Joe Calzaghe to lead out Welsh Rugby team
World boxing champion Joe Calzaghe will lead the Wales team out at the Millennium Stadium for the RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Italy today.
The 33 year-old Calzaghe convincingly beat American Jeff Lacy last weekend to unify the WBO and IBF world super-middleweight titles, and will parade his belts to the capacity crowd before kick-off.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Lewis said:
“It was one of the finest sporting displays ever by a Welsh athlete and the Welsh team wanted to find some way to pay their tribute to Joe.”
“We suggested inviting Joe to the game and the players felt it would be appropriate for him to lead them into battle against the Italians.”
“Joe is a hero to all Welsh sports fans and is a constant source of inspiration to fellow professional sportsmen like the Welsh players.”
“I’m sure the Welsh and Italian fans will give him a rousing reception.”
Latest word is boxing legend Roy Jones Jr says he’s ready to fight Wales’ Joe Calzaghe in a planned showdown at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on 8 July. Jones, 37, from Pensacola, Florida, is considered the best fighter of the 1990s and one of the all-time greats.
Meanwhile, Wales seek to bounce back from their recent defeat in Ireland as Italy seek their first Six Nations away win in Cardiff. Should be a great game….
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