Welsh · Newbridge, Wales · Born 23 March 1972Welsh professional boxer who retired undefeated at 46-0, widely regarded as one of the greatest super middleweights and light heavyweights of all time
Joe Calzaghe was born in Hammersmith, London in 1972 and raised in Newbridge, Wales. He trained from childhood by his father Enzo at a small Welsh gym. He turned professional in 1993 and won the WBO super middleweight title in 1997 — beginning a 10-year unbeaten reign as world champion. He defended his title 21 times — a British record. His combination of exceptional hand speed, volume punching and southpaw awkwardness made him almost impossible to fight effectively. His finest victories came against Jeff Lacy (2006, completely outclassing the unbeaten American), Mikkel Kessler (2007, unified three world titles), Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. (both in 2008). He retired undefeated at 46-0 with 32 knockouts. He was voted greatest Welsh sportsperson ever in a BBC poll. He is widely regarded as the finest British boxer of his generation.
Undefeated super middleweight champion with 21 title defenses
How They Played
Southpaw boxer-puncher with exceptional hand speed
Lasting Impact
Greatest British boxer of modern era, southpaw legend
Career Honours
- WBO Super Middleweight Champion 21 defences
- IBF Super Middleweight Champion
- 46-0 undefeated
- Beat Hopkins and Jones Jr