By Mark Vester
Former undisputed super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe plans to use his promotional company, Calzaghe Promotions, to revive British boxing. During the last few months, the British boxing scene has taken several big hits with Calzaghe hanging up his gloves, Ricky Hatton possibly walking away, Setanta Sports going under and ITV not televising boxing events.
On Friday night, Calzaghe, along with his father/former trainer Enzo Calzaghe, put on a show at the Newport Centre. All three of their event attractions, Bradley Pryce, Gavin Rees and Hari Miles, won their fights.
“It’s a difficult time for boxing with Setanta going bust and ITV not showing fights, but with our new partners Triple S Sports we feel we can really go places,” said Calzaghe to Soutrh Wales Argus. "We intend to get Bradley, Gavin and Hari in the ring regularly and keep up the interest in Wales and then we’ll look to the rest of Britain and beyond.
Calzaghe is still not thinking about a return to the ring. He works out on regular basis and still gets a high from being around other fighters in the gym.
“Not many fighters get to retire ahead of the game and undefeated so I’d like to keep it that way,” Calzaghe said. “I don’t miss fighting but I still work out most days and I did 12 rounds the other day so I’m still keeping fit and I still love the sport.
“I’ll always want to do a few rounds every now and again, it’s in my blood, but I think I made the right decision in retiring at 37. I still get the buzz from watching these guys train and just being around the gym. But it’s completely different as a promoter, I haven’t got to lose weight and stress about the fights. It’s a new phase in my life and I’m enjoying it, but we’ll see how it goes, it’s early days yet.”
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com
