Enzo Calzaghe Gone But Not Forgotten

The world of boxing was shocked and saddened this week with the death of legendary Welsh trainer Enzo Calzaghe at the age of just 69.

This announcement was made by his family on Monday evening (18th September). This after a week of speculation on social media about his health on Friday (15th September) to stop rumours of his death his niece Carrie posted this on social media:

 

Sadly on Monday evening the Calzaghe family issued this statement confirming our worst fears:

“The family are devastated to have to announce the death of our beloved Enzo.

Joe and all of the Calzaghe family would like to thank the public for their get well wishes, and kind thoughts. Especially for the outpouring of support from within the boxing community.

“Enzo led an incredible life both inside and outside of the boxing gym, and his loss is a devastating one for the entire Calzaghe family. We please ask that people respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

I’m sure all of our thoughts are with the Calzaghe family at this difficult time. With that in mind what will Enzo be remembered for? Of course we all know that he masterminded his son Joe Calzaghe career from the amateurs right the way through to the world championship. Enzo burst on to the boxing scene at the same time as Joe as he came up with that great game plan to beat Chris Eubank back in 1997. He then went on to train Joe to a quite remarkable undefeated record of 46-0 with 32 knockouts. Although not a lot of people know he ran his own gym in Cardiff for years before that as he took over the Newbridge Boxing Club and he ran it with success until 2002.

Apart from been in the corner for all of Joe’s fights he also guided a number of other Welsh boxers to world title glory including Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees and Nathan Cleverly to name but a few.

He also won a number of personal awards throughout his career as a trainer including the BBC coach of the year award at the 2007 Sports Personality of the Year, he was also named The Ring Magazine trainer of the year in 2007. He unofficially retired as a trainer in 2008 after Joe hung up the gloves, although his gym continues to breed success to this day. He was awarded an MBE in 2010 for services to boxing also in 2010 both Enzo and Joe had a bridge named after them in their hometown of Newbridge.

Joe Calzaghe received the ultimate accolade for anybody in boxing when he was inducted into The International Boxing Hall of Fame back in 2014 and he dedicated the achievement to his father Enzo Calzaghe.

It has been a sad year for boxing as we have already lost Brendan Ingle and now Enzo Calzaghe two of the best trainers of their generation.

Rest in Piece Enzo you will be missed.

Please comment below if you have any memory’s of Enzo you wish to share.