Super Joe Calzaghe earns his place in boxing’s Hall of Fame
Last updated 11/13/2008 10:48:39 AM
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Whether Joe Calzaghe calls it a day after his spectacular defeat of Roy Jones Jr or whether he takes his unblemished 46 fight career a fight or two further, he is now established not only as one of Britain's greatest ever boxers but has also thoroughly earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
It would be beautiful if the quiet, polite Welshman with the Italian name called it quits as he promised and left at the top of the world – but we all know boxing is not like that.
How many of the critics who have virtually demanded his retirement would say no to another, last piece for their journals for a reward of five million pounds or maybe double that princely sum?
Not a one I would guess and although they, of course, would not risk physical damage by putting pen to paper as Calzaghe does every time he ducks under that top rope.
Already a legend, what could he gain aesthetically from continuing to fight? Three more victories would put him on par with the immortal heavyweight Rocky Marciano. Can you imagine retiring with 50 unbeaten fights?
Yet it might be something even more basic.
Joe is a private man and while he has the body and the gifts of a Greek god, he is a human being with all the frailties that come with it.
Boxing gives huge rewards but the costs of being a top boxer are high , from training camps through trainers( his dad Enzo will not come cheap!) , sparring partners, psychologists and all the rest of the paraphernalia, it drains the bank balance as fast as quick sports cars and flashy houses as many an American heavyweight has discovered.
Joe is a private man outside the ring and no one other than his close family and his bank manager knows how much he has for what would be a long retirement and , in the end, it may well be that final balance which will decide whether he fights just one more or hangs up the gloves.
Only Marciano, a personal hero of mine, knew exactly when to call it a day. Too many others have tarnished their glory by taking "one more fight", often followed by another and then another...