Tweet
Joe Calzaghe has been ordered to lose 28lbs to compete in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The Welsh boxing ace's professional partner Kristina Rihanoff is convinced the pair can win the BBC talent show if Joe sheds the weight.
Kristina - who competed with overweight journalist John Sergeant last year - told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "It's fantastic to be paired with a big, strong sportsman. John was lovely and won people's hearts, but it is so great to have an athlete this year.
"Joe is used to training hard and so he shouldn't have any problems with the long hours and healthy diet, but he needs to lose the weight if he is to stand a chance."
Joe, 37, retired as undefeated world light heavyweight champion in February and his weight has ballooned since he quit training.
However, Kristina has put Joe on a strict diet and the blonde bombshell is confident the athlete's competitive edge will return once they take to the dance floor.
Kristina, 31, added: "He has been out of the boxing ring for a while and has put on about 28lbs. He really wants to win and I have told him that I think we are in with a really good shot.
"As a boxer he is used to a certain diet but it is obviously not the same as a dancer's - so I have been giving him tips on what to eat."
Meanwhile, former cricket star Phil Tufnell is already regretting agreeing to appear in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Referring to the 10/1 odds placed on him to win the show, Phil wrote on his Twitter blog: "It should have been at least 20. I have to wear high heels niiice.
"My God wot have I done? I'm bricking it. I'm going to need all the support I can get (sic)."
Phil, 43, also seemed to be unimpressed by the bright outfits he will be wearing in the competition.
He moaned: "Tangerine is so not my colour."
The Welsh boxing ace's professional partner Kristina Rihanoff is convinced the pair can win the BBC talent show if Joe sheds the weight.
Kristina - who competed with overweight journalist John Sergeant last year - told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "It's fantastic to be paired with a big, strong sportsman. John was lovely and won people's hearts, but it is so great to have an athlete this year.
"Joe is used to training hard and so he shouldn't have any problems with the long hours and healthy diet, but he needs to lose the weight if he is to stand a chance."
Joe, 37, retired as undefeated world light heavyweight champion in February and his weight has ballooned since he quit training.
However, Kristina has put Joe on a strict diet and the blonde bombshell is confident the athlete's competitive edge will return once they take to the dance floor.
Kristina, 31, added: "He has been out of the boxing ring for a while and has put on about 28lbs. He really wants to win and I have told him that I think we are in with a really good shot.
"As a boxer he is used to a certain diet but it is obviously not the same as a dancer's - so I have been giving him tips on what to eat."
Meanwhile, former cricket star Phil Tufnell is already regretting agreeing to appear in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Referring to the 10/1 odds placed on him to win the show, Phil wrote on his Twitter blog: "It should have been at least 20. I have to wear high heels niiice.
"My God wot have I done? I'm bricking it. I'm going to need all the support I can get (sic)."
Phil, 43, also seemed to be unimpressed by the bright outfits he will be wearing in the competition.
He moaned: "Tangerine is so not my colour."
Comment