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Joe Calzaghe (46-0, 32 KOs) did what all fighters dream of. He retired undefeated after fighting the best the sport had to offer. He was involved in many memorable fights, defeating the likes of Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. However, there was one fight that began it all, and that was against Chris Eubank Sr on October 11, 1997. Calzaghe recently spoke to Darren Barker at First Round TV about the gruelling battle with Eubank.
Joe Calzaghe Reflects on Gruelling Battle Against Chris Eubank Sr
Calzaghe Opens Up on Career-Defining Night
This was a big step up for Calzaghe against the experienced Eubank. The Welshman exploded out of the blocks, scoring a first-round knockdown, which stunned those inside the Sheffield Arena and all watching at home.
Throughout the fight, Eubank tried to apply pressure, but the Welshman used his exceptional hand speed and varied his attacks impressively. “The Pride of Wales” was deservedly crowned the winner and new WBO super-middleweight champion. The judges’ scorecards read 118-109, 118-110 and 116-111, all favouring the Welshman. This was just the beginning.
Read More: Five Most Memorable Wins for Chris Eubank Sr
Recalling the fight against Eubank Sr, Calzaghe told First Round TV: “I remember being really nervous going into that fight. He’s unpredictable. You know, I prepared for Steve Collins. You know, come forward, I was really confident. Not to say I wasn’t confident with Eubank, but he’s dangerous.
“And like I said, the first round, man, the first left hook I threw. That must be one of the best left hooks I’ve ever thrown because he landed on his back, and I was thinking, yeah, this is gonna be all over. Mate, that’s by far the most tired I’ve ever been. I was exhausted.”
A Career-Defining Test for Joe Calzaghe
During the interview, Darren Barker mentioned that Eubank did what he promised and took Calzaghe to the trenches: “He did take me to the trenches, and I learned so much in that fight, more than all the 20-21 fights beforehand, because I really had to dig deep that fight.”
Read More: Joe Calzaghe vs Carl Froch: George Groves Picks Clear Winner
Calzaghe’s career went from strength to strength after the Eubank win. He mixed it with the best and always came out on top. He achieved everything he ever wanted and left the sport undefeated. Big Fight Weekend salutes you, Joe Calzaghe.
