Joe Calzaghe "The International Untouchable"

Calzaghe didn't like flying actually. He could be convinced to do it sometimes but the phobia was very real.

'World champion Joe Calzaghe will conquer his fear of flying when he travels by plane to Newcastle ahead of his showdown with top American Byron Mitchell.

The Welshman makes the 13th defence of his WBO super middleweight crown on Saturday, May 24, at the Telewest Arena and has previously avoided planes whenever possible to instead go by train or car.

For the toughest test of his career, however, Calzaghe has decided to face his demons head on and will fly up for the date with the former two-time WBA world champion.

"I'm more worried about getting on a plane than I am about getting in the ring with Mitchell," admitted Joe.

"For my last fight in Newcastle I travelled six hours on the train from Cardiff just to avoid boarding a plane or going near an airport which stresses me out. I did the same when I came up for the Press conference announcing this fight
"I have flown in the past but if there is another way I can travel I normally will chose that. (I actually saw a feature on Joe back then and there was footage of some of his family members trying to convince him to take the plane).

"What has made me change my mind for this fight is that I'm going to face the biggest test of my career against Mitchell so a little thing like getting on a plane seems so small in comparison. Plus it only takes about an hour to get to Newcastle rather than sitting on a train for half a day!"

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Joe+on+a+wing+-+and+a+prayer.-a0100905007


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And no he isn't the greatest British fighter of all time. His resume certainly isn't up to par for him to hold a distinction like that.

 

Can you read? Try it again but this time put you reading specs on.

I guess he was going to oil himself up and swim across the Atlantic when he agreed to Hopkins' stipulation -- ON THE SPOT -- to fight him IN THE USA in 2002. You know, when a ''prime'' Hopkins, who had just scored his biggest and most impressive win, scuppered the fight? I know, that was all Joe's fault right?

And you forgot to mention that that ''total farce of an opponent'' was a very late sub for Antwun Echols, who was one of numerous fighters who turned down that date against Joe. I guess Joe should've just pulled out of that slot on the Tyson-Neilsen undercard with that huge worldwide audience and all that American TV exposure?

And how long is the flight to Denmark again?