Several major new outlets were forced to remove stories of his passing as well as tribute pieces and obituaries on Saturday after rumours spread quickly that the legendary trainer had died.

Figures from the boxing world paid tribute to the Italian-born trainer on Twitter, including Welsh fighter Enzo Maccarinelli, who claimed a world title under Calzaghe’s tutelage.

“I won three consecutive ABA (amateur) titles and went on to win 46-and-0 [as a professional]. What can I say?” Calzaghe said. “It’s amazing to have that, but also to have it with your father. To have that glory with your father. But he deserved it. I owe everything to him – kicking me up the a***. We came up on a council estate, we didn’t have much – but he allowed me to focus on my dream and become a world champion.”

Enzo guided his son to the super-middleweight and light-heavyweight crowns during a glittering 46-fight career.

The father and son duo were unbeaten in their 18-year partnership as amateur and professional.

From his modest gym in rural Wales he also moulded the careers of other Welsh world titlists including Maccarinelli and Gavin Rees.

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“He had four world champions because of his energy in the gym. That little tiny town having Nathan Cleverley, Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees ... How often does that happen? Call it a miracle or what ever you want,” Joe Calzaghe said.

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