In recent days there were some premature reports of Joe Calzaghe’s father passing away. While he was seriously ill the sad news has now unfortunately been confirmed a short time ago.
Boxing has lost one of its great characters and unique trainers today in Enzo Calzaghe.
An Italian immigrant who came to the UK, Enzo was a musician by trade and also drove buses when he first arrived in Britain and settled with his family.
Taking his young son Joe Calzaghe to the boxing gym many years ago, father and son forged a bond and professional relationship that will go down forever in the sport of boxing.
Many criticized Calzaghe’s decision to keep his dad in his corner for his entire professional career for his lack of experience at coaching at the highest level.
In the end, they both proved those critics more than wrong. Father and son ruled the super-middleweight division at one time.
Coached by Enzo for his entire career, Wales’ Joe Calzaghe retired undefeated with a record of 46-0 and is regarded as one of the best if not the best boxer that Britain ever produced.
His father Enzo not only leaves a legacy in that regard to the sport but he also had success coaching a number of other professional fighters too.
Following the official news today the Calzaghe family wished to pass this message on:
“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.”
Here are some of the tributes that have come in from the boxing world so far:
R.i.p Enzo calzaghe.. #legend.. thinking of his family and friends and this sad time me ?? pic.twitter.com/1Zbeeq0SzH
— Wayne Mcgrath (@WayneMc09) September 17, 2018
R.I.P Enzo Calzaghe, he was a brilliant trainer and conquered the World in boxing with his son Joe Calzaghe, amazing achievement ? #enzo #enzocalzaghe #joecalzaghe #trainer #Legend #boxing #RIP pic.twitter.com/8VucBdfoSQ
— Rob Evans (@robevs91) September 17, 2018
Rip Enzo calzaghe, deepest & heartfelt sympathy 2 the entire calzaghe family
— Paula Devlin (@pauladevlin27) September 17, 2018
Very sad to hear of the death of Enzo Calzaghe. A star in an unforgettable era of British boxing, and always fantastic to talk to.
— Mark Staniforth (@markstani1) September 17, 2018
Father and son, they beat the world from a glorified shed in Newbridge. A truly remarkable man and someone who I held in the highest regard. RIP Enzo Calzaghe x pic.twitter.com/TPulXtSVon
— Ian Bird (@ian_WIM) September 17, 2018
Rest In Peace, @EnzoCalzaghe!
The godfather to one of the most amazing chapters in Welsh boxing history.
????????? #RIPEnzo pic.twitter.com/4TWLXS19wW
— Boxing Wales ??????? (@BoxingWales) September 17, 2018
Everybody involved at Boxing News and Views would like to send our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Calzaghe.
May he rest in peace.
