Joe Calzaghe was a truly outstanding boxer, and on Sunday, September 21, he received a well-deserved recognition after an undefeated career (46-0-0, 32 KOs), being inducted into the British Boxing Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Calzaghe was also voted by a panel of historians and writers as the greatest boxer in the history of British boxing.
The poll, promoted by Dave Harris, founder of the Hall and the Ringside Charitable Trust, saw the Italian Dragon triumph—perhaps surprisingly—over rivals such as Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Ken Buchanan, and Naseem Hamed, to name just a few.
At the event, held in a packed Ballatyne Hotel in Hastings, an emotional Joe accepted the award alongside his son, Joe Calzaghe Jr. He also received a posthumous award for his father, trainer Enzo Calzaghe, honoring his immense contribution to the development of British boxing.
In front of the microphones, a moved Calzaghe thanked his family—especially his father—and expressed deep appreciation for Chris Eubank, calling him the toughest opponent he ever faced. A remark that indirectly downplays the significance of the two biggest fights of his career, against legends Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins.
Calzaghe’s career was remarkable, though perhaps missing a few marquee names beyond a faded Jones Jr. and Hopkins. Among his greatest victories were those over Eubank, Jeff Lacy (who entered as the favorite), and Mikkel Kessler. His father’s role was crucial—he encouraged Joe to take the Lacy fight despite his doubts, sensing his son’s true potential. As Joe himself admitted:
“I would never have taken that fight if it hadn’t been for my father.”
Given his flawless record and extraordinary talent—both physical and mental—the verdict is sure to spark debate, especially when compared to the far more extensive résumé (despite two defeats) of the great Lennox Lewis.
Regardless of the ranking, which could be argued endlessly, the occasion served as a fitting tribute to a boxer often underrated. Beyond his composure and professionalism in the ring, Joe Calzaghe deserves to be remembered for his exceptional mental strength and overwhelming physical dominance—a blend of toughness, self-belief, relentless pace, and endurance that no opponent could withstand.
Alongside Calzaghe’s honor, many other boxing figures also received prestigious awards during the evening—an event dedicated to recognizing those who have made a lasting impact, both inside and outside the ring.