Joe Calzaghe and Richie Woodhall: Boxing's world title rivals are reunited
Former undisputed world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe is keeping busy in retirement – appearing on stage in the West Midlands for the second time in a month.
The Welshman's outing at Cannock's Bar Sport on Thursday came just 13 days after an appearance in Wolverhampton.
The 44-year-old, his father and former coach Enzo, and uncle Sergio joined him at the venue's Premier Suite for 'An Evening With' show.
Close to 300 people enjoyed a three-course meal before the entertainment began, with comedy from Black Country comic Ian 'Sludge' Lees.
Guests had the chance to have photographs taken with former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Calzaghe, before a memorabilia auction in Premier Suite.
The famous pugilist then took to the stage, where he spoke for nearly one hour.
The questions were posed by another former world boxing champion, Richie Woodhall.
Calzaghe and Woodhall, from Telford, clashed for the WBC super middleweight title in 2000, with the 'pride of Wales' prevailing by a 10th round stoppage.
It was one of a staggering 21 title defences of that belt from Calzaghe, who is one of only 11 men to retire undefeated as a world champion. He recorded 46 wins from 46 bouts.
Calzaghe was made an MBE and then CBE, before hanging up his gloves in early 2009.
He said: "There's a big boxing community in this part of the world. I've been retired for a while now but it's great that I can come here and share my memories.
"I'd like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and I saw a few faces I recognised from my time fighting, not least Richie.
"I loved meeting him again, he's a former opponent but was always a friend.
"My dad is always with me for these things, he loves the sport just as much as I do and proved to be very good as a trainer.
"For him to grow into such a great coach by helping to make me a world-class fighter is very pleasing for me and all of our family.
"In 2007, he won the Trainer of the Year award – with Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers of America – and I got the BBC Sports Personality. It was a great time for us both."
Calzaghe is another name on a growing list of sporting legends to feature at Bar Sport, which also hosted football icon Pele earlier this month.
Floyd Mayweather Jnr, Anthony Joshua, Evander Holyfield, 'Sugar' Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Carl Froch have all visited the venue.
Bar Sport will next welcome ex-WBA world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan on Thursday November 24.
'The Clones Cyclone' united British and Irish audiences through his exploits in the 1980s, at a time when his native Northern Ireland was divided because of their troubles.
McGuigan, aged 55, courted controversy by becoming a British citizen so he could win
the British title, also claiming the European crown.
For tickets and further information, get in touch with Bar Sport by calling 01543 572 092.
