THE town of Newbridge is getting ready to back its local hero Joe Calzaghe in his career defining fight against Roy Jones Junior tonight .

Watch Manager of Abercarn Fire Station, Mark Kift, who is pictured with the boxing superstar on a Crumlin billboard to raise awareness of the new retained duty system at the station, is backing Calzaghe to win.

Mr Kift said: “Everyone at the station is behind Joe and we can’t wait to see the fight.

“Joe was absolutely fantastic when he came down to see us and really got into the spirit of things.

“It is strange to see a big picture of me up their with him but I am also very proud.”

Around 350 people are expected at a screening of the bout at Newbridge Rugby Club, including local Assembly Member Jocelyn Davies and her husband Newbridge councillor Michael Davies.

Mrs Davies said: “It is going to be a fantastic atmosphere at the rugby club. Joe has never forgotten his roots back here in Newbridge, which is why he is loved by everyone so much.

“I hope this is his last fight and that he gets the victory he deserves.”

Newbridge Rugby Club’s commercial manager, Matthew Jones, said: “It’s all everyone’s been talking about and we are going to have a fantastic night. Hopefully the party afterwards will go on until Sunday morning.”

Also lending their support to Calzaghe are members of the local Royal British Legion branch who recently won their own fight to save their Remembrance Sunday Parade.

President of Newbridge RBL, Bill Pinney, said: “On behalf of all the veterans here in Newbridge we wish Joe Calzaghe all the luck in the world in his fight and we are positive he will win.”