Undefeated boxing legend Joe Calzaghe has exclusively revealed the secret behind his extraordinary father-son training relationship that propelled him to become one of Britain's greatest ever fighters.
The Fire and Love of Family Boxing
Joe Calzaghe enjoyed one of the most remarkable careers in British boxing history, retiring undefeated after 46 professional fights and reigning as super-middleweight world champion for over a decade. Throughout his entire career, he was trained by his late father Enzo Calzaghe, who remarkably had no prior boxing experience before coaching his son to global success.
As the boxing world anticipates the renewed rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn this weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - a feud dominated by their famous fathers - Calzaghe admits his relationship with his Italian dad was far from smooth sailing.
"Me and dad argued like cats and dogs," Calzaghe told Mirror Fighting. "We would storm out the ring during training camps. We had some big fights from when I was a teenager."
Storm-Outs and Swift Resolutions
The Hall of Fame inductee described his father as a "proper taskmaster" whose demanding approach was essential to his success. "If he hadn't been as hard as he was on me I wouldn't have been the champion I was," Calzaghe acknowledged.
Their fiery clashes extended even to Calzaghe's teenage years when motivation sometimes wavered. "I didn't want to train or go for a run when there was six foot of snow, but we made it work," he recalled.
Despite the intense arguments, their bond ensured quick resolutions. "We were very fiery but very loving. If we were at the gym and I stormed out, within an hour we'd have resolved it," Calzaghe revealed. The key to their success was maintaining clear boundaries: "In the gym for two hours, we were trainer and boxer but when the bell rung we would have a cup of tea and go for a bet and not talk about boxing."
Overcoming Career Challenges Together
The partnership faced its toughest test during a 16-month injury period when Calzaghe struggled with persistent hand problems that prevented him from sparring. During this difficult time, he seriously contemplated hiring another trainer and even discussed the possibility with promoter Frank Warren.
"My dad was upset," Calzaghe admitted. "I said he would still be involved but that I needed someone to freshen it up." However, after careful consideration, he decided against the change. "I'm so glad I didn't because after a few weeks I realised we had come this far so we could keep going and we did; we conquered the world."
Calzaghe understands why father-son relationships in boxing can be particularly challenging. "I think it was harder for dad because I was his son fighting," he reflected. "His hands would be shaking in the dressing room when he was wrapping my hands, he was good at hiding it but we would have a bit of a back and forth."
Looking back on their incredible journey together, Calzaghe describes their relationship as a blessing. "It's a blessing that the man who got me into boxing, my best friend and believed when I didn't believe, was my dad. We went on to conquer the world but I can see why it doesn't work. It's not easy but it was our energy and fiery spirit which meant we connected."
The boxing legend shared these insights ahead of his exclusive appearance at Paddy's Sportsbook at The Hippodrome Casino for the Eubank Jr vs Benn 2 event on November 15.
