GWENT'S world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe is being honoured with an MBE for his services to sport.

Cwmbran-based Calzaghe, originally from Newbridge, was given the award as part of the Queen's birthday honours list.

The 30-year-old WBO super-middleweight champion said he is delighted with the news, and that it has given him a boost for his next fight, the thirteenth defence of his title later this month.

Joe, pictured with his wife Mandy, will receive his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace later this year.

He said: "It's nice to be recognised outside of boxing circles, and it's a great honour. The MBE is a great thing to have and I'm looking forward to getting it.

"This shows that my achievements have been recognised and all the hard work and training I've done over the years have been appreciated.

"Maybe this will show a wider audience just what I have achieved for boxing. Regardless of what I do in the future I will still have these two great achievements, my belt and my MBE."

Calzaghe, who is married with three children, won his WBO title by beating Chris Eubank in 1997. He is Britain's longest serving world title holder, and is defending his super-middleweight title against American Byron Mitchell on June 28 at Cardiff International Arena.

He said: "I'm training hard for the fight at the moment. There have been a lot of setbacks and disappointments along the way but I'm confident and looking forward to getting in the ring.

"This award has given me a huge boost towards it."

Enzo Calzaghe, Joe's father and trainer, taught Joe how to throw his first punch in the ring. He said he found it hard to put into words the pride he felt when he heard his son was getting the MBE.

Enzo said: "It was a real tear-jerker. The family were all surprised, but we are so proud of everything Joe has accomplished. He's worked so hard from the age of eight and everything he's achieved is amazing. He's a local lad done good. It's a great honour for him. The thing that I'm the most proud about is the respect Joe has from non-boxing fans. Without a question of a doubt this is a major boost going into the next fight."

He added: "The Queen can have a ticket for free now if she wants one!"