Calzaghe offers help for heroes

Gentleman Joe: The undefeated boxing world champion is hoping to raise half-a-million pounds for Service personnel by hosting a star-studded dinner
Picture: Ben Duffy/DuffyWilkinson.com

Interview: Joe Clapson

BRITAIN’S only undefeated world boxing champion is planning to raise £500,000 for Help for Heroes at his glitzy retirement dinner.

Joe Calzaghe hung up his gloves last February after 46 wins from as many professional fights and now wants to channel his energy into helping wounded troops.

Speaking exclusively to Soldier, the longest-reigning champion of the modern era explained his motivation.

“Last October I went to Headley Court to present them with a punch bag and I was touched by how brave these guys are,” said the 37-year-old.

“Being a fighter I thought I was tough but bloody hell, these amazing people are incredible.”

The Undefeated Gala Dinner, with the Stereophonics and Joss Stone on the bill, will be held on March 22 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, with all profits going directly to charity.

“Just like in my career I’m aiming high and working to get what I want – hopefully we will raise something like half-a-million pounds,” said Calzaghe. “It’s going to be a great night.”

From the age of nine when “The Italian Dragon” started working on his ringcraft with his father, Enzo, boxing at the top was his only dream.

“I never had any ambitions to join the Army or do anything other than become a world-class fighter,” the Welsh southpaw explained.

“My teachers used to tell me to work harder and I just said ‘I’m going to be world champion’ and they would all laugh at me.”

But once in the ring Calzaghe vowed to listen to everything that his coach told him, similar to soldiers taking orders from the chain of command.

“To be fair my dad was like a military leader, kicking me up the backside and getting me to train,” said the 2007 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

“He made me train like a pro and I was more than happy to do that.”

Now the former Ring Magazine World Light-Heavyweight Champion, as well as former WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF, Ring Magazine and British super middleweight champion, is devoting himself to new projects.

“All I’ve ever done is fight and train so I can understand the mindset of career soldiers who suddenly find themselves in civilian life,” he said.

“That’s why I’m throwing everything into organising this dinner.”

On his boxing style, Calzaghe said he could see similarities with fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

“The way I fought was all about speed and my ability to switch styles, which is difficult to deal with,” he said.

“Like in the Army, being able to act rapidly with intelligence makes life hard for the enemy.

“But what the soldiers are doing is a lot bloody tougher than what I did.”

Continuing with his praise for the troops, the “pride of Wales” said he would like to get out to theatre to meet serving personnel.

“At the moment I am swamped with work for Help for Heroes but one day I hope to go out to Afghanistan.

“I will do whatever I can to raise as much money as possible to help the soldiers who need it.”