[The Weebler II]

Joe's reponse:

Jack Hirsch, one of America’s best-known boxing writers and a Ring 8 judge, said: “It wasn’t just Joe’s remarkable exploits in the ring that caused us to vote for him.

“He is an example to young boxers everywhere and we felt it was about time a non-American was given the kind of appreciation that we usually reserve for our own.”

An elated Calzaghe told me: “I regard this as a massive honour and I’m thrilled.

“It’s a pleasant feeling knowing what I did in my career hasn’t been forgotten.

“When I retired I didn’t think after nearly 30 years training, sparring and fighting I would miss boxing. How wrong I was. I miss it like crazy.”

When I expressed concern that it sounded as if Joe might be considering a comeback, he put my fears at rest.

Joe, 41 next month said: “There’s no chance of that happening.” Then, with a chuckle, he said: “Mind you, if someone offered me £20million.”

Calzaghe happens to be one of Froch’s greatest admirers and he said: “Carl has improved considerably in the last couple of years and seems to get better and better with age.”

But Joe couldn’t resist adding: “Carl will beat Kessler but he would never have beaten me.”

There’s little doubt that one day Calzaghe and Froch will be indicted into America’s Boxing Hall of Fame.