Enzo Calzaghe tells the tale of his life

Enzo Calzaghe tells of his story of his more than colourful life in his new autobiography.

The veteran recalls his time running with gangs in Sardinia, taking drugs in Amsterdam and busking his way across the continent.

However, it is in boxing that the 2007 coach of the year has made his name and he lifts the lid on his often tempestuous but unbreakable relationship with his world champion son Joe.

"I used to love boxing even before I made any money from it. As Joe started to develop as a boxer he then chose me to be his trainer," Enzo told the South Wales Echo.

"It's important to know he was the one that made that decision. He gave me the time to prove myself and had other trainers over the years to compare and measure who would develop him and push him to the limits.

"After a long series of fights in the ABAs he turned around to me and said "dad, you're the right man for me". I asked him "why are you saying that for?

"Is it because you feel sympathy for me because I'm your dad and you've got to say that or because you owe me something?"

"Joe replied by saying "no dad, I want you to be my trainer because I think you are the best trainer I've ever had.

"As soon as he said that we high fived and then I said "I'm on board."

To many the timing of Enzo's book may seem a little off. His son Joe has been retired since 2008 and his own work as trainer has been limited in the years since.

But he says that he wanted to get everything down for his children.

"The book shows there is a lot more to my life than just boxing, which is a business," he added.

"Life has thrown a lot at me and I needed to react instantly and make sure my family was OK at the same time."