Former boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe dies aged 69
Written by News on 15/09/2018
The father and trainer of world champion Joe Calzaghe has died at the age of 69.
Italian-born coach Enzo Calzaghe guided his son through an incredible 46-fight career, helping him to secure the WBO, WBC and WBA super-middleweight crowns.
Calzaghe – born in Sardinia in 1949 – trained several Welsh fighters during his career, including Enzo Maccarinelli and Gavin Rees.
Adam Smith, Head of Sky Boxing, told Sky Sports News: “It’s a devastating loss for the boxing world. He was an unbelievable talent – he did it his way.
“The Sky boxing team spent a great deal of time back in the 1990s when Joe was coming through wit the Calzaghe family in Newbridge.
“Enzo was a ray of sunshine. He had an addictive personality who had these wonderful ways and had a phenomenal bond with his son.
“Their achievements are unbelievable together to get him to 46-0. He was a musician and raconteur and a family man and lovely to spend time with. He raised a lot of boxers around Newbridge.
“It’s just been a terribly sad year with the loss of Brendan Ingle and now Enzo who are two of the greatest trainers we’ve had in the modern era and personally I’m devastated.”
Tributes poured in for Calzaghe on Friday night across social media.
Ex-super heavyweight champion Barry Jones tweeted: “Can’t believe the news I just heard about Enzo Calzaghe. He was always lovely to me right from the amateurs all the way until I finished. R.I.P mate”
And former Welsh middleweight Gary Lockett added: “Sad news regarding the passing of Enzo Calzaghe. Thoughts and prayers go out to Joe and family.”
Joe Calzaghe won the British super-middleweight title in 1995 before securing his first world title in 1997, outpointing Chris Eubank for the WBO crown.
He reigned as a super-middleweight champion for more than 11 years and retired in February 2009.
(c) Sky News 2018: Former boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe dies aged 69
