Joe Calzaghe is one of the few champions to retire from the sport of boxing undefeated.
Hanging up his gloves in 2008, the British boxer’s final record would be 46-0, with 32 knockouts. The feat is uncommon, with some of the few examples including Floyd Mayweather or Rocky Marciano, the only heavyweight to retire undefeated.
The Welsh fighter did not evade tough challenges either. Among some of the names on his lengthy resume include Chris Eubank, Roy Jones Jr., and Bernard Hopkins.
However, in Calzaghe’s final fight, he would have to overcome some adversity to maintain his unbeaten record.
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Joe Calzaghe was knocked down by Roy Jones Jr. in his final fight
In November 2008, Calzaghe would have his 46th and final career fight. Kitting out at Madison Square Garden, he would take on boxing legend Jones Jr. (52-4).
The pair would contest The Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight title, with the British fighter getting the better of the American.
However, it was not all plain sailing for Calzaghe. A left-hand landing on the undefeated fighter would see him hit the canvas. The boxer would beat the count, and continue to fight.
Despite the early scare, Calzaghe would be dominant for the rest of the fight, winning every remaining round. Showing an incredible engine, the Welshman was able to outwork the fighter that Tony Bellew feels is the greatest of all time, Jones Jr.
The fight would be the last time fans would see Calzaghe step in the ring. As for the American, he would fight until 2018 before Jones Jr. had an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson. Then, he returned in 2023 to take on former UFC champion Anthony Pettis.
Joe Calzaghe was also knocked down in the first round of his penultimate fight
Calzaghe may have gotten deja vu when he hit the canvas in the first round against Jones Jr.
In his penultimate fight, he would also be knocked down in round one, this time by Bernard Hopkins. A ring hand would send Calazghe down, but he would recover quickly.
The fight would be a close one, however, Calzaghe would be the winner via split decision. The win would make Calzaghe The Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight champion.