Admirers of British soldiers have long praised them for punching above their weight so who better to give tips to injured soldiers (and die-hard boxing fans) than reigning World Boxing Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe.

During his visit to the rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, recently retired Calzaghe chatted with patients and nursing staff, handed out tips to the Army boxing team, and presented one of his own punch bags.

Visibly moved Joe, who was undefeated in 46 fights, said: "I think I'm a brave fighter but when it comes to meeting these guys, this is what I call real bravery. Some of them have lost legs or arms but they still can't wait to go back. It is incredible.

"Knowing what these guys go through, I'm really happy to be here to meet them. But I'm shocked that there has been so many amputations in just 12 months. You just never read about it in the papers. It makes what I do seem like absolutely nothing. It is really humbling. I'm just happy to come and lift some spirits."

Army Boxing Team at DMRC Headley Court



Joe Calzaghe gives a quick boxing demonstration on the computerised punch bag he has donated to Headley Court

Over lunch of chicken and chips, the soldiers at Headley Court quizzed Joe on his fights but the big question on most lips is whether Calzaghe could be lured back into the ring for one last huge payday. He thought not, saying: "I like to think that I'm one of the few intelligent fighters that will stay away from temptations."

Lunch over, it was time to go to the gym where the Army boxing team waited with excitement. Would he have a quick bout for old times' sake?

"Bring it on!" he roared. "I can come out of retirement for ten more minutes and I know they've got a good boxing team. I just hope they don't try to knock me out."

Joe unveiled his punch bag to a wave of applause. The 'Counter Punch' is uniquely packed with hundreds of audio instructions recorded by his coach father, Enzo Calzaghe. Designed to measure speed and power, there is even an audible 'Five, four, three, two, one..." countdown with a shrill ringside ring.

From left: Private David Triplow, Joe Calzaghe
and Lance Corporal Kevin Dobson.

Joe gave a lightning demo. He pounded the bag but didn't even show a bead of sweat: "Anyone want to try and take his crown!" yelled the Officer Commanding.
There was no shortage of volunteers to give it a try.

Amiable and friendly, Calzaghe signed hundreds of autographs and posed for photos with patients. Then he gently placed his World Championship belt in the lap of a seriously disabled young man in a wheelchair and crouched low for yet more photos.

Later, Sergeant Mick Smith of the Coldstream Guards said: "Joe was fantastic, down-to-earth and a great bloke. He chatted with the lads and we asked him his best fights [Mikkel Kessler for those interested] and his plans for the future. He even invited the lads down to his boxing competition in Merth. He was brilliant!"

Sapper Aaron Downes
tries out the 'Counter Punch'

Calzaghe now plans to concentrate on his charity work, move into boxing promotion and squeeze in some TV projects: "I love the sport so I'm not just going to walk away," he said. "But I think that I've made enough so I don't need to make a comeback and get my a**e kicked!