ENZO Calzaghe said his son Joe's home town of Newbridge had greeted his stunning win over Jeff Lacy on Saturday with "euphoria".

Enzo, who has trained Joe since he was nine, said: "The reception has been phenomenal. There has always been massive support from people in Wales, and Newbridge in particular, but this time there's been a real euphoria everywhere.

"We can't walk the streets now for people stopping us to thank us and congratulate us for what Joe's doing."

He added that their dream now is to fill the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for Calzaghe's next fight.

"It's always been a dream to fight at the Millennium Stadium and judging by the amount of support from the people of Wales we'd fill it.

"This fight was originally meant to be there and Joe would love to fight in his home country again.

"It's great to have so much local support behind us. We've always had it and people round here have always known what a great boxer Joe is and never doubted him.

"Lots of local people came to watch Joe in Manchester and gave him a real boost. "The people of Manchester also really took him to their hearts and we've had messages of congratulation from every corner of the country and America."

Enzo said Joe is now going to take a break before deciding on his future.

"He's just had a great win. Now it's time to sit back and take five minutes before deciding on the right fight. We hope to deliver a big fight in July."

Boxers at Calzaghe's gym also praised their training partner.

Gavin Rees, 25, a professional boxer who has trained alongside Joe for the last 16 years, said: "It was brilliant to watch Joe win so strongly. No one here ever doubted Joe would do it but he's silenced all his critics now.

"He can now pick his fight and have three or four big-money fights before he retires. "Joe's not only shown he's the best boxer ever from Wales but that he's the one of the greatest fighting at any weight in the world."

Bradley Pryce, 24, who this weekend is himself fighting for a Commonwealth title, said: "Watching Joe beat Lacy, and winning in every round, has given us all great inspiration. "We've always thought he was the best in the world but since that fight everyone knows it. "I think whoever he boxes next he'll beat them, he doesn't need to fear anyone now."

Enzo's brother, Sergio Calzaghe, 43, who also coaches Joe, said: "We knew Joe could do it and he didn't just beat him, he took him apart.

"I think we should stay at middleweight for now. Now he's unified the belts it would be nice to defend them."