GWENT boxing hero Joe Calzaghe is pleased as punch after learning rock giants the Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers will be ringside for his title fight on Saturday.

Blackwood superstars the Manics and Welsh rock legends Stereophonics will be cheering him on as ringside guests at Cardiff International Arena during his WBO world super-middle-weight title clash with Charles Brewer.

The 30-year-old boxing star from Newbridge, who lives with his family in Cwmbran, takes on the hard-punching American in what is being billed as his biggest fight since winning the world title against Chris Eubank over four years ago.

And Joe said he is knocked-out at the support of the Welsh rockers. He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that two of the biggest rock groups in the world will be supporting me.

"It makes me proud that they recognise my fight against Brewer as the toughest test to date and have rallied to support me."

Both bands have performed at the CIA in front of sold-out crowds, as did the Gwent sportsman almost a year ago when he defended his title against then undefeated and number one challenger Mario Veit.

Calzaghe added: "The atmosphere at the CIA is incredible when it is packed out as it was for my title defence against Veit.

"It feels like a rock concert and it definitely lifted me to put on my sharpest and most devastating performance to date."

He said: "This is a tough fight for me and I respect Brewer's credentials but I am a winner and the world title will be staying in Wales".

It is not known whether the support of the high-profile bands was triggered by his successful dabble in the pop industry.

Earlier this year Joe was among a host of boxing stars to release 'We Will Stand' - a charity record to raise money for Sargent Cancer Care.

The single was recorded by ex-East 17 singer Tony Mortimer and a line-up of British fighting champions, and was prompted by ex-boxer Glenn McCrory whose nephew died after battling against cancer.

In one week in February, the song was HMV Newport's top selling single of the week, outselling stars such as Kylie and Westlife.