Calzaghe set to take place among greats

JOE CALZAGHE has sent opponents and records tumbling during his nine-year reign as WBO super-middleweight champion, but his most coveted prize remains the ability to walk down the street unnoticed.

One of the biggest indoor boxing gates in history, estimated at 35,000, will flock to the Millennium Stadium tonight to witness the Welshman’s 20th straight defence against Peter Manfredo.

Victory will draw Calzaghe level with greats Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins, as well as further serving to enhance his status as one of Britain’s finest ever fighters, on a fast-track to the Hall of Fame.

But despite being projected globally following his stunning victory over Jeff Lacy last year, Calzaghe, unbeaten in 42 professional fights, has no truck with the trappings of superstardom.

Moments after courting questions on his rightful place in history this week, Calzaghe was outside in the Cardiff sun, talking to his uncle Sergio while local shoppers brushed past unaware.

Calzaghe said: “I don’t crave celebrity, I don’t crave the limelight. I’ve always loved staying at home. I tried going away to training camp once, but I missed my kids, so I put a stop to that.”

Not for Calzaghe the glamorous world of his opponent tonight Peter Manfredo, who made his name in the first series of the “Contender” boxing programme in the US.

Whilst seeking to distance himself from the inevitable comparisons with reality TV, Manfredo has never sought to deny that without his projection on the programme, this fight would never have happened.

Ironically, Manfredo has probably signed more autographs and posed for more photos than Calzaghe this week, and his appetite for fame is apparent in the size of his bulging entourage.

“I don’t watch that reality TV stuff, it drives me nutty,” shrugged Calzaghe. “I was invited to do Strictly Come Dancing once. I can’t dance. I told them, no way.”

Each time Calzaghe hauls on his trademark all-black shorts and 8oz gloves, he is transformed from unassuming local boy into one of the boxing heroes of his generation.

His desire for a low-key private life should never be confused for a lack of ambition to end his career by seeking out the era-defining fights which will increase his size of his legacy.

Calzaghe said: “I took my chance against Jeff Lacy and showed the world what I could do. Now I am fighting at a massive stadium which is where I wanted to be years ago.

“I feel great and I am ready to do a number on him. But talk is cheap. No matter who is in your corner or how many are in the stadium, all that matters is when the punching gloves are on.”

On the face of it, Manfredo, 26-3 with 12 stoppages, would appear one of the easier conquests in Calzaghe’s nine-year reign as champion.

Having entered the “Contender” series unbeaten, the Providence native lost his first fight but was voted back in for a second chance and subsequently claimed the runners-up spot.

A second loss to Sergio Mora was followed by two impressive stoppage wins to restore Manfredo’s position within the world rankings.

And any complaints about the competitiveness of this fight have been allayed by both phenomenal ticket sales, and the interest shown in the US, where it will be broadcast free-to-air by Home Box Office.

HBO vice-president Kery Davis has already indicated that his network are interested in pushing for a 12-stone unification showdown against the unbeaten Dane Mikkel Kessler.