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Calzaghe picks up CBE at palace 'Nervous' Calzaghe picks up CBE
(9 minutes later)
Undefeated world champion boxer Joe Calzaghe admitted to being nervous as he received his CBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.Undefeated world champion boxer Joe Calzaghe admitted to being nervous as he received his CBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Calzaghe was recognised for services to sport and voluntary services in Wales, in the Queen's Birthday Honours.Calzaghe was recognised for services to sport and voluntary services in Wales, in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
"I think she said I was undefeated. I blabbered something out," he said. "I think she said I was undefeated. I blabbered something out," he said after the ceremony.
Earlier this month, he recorded his 46th unbeaten fight by defeating American Roy Jones Jr in New York.Earlier this month, he recorded his 46th unbeaten fight by defeating American Roy Jones Jr in New York.
Trained by his father Enzo - who joined him at the Palace - Calzaghe, from Newbridge, has dominated the super-middleweight division for 10 years.Trained by his father Enzo - who joined him at the Palace - Calzaghe, from Newbridge, has dominated the super-middleweight division for 10 years.
Calzaghe said he could barely remember what the Queen had said to him as he was so nervous.Calzaghe said he could barely remember what the Queen had said to him as he was so nervous.
"I was pretty relaxed until I got to the front then I started to get nervous. It's nerve-wracking talking to the Queen.
"It's a lot easier talking about boxing," he said.
"She said I do a lot of charity work and I said I do a lot of work withchildren.""She said I do a lot of charity work and I said I do a lot of work withchildren."
The boxer, who is also an MBE, said he was looking forward to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards next month but did not expect to win for a second year running. The boxer, who is also an MBE, said he was still undecided whether to retire.
Calzaghe said he was shocked to win the prize last year, ahead of this year's favourite Lewis Hamilton. "It'll have to be something really special to make me want to fight again but I'll decide in the new year," he said.
He was in Las Vegas for last year's announcement but said he was looking forward to attending next month's ceremony even if he came away empty-handed. "There'll always be another up-and-coming fighter. It depends how long you want to go on. It depends if I want to push it a bit or stop."
Proud as punch - Joe Calzaghe with his CBE outside Buckingham PalaceEnlarge ImageProud as punch - Joe Calzaghe with his CBE outside Buckingham PalaceEnlarge Image
"I'm not going with great expectations," he said. "Lewis Hamilton is thebookies' favourite but you've got all the Olympians too. It's been a great year for British sport."I'm not going with great expectations," he said. "Lewis Hamilton is thebookies' favourite but you've got all the Olympians too. It's been a great year for British sport.
"I'm one of the contenders and it's great to be in that position. I've won it once so I'm happy.""I'm one of the contenders and it's great to be in that position. I've won it once so I'm happy."
Calzaghe was accompanied to Buckingham Palace by his parents Enzo and Jackie and his girlfriend Jo-Emma Lavin.Calzaghe was accompanied to Buckingham Palace by his parents Enzo and Jackie and his girlfriend Jo-Emma Lavin.
Enzo added: "It's been a fantastic year for him".Enzo added: "It's been a fantastic year for him".
But h refused to comment on whether his son should retire from boxing, saying:
"He has not retired so he is still active. Today he's still a boxer."
In November 2007, Calzaghe beat Mikel Kessler to unify the WBO, WBA and WBC titles for the first time.In November 2007, Calzaghe beat Mikel Kessler to unify the WBO, WBA and WBC titles for the first time.
He then stepped up to light-heavyweight and defeated Bernard Hopkins in April to claim the championship belt.He then stepped up to light-heavyweight and defeated Bernard Hopkins in April to claim the championship belt.
He outclassed Jones Jr in their Madison Square Garden bout despite being knocked down in the first round, earning himself plaudits as the UK's greatest boxer yet.He outclassed Jones Jr in their Madison Square Garden bout despite being knocked down in the first round, earning himself plaudits as the UK's greatest boxer yet.
Also receiving honours at the palace ceremony was actor Don Warrington, best known for playing Philip Smith in the 70s sitcom Rising Damp, and a contestant in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing.Also receiving honours at the palace ceremony was actor Don Warrington, best known for playing Philip Smith in the 70s sitcom Rising Damp, and a contestant in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Architect Lord Rogers was made a Companion of Honour, while Sir Alan Beith, the Liberal Democrats' longest-serving MP and a former deputy leader of the party, was knighted.Architect Lord Rogers was made a Companion of Honour, while Sir Alan Beith, the Liberal Democrats' longest-serving MP and a former deputy leader of the party, was knighted.
Joe Calzaghe with his parents and girlfriend outside Buckingham PalaceJoe Calzaghe with his parents and girlfriend outside Buckingham Palace