Joe Calzaghe, the "Pride of Wales," ended his boxing career with a perfect record. The British fighter won all 46 of his professional bouts before hanging up his gloves in 2008.
Calzaghe's achievements in the ring were remarkable. He defended his super-middleweight world championship 20 times and held onto a world title for 11 years. The Welshman also moved up to light-heavyweight late in his career, beating boxing legends Roy Jones Jr and Bernard Hopkins.
Calzaghe joins an elite group of boxers who retired undefeated, including Rocky Marciano and Floyd Mayweather. His 20-year unbeaten run puts him in rarefied air in the sport's history.
In a recent interview with First Round TV, Calzaghe was asked if he considers himself the greatest boxer from Britain. His response showed both pride and humility:
"Listen, I'll be honest with you it's not for me to say. I try to be humble, not be big-headed. But nah, I have to be up there. What I achieved in boxing is wonderful."
Calzaghe expanded on his thoughts, acknowledging the difficulty of comparing fighters from different eras:
"Depending on different eras, people have their own opinions. Being undefeated, world champion for 11 years. Well, 10 years, but The Ring magazine title is a world title. I was undefeated for 20 years.
There's an argument I was up there but I wouldn't say I was the best, there have been some great fighters and just to be talked about with some of them from the past is very humbling. I'm very proud especially you know being trained by my late dad, bless him, who never boxed, went on an underdog journey and managed to conquer the world, man. It's amazing, it's a blessing."
While Calzaghe might be hesitant to crown himself, others in the boxing world have been quick to sing his praises. Fellow British boxing star Ricky Hatton has been more willing to give Calzaghe the top spot among UK fighters.
Even American heavyweight legend George Foreman praised Calzaghe, comparing him to Henry Armstrong - the only boxer to hold titles in three weight divisions at the same time.
Calzaghe's legacy in boxing is secure. His undefeated record and long reign as champion have cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats, regardless of whether he claims the title of Britain's best boxer for himself.
