I want Joe to quit the ring, says girlfriend

Apr 13 2008 by Abbie Wightwick, Wales On Sunday

JOE Calzaghe’s model partner Jo-Emma has revealed she’s desperate for him to retire from the ring.

A week before Joe’s Las Vegas showdown with American Bernard Hopkins, the 26-year-old said she was absolutely certain the time is right for the champ to quit boxing. And Jo-Emma, who doesn’t use a surname, admitted she still gets tense before fights.

“When he retires it will be a relief,” she said. “I don’t worry that he’ll really get hurt because he’s too good. “I’m super-confident in him. But I’m looking forward to him retiring because it will be a bit less stressful. He’s not going to do many more fights now.”

Jo-Emma flew to Vegas yesterday to join Joe, 36, ahead of Saturday’s showdown with veteran Hopkins. She will be staying with Joe in a villa a few miles from The Strip.

He’s promised the stunning brunette he won’t be gambling or taking any helicopter trips – because he’s scared of heights.Joe, who trains in Newbridge, has been honing his skills at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

As he prepares to conquer America, Jo-Emma will be doing a modelling assignment Stateside. But despite his growing portfolio of property the couple have no plans to cross the Pond permanently.

“We’re very happy in Wales,” she said.Read an exclusive interview with Jo-Emma in next Saturday’s Western Mail magazineold said she was absolutely certain the time is right for the champ to quit boxing.

And Jo-Emma, who doesn’t use a surname, admitted she still gets tense before fights.

“When he retires it will be a relief,” she said. “I don’t worry that he’ll really get hurt because he’s too good. “I’m super-confident in him. But I’m looking forward to him retiring because it will be a bit less stressful. He’s not going to do many more fights now.”

Jo-Emma flew to Vegas yesterday to join Joe, 36, ahead of Saturday’s showdown with veteran Hopkins.

She will be staying with Joe in a villa a few miles from The Strip.

He’s promised the stunning brunette he won’t be gambling or taking any helicopter trips – because he’s scared of heights.

Joe, who trains in Newbridge, has been honing his skills at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

As he prepares to conquer America, Jo-Emma will be doing a modelling assignment Stateside. But despite his growing portfolio of property the couple have no plans to cross the Pond permanently.

“We’re very happy in Wales,” she said.

Read an exclusive interview with Jo-Emma in next Saturday’s Western Mail magazine