Joe Calzaghe vs Bernard Hopkins official on-site programme, billed "Battle of the Planet" 19th April 2008, Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas.

Condition mint

In spite of all the attempted intimidation, competing in the United States and at light-heavyweight for the first time, getting knocked down in the opening round and his wily opponent pulling a few stunts during an ugly, clinch-filled 12 rounder, Joe Calzaghe still retained his undefeated record - extending his extraordinary winning run to 45.

Judges Ted Gimza and Chuck Giampa each had it for Calzaghe, by 115-112 and 116-111 respectively, while Adalaide Byrd a native of Hopkins own town in Philadelphia, sided with Hopkins by 114-113.

Price: £35

Joe Calzaghe was born in Hammersmith, London, England on the 23rd March 1972, Joe has spent all his life living in Wales with his Welsh mother Jackie Calzaghe and Sardinian father / trainer Enzo Calzaghe.

At the age of 9 Joe Calzaghe started boxing, despite loosing his very first fight he knew he was a natural born champion and would one day become the best pound for pound fighter in the world.

To date Joe Calzaghe is the most successful yet enigmatic boxer Great Britain has ever had. Joe’s record breaking story of success begins as early as a teenager when he entered the records books as the only British amateur boxer to hold 3 ABA Boxing titles at 3 different weights. Since then Joe has continued to conquer all those who step in his path with an outstanding record of 41 fights, 41 wins 32 wins by way of knockout.

Joe began his professional career in the Cardiff Arms Park in 1993 debuting on the under card of Frank Bruno. Knocking out all his opponents but still no sign of a title fight he left the management of Mickey duff and Terry Lawless and moved to Frank Warren’s Sports Network. Within 3 fights Joe had become the WBO Super Middleweight World Boxing Champion. It was not until 7 years later Joe would have the opportunity of a unification fight with Jeff Lacey. The Americans thought Joe was washed up and his WBO title was ready for the taking. They could not have been more wrong, Jeff Lacey was given a 12 round beating during which Joe threw and landed over 1,000 punches.

Joe’s ultimate goal is to unify all the Super Middle Weight titles and become a 2 weight world champion, only time will tell if he achieves his goals, the story continues……