Legends of Boxing: Joe Calzaghe

Welsh wonder retired unbeaten with multiple defences under his belt

Name: Joe Calzaghe

Nickname: Pride of Wales

Date of First Fight: 1st October 1993

Date of Retirement: 8th November 2008

Titles: Unified super-middleweight world champion

Biography:

Joseph William Calzaghe was born on 23rd March 1972 in Hammersmith, London. Calzaghe has an Italian background and grew up in Wales. A keen footballer, Joe joined Newbridge Boxing Club at the age of 10, and as his talent developed, he switched his focus fully on to boxing.

Across his 15-year career, Joe was trained by his father, Enzo Calzaghe. Enzo was a musician who had no formal training in the art of boxing yet became one of the UK’s most respected and successful coaches.

After winning schoolboy titles, Calzaghe moved up to senior level and won the ABAs three years in a row, from 1990 to 1993, rising in weight each time his body developed.

Signing with promoter Frank Warren, Calzaghe turned professional in 1993. He could not have asked for a bigger stage. His debut was on the undercard of Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno in Cardiff.

Calzaghe won the British title in 1996 and made one defence before winning the world title in 1997 by beating Chris Eubank over 12 rounds. Calzaghe went on a long run of defences that included wins over the likes of Robin Reid, Richie Woodhall, Charles Brewer, Byron Mitchell and two knockouts of Mario Veit.

One of the most significant tests of Calzaghe’s career came in 2006 when he faced IBF champion Jeff Lacy. The fight took place in Manchester, UK, but was shown in the early hours of the morning for the benefit of American television.

Lacy was an undefeated, big puncher and many thought he would be too strong. Calzaghe dominated the fight from start to finish with his speed and boxing ability.

In 2007, Calzaghe beat another undefeated champion, Mikkel Kessler. Coming from Denmark, Kessler had the two remaining belts that Calzaghe had not yet claimed. Joe won on points in front of his home fans.

At the end of his career, Calzaghe moved up in weight to fight twice in America. He first defeated Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas (see weigh-in below) and then Roy Jones Jr in New York. Calzaghe was put on the floor in the first round of both contests yet came back to win on points.

Overall, Calzaghe made 21 defences of his WBO super-middleweight title and unified the other belts at various times. His two fights at light-heavyweight had no titles on the line but were against legendary names.

As he got older, Calzaghe had hand problems that occasionally stopped fights from happening and threatened to end his career. Even though he was dropped by lesser opponents, Joe had a solid chin and great powers of recovery.

Joe formed Calzaghe Promotions alongside his father, but it did not last long. Calzaghe is a big football fan and supports Juventus. He is also a big fan of red meat and credits his diet with maintaining strength. He also had a fear of flying.

Calzaghe later promoted anti-bullying campaigns as he was picked on at school himself. He has also taken part in celebrity football tournaments since his retirement.

Image Credits: Superstar Speakers, Sky Sports.

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Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.

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