HUNDREDS of boxing fans packed out Newbridge rugby club in the early hours of today to cheer on their hero Joe Calzaghe. Argus reporter BEN FRAMPTON joined them.

Newbridge's prodigal son was cheered on by hundreds of the town's residents who couldn't get to Las Vegas to watch the Welshman make history.

Despite the fight not starting until after 3.00am, spirits at Newbridge rugby club were high and there was no shortage of chanting and singing from the Gwent faithful.

Bernard Hopkins, a man regarded as one of the finest fighters in the game, assumed the role of pantomime villain for the evening and was roundly booed whenever he appeared on the big screen.

There were some tense and nailbiting moments for the fans, not least of all in the first round when Joe was knocked to the canvas.

Even at the final bell the result was far from certain and there was a nervous silence while the judges' scorecards were read out.

But when Calzaghe's victory was announced, it sent the room into rapturous applause, with a spontaneous outburst of 'Hymns and Arias' for good measure.

Everyone at the rugby club was quick to cement Calzaghe's place in history.

Ian Dugmore, 37, of Hill Street, Newbridge, was one of the organisers of the event.

He said: "When Joe got knocked down I thought this was going to be the test for him. However, Joe showed his character, fought all the way through and won.

"The executioner should have been called the hugger, because that's all he did all through the fight."

Tom Dando, aged 20, of Elim Way, Newbridge, said: "It was a really close fight. Joe pulled it off at the end. We got the result which we wanted and I'm happy with that.

Grant Jones, 21, of Halls Road, Newbridge, said: "I think he did well to go out there and win the fight. He did all the Welsh people proud. People doubted him but he did it didn't he?"

Stacey Newman, 23, of Markham Crescent, Oakfield, said: "I was really proud of him."

Some Gwent fans were lucky enough to get tickets to the fight, and spoke to us from Las Vegas about witnessing Calzaghe's epic victory.

Paul Rogers, 26, of Greenfield, Newbridge: "It was fantastic, what an atmosphere. Before the fight, they announced him as a future hall of famer, I think he's a hall of famer now."

Geraint Griffiths, 30, Cwrt Bryn Y Grug, Blackwood: "Hopkins is a very bad loser, he offered nothing to the fight. I thought Joe bossed the fight. Joe's beaten everyone put in front of him, I can't see anyone out there who's going to beat him."

Karl Eades, 28, Clos Coed Duon, Blackwood: "It was awesome. Joe is past legendary, he is an icon. He doesn't have anything left to prove to anyone, he's always been number one."