BBC WALES SPORT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2008
Venue: The Swalec Stadium, Cardiff
Date: Sunday, 7 December Transmission: 2100 GMT
Coverage: BBC Two Wales and Radio Wales

The man the Americans call Southpaw Joe C Wales has showcased Welsh sport to the world.

Should 2008 ultimately transpire to be Joe Calzaghe's final fighting year, the unbeaten Welshman certainly saved a little bit of his best for last.

His stylish points victories over American boxing greats Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr in their own back yards have been rewarded with a place on this year's BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.

For most of his record-breaking 11-year super-middleweight reign, Calzaghe chased career-defining fights against boxing's present-day heroes.

Now since defeating Hopkins and Jones in Las Vegas and New York respectively - gaining worldwide recognition in the process - the 36-year-old is considering retiring from the ring when his reputation is at a peak.

And suddenly, those who once avoided Calzaghe now form an orderly queue to tempt him to continue to fight.

The universal respect is deserved as this average Joe turned 'Hall of Famer' from the south Wales valleys will be remembered as one of the greatest British fighters of all time.

And should Calzaghe bow out with his unblemished record intact, the ultimate boxing immortality alongside fellow unbeaten hero Rocky Marciano would be rightly assured.

The man the Americans call Southpaw Joe C Wales has showcased Welsh sport to the world.

606: DEBATE Who should win the BBC Wales Sports Personality award?

Just last month, Calzaghe joined the elite list of great warriors from yesteryear to have fought at the iconic Madison Square Garden, boxing's self-styled mecca.

His American debut against Hopkins demonstrated Calzaghe's grit and heart while his unanimous points success over Jones showed his style.

In both contests, the Newbridge fighter showed the spirit of a true champion to rally from first-round knock-downs to win.

Calzaghe is in the top three of most creditable pound-for-pound boxing ratings and is bidding to become the first athlete to win the BBC Wales Sports Personality crown for the third successive occasion and fourth time in all.

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