Joe Calzaghe divorce, cocaine struggle, relationship with Strictly star, comeback comment

Welsh boxing legend held multiple world championships in two weight classes and reigned as the longest-serving super middleweight champion in the sport's history.

In an incredible feat, Calzaghe clung onto the World Organisation (WBO) title for a decade. The undefeated 'Italian Dragon' against boxing greats such as Roy Jones Jr, Bernard Hopkins, and Mikkel Kessler, amassing a cool £10million fortune along the way.

Since hanging up his gloves in 2008, Calzaghe has lived a vibrant life filled with charity work, TV gigs, and a touch of scandal. Mirror Sport takes a closer look into the life of 'The Pride of Wales'.

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Divorce from wife of 13 years

Calzaghe's marriage to his first wife, Mandy, ended in March 2005 after 13 years. The couple met when the boxer was just 21 and went on to have two sons. Despite their separation, they chose to stay amicable for their children's sake, reports .

Reflecting on the split in 2013, Calzaghe said: "It was very acrimonious. It got to the stage where there was no conversation. Everything was done by text. I have only spoken to her twice in a year-and-a-half."

Dating Strictly star

Calzaghe then found love under the glitterball when he started dating star Kristina Rihanoff after being paired with her in the show's 2009 series.

However, they ended their four-year romance back in August 2013. Speaking about the split, he said: "Kristina and I have had several terrific years together. She is a wonderful woman but we have mutually and amicably decided to go our separate ways. Various demands on time have meant we have spent less and less time together."

Kristina added: "Joe is a good man who I will always care about, but it makes sense to part company now." Post-breakup, Calzaghe found companionship with fashion designer Lucy Griffiths in 2015, although current status of the relationship remains unknown.

Cocaine apology

Calzaghe apologised for using cocaine after being exposed doing the drug by the News of the World. The boxer released a statement in the aftermath where he addressed his struggles since hanging up his gloves.

"I am deeply sorry if anyone feels let down and I will make sure that nothing like it happens again," Calzaghe said. "I very much regret my occasional use of cocaine in what have sometimes been the long days since my retirement from the ring.

"I am fully aware of the bad example it sets to other people and particularly to youngsters and I apologise to my family, friends and fans."

Comeback admission

In discussions of a possible return to boxing, Calzaghe decisively quashed any such rumours. When asked in 2019 about a potential comeback, the boxer's response was clear-cut: "No chance of a comeback," he said. "What's the point? Done it all."

Bullying campaign

A victim of bullying in his youth, Calzaghe wanted to help others going through similar struggles and so became a patron of the charity Beatbullying. The organisation was behind a series of hard-hitting ads that warned people on the dangers of bullying in schools.

Calzaghe claimed that being picked on turned him from a "happy, outgoing kid who enjoyed and schoolwork into an introverted wreck."

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