Enzo Calzaghe RIP

Enzo Calzaghe RIP

By Henry Walter

Legendary boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe has passed away at the age of sixty-nine.

Enzo, born in Sardinia in 1949, is most famous for guiding his son, Joe, to world titles in two different weight divisions.

Enzo started his boxing journey by helping out at his local boxing gym in Newbridge, Wales. When the head trainer retired in 1990 he handed the keys to Enzo and an incredible career began.

Enzo had never fought amateur or pro and was self-taught. He learned fast on the job, often jumping into the ring to spar with his talented son.

When Joe turned pro in 1993 Enzo continued to train him, much to the dismay of many boxing insiders, who claimed he wasn’t experienced enough for the role.

Joe continued winning and Enzo began to build a solid stable of fighters. By 1997 Joe had captured the WBO super-middleweight title and Enzo began to get some begrudging respect from his critics.

Yet when Joe hit a bad patch of form a few years into his career the critics were soon back on Enzo’s back. Ultimately it was Joe’s final decision regarding who trained him and he chose to ignore outside advice and stick with his father. Joe had made the right decision.

In 2005 the two enjoyed the greatest moment of their careers when Joe beat the IBF Super-middleweight Champion, Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, to become the recognised champion of the world at super-middle.

Joe continued his success and Enzo produced two more world champions in Enzo Maccarinelli and Gavin Rees. Between 2005 and 2008 Enzo’s boxers participated in a combined total 40 fights without tasting defeat.

In 2007 Enzo won the BBC’s “Coach of the Year” award as well as the Ring Magazines’ “Trainer of the Year” award.

By the end of Joe’s career in 2009 his father had guided him to a remarkable forty-six straight wins.

Soon after Joe’s retirement Enzo joined him, having finally earned the full respect of the boxing community.

In 2011 Enzo was awarded an MBE and he even had a bridge named after him in his hometown of Newbridge.

The remarkable, charismatic personality will be fondly remembered by all in the boxing community as one of the greatest boxing trainers Britain has ever produced.

“My dad pushed me into boxing. He had boxing gloves and a speedball in the sitting room. He would get the cushion off the settee and hold it against him. At the age of nine I could throw combinations, knew how to move, double jab.

Dad inspired me. He laid down the law.”
– Joe Calzaghe