CARDIFF, Wales – Boxing superstar Joe Calzaghe was the Cardiff Devils’ guest of honour when they took on the Nottingham Panthers. The presence of arguably the best pound for pound fighter in the world today was a major coup for the Devils organisation.
‘The pride of Wales’ took time out of his schedule as he prepares to fight fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jnr at Madison Square Garden on November 8th in what will give Calzaghe, who is undefeated throughout his entire professional career, the send off he so richly deserves at the Mecca of boxing.
Cardiff Devils director of Hockey Shannon Hope said; “It was fantastic to have Joe as our special guest for the Nottingham game. I met Joe a few
Photo courtesy of the Cardiff Devils
“As expected he got an incredible reception from the fans. He’s a hero to so many people and will go down as one of the great Welshmen and a boxing legend. It was a real privilege for everyone to see him. His kids, Connor and Joe loved the game and Joe’s hoping to come back with his family after his fight with Roy Jones Jnr and we want to wish Joe the very best for his fight” said Hope.
Calzaghe has an astounding professional record. He became the first undisputed Super middleweight champion of the world. Only heavyweight Joe Louis (25 defences) and light heavyweight Dariusz Michalczewski (23 defences) have more defences of a title than Calzaghe.
Despite his unquestionable dominance, Calzaghe has never enjoyed the profile he deserves in the United States. However, having achieved all his title ambitions, he has spent the back end of his career building his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest ever fighters.
In April this year, Calzaghe did just that, by defeating Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas. That fight, led to the scheduling of his fight against Roy Jones Jnr, where he hopes to cement his legacy and be recognised by the American audience as one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in the history of boxing.
Calzaghe from Newbridge, a short distance from the Welsh capital, visited the Cardiff Arena for his first Devils experience. “It’s the first time I have watched professional ice hockey and it looks a fantastic sport – so fast and exciting” said Calzaghe who also got to witness Cardiff Heavyweight Brad Voth drop the gloves with Kevin Bergin.
Cardiff Devils Captain Voth, paid his tributes to Calzaghe before the match; “Joe is a sporting legend and a genuine Welsh hero and it’s going to be awesome for the players and fans to be in the same building as him. I think some of the guys will be a little star struck when he comes onto the ice” said Voth.
Calzaghe certainly had a positive impact on the Devils who’ve had a slower than expected start to the 08/09 season. The Devils snatched their first win in five games, with a 1-0 win after overtime thanks to a goal from Jason Silverthorn.
The win over Nottingham came off the back of a string of displays that showed progress is being made at the Cardiff-based franchise and was reward for the players’ commitment and hard work over recent weeks.
Cardiff Devils Head Coach Gerad Adams commented; “We’re beginning to embody what being a Devil is all about. It’s a commitment to the badge, our collective aims, and each other, and this team is now showing it. We’re under no illusion that this is just the start of turning ourselves into a team with a winning record and we need to build our momentum from here” said Adams.
Contact the author at Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com.
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