BoxRec

Enzo Calzaghe's death reported by the UK media today and at just 69.

By no means a classical-conventional trainer, often hugely outspoken but from a damp shack in Newbridge he helped Joe get to the top and fighting in stadiums, iconic venues and made others into top fighters as well........

.......Enzo's life was something else, a boy from rural Sardinia who came to the UK and did whatever he could to make a living and finally settled on taking his son to MSG and 80,0000 crowds at the Millennium Stadium.

Thank you Enzo........it was a blast and so were you

RIP Enzo. A great story and a great character. Was always able to get that extra 10% out of Joe and it was really touching when Joe was inducted into the IBHOF and you could see how proud Enzo was and he couldn't even talk he just broke down Joe said the ring he got was for his dad and kissed him.

A huge moment in Joe's career was the Lacy fight. He hurt his hand again and Enzo simply said no you've just got to fight because it's over if you don't. Of course he did and that's the fight that really opened it up for Joe and took him to the next level. IMO he's the greatest British fighter of the last 50 years and Enzo not only being his trainer, but his father, best friend and mentor had a huge hand in that. Not to mention to create three other fighters from Newbridge, Wales to become world title holders is a big achievement.

Joe really had a lovely end to his career. Won a huge unification fight as an underdog (vs. Lacy) in front of a great crowd, made his 20th defense in front of a large adoring public, added the last two belts in a huge unification vs. Kessler in front of 50,000 and then took his show on the road to take the lineal 175-title from a legend in Hopkins and ended his run at 46-0 at a packed MSG made mostly of travelling countrymen vs. a fighter he'd admired for so long in Roy Jones. Enzo's getting tough with Joe was instrumental in making that dream ending a reality.

Well said chrisjs1985

Enzo was a true one-off who we are unlikely to see again and Joe's book explains that whilst his Dad often learned the elite fight game 'on the wing' his ability to motivate, create good camps and keep Joe balanced/focussed were essential.

Considering all the great fights of note Enzo figured-in - which will be discussed in the future - it seems a tad disappointing that the early passing of this maverick but successful trainer is not triggering a bigger response on this side of the board.

I agree. I am a big Calzaghe fan but have found it a little disappointing the lack of response to his unfortunate passing.

I read the Calzaghe book when it was released back in 2007 I believe but I'd like to have read an updated version with the last few fights in there. The Manfredo (20th defense), Kessler, Hopkins and Jones fights were big milestones in his career I'd like to have read deep insight although there's been a number of good features and documentaries on Calzaghe which Enzo features heavily in.

I had the pleasure of being at his fights with Lacy and Kessler. Two of my most memorable nights at the fights. The Lacy one really did impress just as much as anything I've seen live that I can remember as far as his performance. I remember I bumped into Mikkel Kessler at a bar in the MEN arena and I asked who he picked and who he wanted to face he just said "I met them both at the wiegh-in and I tried to shake Lacy's hand and say 'hello' and he just scowled at me and Joe was really nice so I hope he wins".