Calzaghe given 'freedom' honour

Joe Calzaghe won the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award in 2007

Retired Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe has been granted the freedom of Caerphilly county borough in a ceremony.

The unbeaten world champion is the first recipient of the county's freedom honour which is the highest accolade the council can grant.

Calzaghe, the former world super-middleweight champion, quit boxing in February after 46 unbeaten fights.

Council officials said the 37-year-old from Newbridge was one of the "great products" of the county.

He was given the accolade in a special ceremony at the council's headquarters in Ystrad Mynach on Friday evening.

A Caerphilly council spokeswoman said it was awarded to Calzaghe "for outstanding service to, or achievement associated with the Caerphilly county borough - criteria which Joe Calzaghe undoubtedly satisfies".

"Joe Calzaghe is an extremely worthy recipient of this prestigious honour," she added.

"Not only is this down to his outstanding achievements within the boxing ring and his commendable charity work, but also the way in which he is an excellent role model for so many youngsters."

Calzaghe's achievements have also been honoured with an MBE, followed by a CBE in the 2008 Queen's birthday honours.

He also won the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year accolade in 2007.

He has recently spoken out about bullying after revealing that school bullies turned him into a "introverted wreck" as a youngster.