Calzaghe claimed his WBO super middleweight title in a classic clash with Eubank back in October 1997.

After Calzaghe floored the Brighton bruiser in the first round, an all-action fight ensued where the Welshman rattled up the points and threw in the heavy bombs, but had his own chin tested by Eubank's powerful volleys.

Eubank had always styled himself as 'Simply the Best,' and his fans would argue that he took the Calzaghe fight at short notice and that he was - in any case - past his peak.

However, the monocled mauler's performance on the night, and his subsequent displays in two epic brawls with Carl Thompson, suggest he still had plenty in the tank.

Whatever his claims to being a boxing master, Eubank's success had been built on a chin of granite and fists of stone.

In his fights with Nigel Benn and Michael Watson, Eubank had rarely avoided their blows - he was simply able to absorb the punishment before replying with his own destructive pummelling.

The last thing to leave a boxer is his punch, and Calzaghe proved he was able to take the best that Eubank could throw.

The Welshman also proved he was the superior boxer, and if the two had met at their respective peaks the result would have been the same - a superb fight, but a comfortable points victory to Calzaghe.