he needs to take a risk & fight a big name for less money & maybe in the states, to get the recognition he craves & will ultimately get. Good luck Joe!
Mark Phillips, Wales