The Five Most Memorable Joe Calzaghe Fights

Welsh boxing has been blessed with many talented pugilists over the years, including Percy Jones, Jimmy Wilde, and, in more recent times, Barry Jones, Lee Selby, Joe Cordina, and the supremely talented Lauren Price. Number one on many lists talking about Welsh boxers will be the legendary undefeated Joe Calzaghe (46-0, 32 KOs).

Examining the Five Best Joe Calzaghe Fights

Joe Calzaghe vs. Mikkel Kessler – Nov 3, 2007

A partisan crowd of over 50,000 packed into the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, to see Joe Calzaghe defeat the previously undefeated Mikkel Kessler to defend his WBO title staggeringly for the 21st and final time. The win also gave him the WBA and WBC titles.

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This victory was as tough as they come, and for many, it’s Calzaghe’s best win. His chin was tested to the maximum, and he took the best shots from the Danish fighter. “The Pride of Wales” boxed beautifully at times, picking his shots and moving well. These tactics helped him win unanimously, with the judges scorecards reading 117-111 and 116-112 x2. A memorable win that crowned the Welshman as the best super middleweight on the planet.

Jeff Lacy – March 4, 2006

Calzaghe faced an acid test against American Jeff Lacy at the MEN Arena in Manchester. The bookies had Lacy as the favourite, but the Welshman ripped up the script, producing a dominant display, winning every second of the fight. His speed and accuracy bamboozled his American opponent, who was known pre-fight for his punching power.

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The judge’s scorecards read 119-105 and 119-107 x2. It was a brilliant performance that made America finally take notice of the mercurial Welshman.

Chris Eubank – October 11, 1997

Calzaghe took a massive step up in competition, facing Chris Eubank at Sheffield Arena. The Welshman flew out the blocks and knocked down Eubank in the first round, stunning everyone in attendance and watching at home.

Eubank never stopped coming forward and applying pressure, but the Welshman picked his punches brilliantly and used his exceptional footwork to create angles for attack. “The Pride of Wales” was deservedly crowned the winner, with the judges scorecards reading 118-109, 118-110 and 116-111, awarding him the WBO super-middleweight title. This was the beginning of a record-breaking run at the top.

Bernard Hopkins – April 19, 2008

On April 19, 2008, Joe Calzaghe made his U.S. debut at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas against the 42-year-old American Bernard Hopkins, with plenty of words exchanged in the build-up. Despite being knocked down in the opening round, the Welshman forced the pace and his come-forward approach ensured he won by split decision with two judges (116-111 and 115-112) siding with Calzaghe, with the final judge scoring it 114-113 for the American.

Calzaghe fought with intensity throughout the 12 rounds – and his work was clean enough that he deserved the decision. He refused to be intimidated by “The Executioner” and passed his acid American test.

Roy Jones Jr. – November 8, 2008

On November 8, 2008, at Madison Square Garden in New York, Joe Calzaghe closed out his career with a victory over the legendary Roy Jones Jr. Despite being past his prime, Jones showcased flashes of his brilliance, knocking the Welshman down in the opening round.

However, Calzaghe took control of the fight with his relentless work rate and sharp punch selection, ultimately dominating the remainder of the bout. The judges’ scorecards reflected his superiority, with all three reading 118-109.

Following the win, Calzaghe announced his retirement, stating he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve in boxing. “The Italian Dragon” is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation—and, for many, the greatest Welsh boxer of all time.