Joe Calzaghe stands proudly as the best pound for pound boxer in the world today, according to two young Gwent fighters.

Now retired super-featherweight Jamie Arthur who won gold at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, was at the fight on Saturday night and is in no doubt about what the victory means for Calzaghe.

He explained: "I went to Manchester for the fight and to put it into perspective, Joe Calzaghe boxed like Superman, he was absolutely phenomenal!

"Joe put all the pride back into Welsh boxing on Saturday, it was one of those occasions where you could just be so proud to say, 'I was there'.

"I am a huge boxing fan and have a tremendous respect for the Welsh fighters of the past, but to my mind Joe is the greatest Welsh boxer of all-time and must be right up there as one of the best British boxers.

"You can go anywhere in the world, but if you want to find a boxer with the fastest hands on the planet, look no further than Newbridge, Gwent, because Joe can throw combinations like no-one else.

"I am away from boxing now, but it is still my passion and I watch a lot of fights, and for my money Joe is the best pound for pound fighter in the world and I hope he has many more big contests to come."

Another young boxer who has taken inspiration from Calzaghe is Newbridge welterweight Bradley Pryce, a stable-mate of Calzaghe's who will be gunning for a Commonwealth title at the Newport Centre on Saturday night.

"I am just glad Joe will finally get the world-wide and American recognition that we all know he deserves," he said.

"The only word for his fight with Lacy is 'awesome' and I am happy for Joe that he will have some really big pay-days to come now.

"Joe is one of the greatest Welsh and British boxers of all time and his record speaks for itself.

"I train with Joe's father Enzo and all of the lads in the gym - including myself - look up to Joe, he truly is an inspiration."