Joe Calzaghe has been officially crowned the greatest fighter in British boxing history. The Welsh legend, who retired unbeaten in 2008 with a record of 46-0 (32 KOs), received the accolade at the British Boxing Hall of Fame in Hastings on Sunday (September 21).
The honour followed a poll of writers and historians conducted by Hall founder Dave Harris, which saw Calzaghe triumph over iconic names including Lennox Lewis, Ted “Kid” Lewis, and Ken Buchanan.
Calzaghe, accompanied by his son Joe Calzaghe Jnr, also accepted a posthumous award on behalf of his father, Enzo Calzaghe, adding an emotional highlight to a night filled with tributes. For a man accustomed to praise, the emotion was clear.
He thanked his family, praised Chris Eubank for providing the toughest challenge of his career, acknowledged Frank Warren’s guidance, and saluted the fans who had supported him unwaveringly throughout his career.
Calzaghe first won a world title in 1997, defeating Eubank over 12 grueling rounds to claim the vacant WBO super-middleweight belt. Victories over the likes of Richie Woodhall, Charles Brewer, and Byron Mitchell cemented his reputation before he faced Jeff Lacy in 2006. “I’d never have gone through with that fight if it wasn’t for [my dad],” Calzaghe recalled.
His father’s faith was rewarded. “He broke Lacy physically, he broke Lacy psychologically,” said former referee Wynford Jones, who presented the induction award.
The following year, Calzaghe beat Mikkel Kessler in a blockbuster event that effectively cleared out the super-middleweight division. In 2008, he travelled to the United States, outpointing both Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr., further proving himself on the global stage.
The ceremony also celebrated other stars. Former junior welterweight champion Gavin Rees, another product of Enzo’s tutelage at Newbridge Boxing Club, joined Calzaghe among the 2025 inductees. Modern Era awards went to Colin McMillan, Scott Welch, and John Doherty, while the 100 Plus Club recognised Kevin McCauley, who fought an astonishing 251 contests.
Shane McGuigan collected the Trainers Award, joined by his family, including father Barry McGuigan. Amateur honours went to Repton coach Gary McCarthy and 1976 Olympian Dave Oldwell.
Harris, whose vision is to honour all who have made a mark on boxing both in and out of the ring, ensured the ceremony also recognised those whose contributions often go unseen. The Courage Award drew the biggest standing ovation for Rosemary Ellis, cousin of 1956 Olympic champion Terry Spinks, who devoted decades to caring for him in later life.
Other attendees included British boxing luminaries Duke and Clinton McKenzie, John Conteh, John H Stracey, Derek Williams, Eddie Avoth, Alan Richardson, referee Richie Davis, photographer Derek Rowe, promoter Harry Holland, and Carmel Cook, widow of James Cook.
Sunday’s event was more than an awards ceremony – it was a celebration of British boxing’s past, present, and future, with Calzaghe firmly at its pinnacle.
