Enzo Calzaghe, the man who guided son Joe to an unprecedented 46-0 record for a Briton, has sadly died.
News originally filtered through on Friday evening that the Welshman was poorly, and after fighting hard over the weekend, the 69 year-old passed away.
Calzaghe was there for every step with Joe, who won super-middleweight and light-heavyweight honors during a glittering career.
Coaching from the unheralded Newbridge Boxing Club, Enzo and Joe worked tirelessly. Eventually, they gained their rewards to put the facility on the map.
Joe won the WBO title when defeating Chris Eubank in 1997 and reigned supreme until conquering America before retirement in 2008.
Wins over Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins saw Calzaghe’s place in the Hall of Fame secured. Enzo played a major role in his achievments.
Enzo would continue to stay active in the local boxing community and was a highly respected figure in the sport.
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A statement released by the family read as follows: “The family are devastated to have to announce the death of our beloved Enzo.
“Joe and all of the Calzaghe family would like to thank the public for their well wishes and kind thoughts. Especially the outpouring of support from within the boxing community.
“Enzo led an incredible life both inside and outside of the boxing gym and his loss is a devastating one for the entire Calzaghe family.
“We please ask that people respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Leaving behind a legacy many coaches would be envious of, Enzo’s place in Welsh Boxing history was secured a long time ago.
Highly respected and revered, Enzo stayed active in the local boxing community upon Joe’s retirement.
The likes of world champions Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly and Gavin Rees can thank Enzo for helping their ring careers.
In 2007, Enzo was voted Coach of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
That same year, Enzo also won The Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year and Boxing Writers Association of America nod.
Three years later, Enzo was awarded an MBE.
