SO our Joe did it. He went to America, he exposed himself to the bright lights of Las Vegas and he took on the Executioner' and beat Bernard Hopkins in his own back yard. Some achievement!

Joe deserves all the accolades which are coming his way ... the best pound for pound boxer in the world, an all-time great, boxing immortality.

They are all medals to hang around his neck as he silenced, with his fists at least, one of the sport's biggest loudmouths.

As if he had not let his fists do the talking Joe also won over most of the Americans with his modest, magnanimous style while Hopkins fouled his way through the fight and couldn't find a word of praise for his opponent after it was all over.

Graceless and gracious in equal measures.

Hopkins is a busted flush while Calzaghe became a double world champion now out to take on and beat a triple champion in the legendary Roy Jones, probably in Joe's Millennium Stadium back yard.

At least Joe has the sense to realise it is, indeed, all coming to an end, the 36-year-old unwilling to go on past this year, refusing to take on one fight too many.

Rather he will give it one more go in a final super fight and then retire as an unbeaten world champion, 46 fights without a blemish, beating the best, even in America.

What a legacy!

A true sporting legend.