Joe Calzaghe defeated Roy Jones Jr. in the final bout of his career. He retired unbeaten in 46 pro bouts. Photo by Don Emmert-AFP-Getty Images

Carl Froch and George Groves, as super middleweight pugilists, have captured the public imagination, just as the mighty Calzaghe did in the same division. One of the few fighters to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, his undefeated record, long reign as champion, and unique southpaw style have carved a place for him in the annals of British boxing folklore.

A thrilling encounter in front of 50,000 spectators at the Millennium Stadium with Mikkel Kessler to unify the super middleweight division, followed by victories over American legends Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr., set the seal on an undefeated career which elevated the Welshman into rarefied company. Few have been able to walk away from boxing on their own terms, with their money and mind in tact. Calzaghe did.

The 42-year-old is slightly fuller of face these days, but still handsome and thrilled at receiving the 'call from the Hall’, as the summons from the Hall of Fame is known. His name went through on first ballot. “I was emotional when I got that call. It’s a massive honour, not just for myself but for my family. My father, Enzo, has been with me since day one, kicking me up the a— and pushing me.

“If it wasn’t for him I’d have never laced up the boxing gloves in the first place."

Click here to read the full story by Gareth A Davies, boxing writer for The Telegraph.