Enzo Calzaghe, a legendary British trainer and father to Joe Calzaghe, passed away at the age of 69, his family announced on September 17.
Enzo was one of the key reasons for his son's incredible career, which includes the longest reign for a super middleweight champion in history and a 46-0 pro record. Enzo also guided his son to a brief reign as The Ring light heavyweight champion and a victory over Roy Jones Jr. in Joe's final fight as a pro boxer. Enzo won the Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year award in 2007 and was awarded the MBE in 2010.
The Calzaghe family released the following statement:
"The family are devastated to have to announce the death of our beloved Enzo. Joe and all of the Calzaghe family would like to thank the public for their well wishes and kind thoughts, especially the outpouring of support from within the boxing community. Enzo led an incredible life both inside and outside of the boxing gym and his loss is a devastating one for the entire Calzaghe family. We please ask people respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Born on the Italian island of Sardinia in 1949, Enzo moved to Wales where he would eventually train his son to a Hall of Fame career. But Joe wasn't the only fighter Enzo had incredible success with as he also trained the likes of former world champions Gavin Rees and Enzo Maccarinelli.
No cause of death has yet to be announced. Enzo is survived by his wife Jackie, son Joe and daughters Sonia and Melissa.
