Celebrations continue for Calzaghe

Apr 20 2008 Media Wales

Celebrations continued in Joe Calzaghe’s home town today after his victory over Bernard Hopkins.

Many residents of Newbridge, South Wales, were sleeping off their hangovers well into the afternoon but those on the streets and in the pubs couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces.

People were still chanting Calzaghe’s name outside the Newbridge Rugby Club today, where 120 people gathered to watch the fight in the early hours of the morning.

Manager Diane Williams, who finished her shift at lunchtime after working through the night, said: "It’s been phenomenal. The atmosphere in here was just unbelievable, off the scale.

"We’re all so proud of Joe, and something should be done now in honour of his massive achievement."

Funeral director Jon Deacon, 36, who organised the rugby club’s evening of entertainment, said: "I was absolutely buzzing. This is a family club, and it was just electric in here.

"Everyone in Newbridge is ecstatic today. But if he had lost, it wouldn’t have mattered. Joe’s a champion because of his attitude, and who he is."

Mr Deacon, who said he grew up with the boxer, is now planning a Joe Calzaghe appreciation night at the club for later this year. He hopes the Manic Street Preachers will perform at the event, which will raise money for the NSPCC.

Michael Clarke, landlord of the Newbridge Hotel, said: "So many people were out on the streets this morning.

"It’s a fantastic achievement for Joe, so I hope there are some banners here to welcome him when he comes back."

Retired builder John Evans, a customer at the pub, said: "I think it was fabulous. Joe did everything he went out there to do.

"He is the finest this country has ever produced, and deserves a lot more recognition.

"He put Newbridge on the map when he started boxing, and the whole of the valley is so proud of him. The council should so something to welcome him home, out of respect."

Ted Beacham, 66, said he believes more than 250 people from Newbridge flew to Las Vegas to support their boxing hero.

He added: "Joe should have a civic reception when he returns, to recognise not only his achievements, but his father’s."

Pam Mills said: "It was brilliant when they mentioned Newbridge just before announcing Joe had won. It’s only a little place, but everyone knows the name now."

Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy added his voice to those congratulating Calzaghe today.

He said: "My congratulations to Joe on his historic win against Bernard Hopkins in the early hours of this morning.

"It was a tough fight, but Joe fought back with from the first round knockdown with his trademark flair and steely determination to show the world why he is regarded as one of the best fighters of his generation.

"Despite being undefeated for 18 years, and a world champion for 11, it took a lot of courage to fight someone like Hopkins in his own backyard, and at his own weight.

"Joe Calzaghe has proved to everyone that he is able to step up a level and still beat the best the world has to offer.

"He has now shown the people of America what the people of Wales have known for a long time – that he is no ’Average Joe’. He is a true Welsh sporting legend."

Hopkins v Calzaghe post-fight press conference