Sugar Ray Leonard's flying visit to Gwent

The 53-year-old, a five-weight world champion and one of the sport’s all time greats, met with Enzo Calzaghe in Pontllanfraith to talk business.

With Joe in London on Strictly Come Dancing duty, Leonard and Enzo discussed a potential partnership to promote electronic punch bag system Calzaghe Counter-Punch created by Kevin Davies, a long-term friend of the Calzaghes.

And, as he stepped from his blacked-out Mercedes people carrier with heavy security entourage, Leonard spoke of his delight at finally getting to see the community where undefeated world champion Joe Calzaghe grew up.

"This is my first time here in Wales meeting my fans and it’s been absolutely fantastic," said the man voted fighter of the 1980s after his fabulous battles with Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

"I’m here with my oldest son Ray Jr and everyone has been very receptive to us.

"I’ve known of Enzo for years. His knowledge and philosophy is inspiring. Enzo is a firecracker – he’s amazing but he puts the work in too and the finished product is Joe," he added.

"Joe epitomizes what a champion is all about. He’s undefeated, unblemished, and he’s a great guy.

"It’s an amazing legacy that they have created between them.

"It’s huge for an area like this and it’s great to be here. I can see why they are so excited and so proud of Joe Calzaghe. I would be too."

And Leonard, known for his fancy footwork in his heyday, also had words of encouragement for Calzaghe Jr after his struggles on the dancefloor.

"As boxers we give our life to the sport and it’s difficult to walk away. I know that myself.

"It’s difficult to find something new to occupy your time but I hear Joe is a dancer now," he said.

"Let me tell you, dancing is a lot harder than boxing. I was asked to do the Dancing with the Stars show in the States but my kids begged me not to embarrass them.

"I just say to Joe ‘hang in there, and move your feet!’ He’ll be fine."