Boxing: I'm lord of the Welsh rings says Calzaghe.
JOE CALZAGHE believes he is the best boxer Wales has ever produced.But the world super-middleweight champion, a devoted family man, insists he is driven by the promise of lucrative pay-days rather than the dream of immortality.
The priority for the 27-year-old Newbridge star has always been to set up his three children - Cole, 10, Joseph, five, and two-year-old Connor - for life.
Legendary status would be nothing more than a welcome side-effect.
"I only want big-money fights," said Calzaghe, who defends his WBO title against Australian Rick Thornberry in Cardiff on Saturday.
He has no particular desire to test himself against the very best, such as WBC light-heavyweight champ Roy Jones.
Calzaghe added: "I'm not chasing after Roy Jones. Be honest, Roy Jones is a good fighter and I don't want tough fights, I just want big money.
"I just want to make sure I never have to work again. I've got mouths to feed and that's the most important thing."
But Calzaghe, who possesses frightening self-belief, would not turn down a challenge to Jones or anybody else.
In stating that he is the finest boxer in Welsh history he is placing himself above some of the greatest names in the sport.
They include flyweight Jimmy Wilde, world champion for seven years between 1916 and 1923 and winner of 132 of his 153 professional contests.
Former world heavyweight champ Gene Tunney labelled Wilde "the finest fighter I ever saw".
Calzaghe said: "I think I'm the best champion by far to come out of this country.
"This country hasn't had much to shout about in sport but it will have now. It's not to disrespect others like Jimmy Wilde. But I know I'm the main man." Calzaghe struggled in his last defence, against Robin Reid in March.
He failed to impress the watching executives from American TV network HBO, who hold the key to his financial future.
He eked out a points win despite fighting through the second half of the bout with a damaged hand.
"Robin thinks he could beat me but my hand went in the fifth round," said Calzaghe. "I beat him with one hand."
Do you agree that Joe Calzaghe is the greatest Welsh fighter of all time? If not, who was? Send your views to The Mirror, Regus House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, CF2 7RU.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | Williams, Paul |
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Words: | 389 |
| Previous Article: | Football: Chelsea: Laudrup's Not Welcome Back; Blues want fee for rebel Brian. |
| Next Article: | Cricket: Dale fires Dragons. |