Calzaghe is finally a national treasure

Dec 9 2007 icWales

JOE CALZAGHE'S coronation as the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year has confirmed that, at long last, he has secured his place in the affections of the British public.

A masterful display in securing a unanimous points victory over previously unbeaten Dane Mikkel Kessler to unify the super-middleweight division last month removed the last shred of doubt, were any still remaining, that he deserves his berth alongside the greatest boxers Britain has ever produced.

Calzaghe always possessed the potential to one day stand favourable comparison with some of the greatest domestic boxers.

Blessed with explosive power, searing hand speed and a solid chin, the Welshman, who turned professional on the back of an unprecedented amateur record, was clearly a champion in the making.

In March last year, that enormous promise was finally fulfilled when Calzaghe dismantled unbeaten American Jeff Lacy to unify the world super-middleweight titles in Manchester.

Chastened American critics may have sought to swiftly re-evaluate the threat posed by Lacy in the wake of an extraordinarily one-sided contest, in which Calzaghe won every minute of every round.

But the fact is this: Lacy was considered the future of US boxing, an unbeaten world champion in his own right who was sent over the pond to obliterate Calzaghe and take the title back to the States.

Calzaghe responded with a performance which it is neither convenient hype nor wishful thinking to proclaim as one of the best ever by a British boxer in a world title fight.

Randy Turpin dethroning Sugar Ray Robinson; Lloyd Honeyghan shocking Donald Curry; Nigel Benn hammering Gerald McClellan.

You could add Calzaghe’s masterclass to that list.

And his display against a dangerous, younger Kessler should rank only marginally below that performance.

As well as forcing grudging admissions of respect out of his American detractors, Calzaghe’s two defining nights also finally ensured him of a raised profile at home.

It brought attention to the fact he was easily the world’s longest reigning world champion, stretching back 21 defences to the night he dethroned Chris Eubank for the title back in 1997.

Not that the home-loving Welshman is too bothered by the plaudits. Calzaghe has consistently eschewed the limelight and ignored entourages in favour of the quiet life back home in Newbridge.

Since the days when he became the first fighter in 65 years to claim consecutive ABA titles at different weights, Calzaghe has been trained in a notoriously ramshackle gym by his father Enzo.

A series of early professional wins under Mickey Duff’s promotional banner first attracted attention to his talents, but earned some criticism for the perceived poor quality of his opponents.

Calzaghe didn’t care. He just kept winning.

Switching to Frank Warren’s Sports Network stable, he took his chance to floor Eubank in round one then comfortably outpoint him to claim the title.

But despite despatching his opponents with relative ease, Calzaghe has struggled with persistent hand problems which once threatened to leave his great talent unfulfilled.

Twice his scheduled super-fight against Lacy had to be postponed, as did a projected move up to light-heavyweight to challenge the then undisputed champion Glen Johnson.

But, now free of any doubts over his pedigree, Calzaghe is poised to cash in further with a light-heavyweight superfight against Bernard Hopkins likely in the new year.

Warren revealed this week that an offer is on the table for the veteran American to consider.

But whatever happens from now on, Calzaghe’s place in eyes of a belatedly adoring public is secure.