Sugar Ray, who is widely considered one of the best boxers of all time and was voted Boxer of the Decade in the 1980s, is in Wales meeting the team behind the computer controlled Calzaghe Counter-Punch.
This unique high-tech punch bag was developed in partnership by Joe and his close friend and amateur boxing coach Kevin Davies, who are co-directors of the company.
The Calzaghe Counter-Punch is fitted with a number of sophisticated sensors that record, measure and monitor the number of hits delivered by athletes and keep fit enthusiasts - as well as the power of each punch.
Sugar Ray visited the company’s office and gym in Pontllanfraith where Joe’s father Enzo gave him a personal demonstration of the Calzaghe Counter-Punch.
The invitation for a private preview was extended to Sugar Ray, who has a range of business interests in the US, after he read about it on the internet and wanted to see it at first hand to evaluate its commercial potential in the US market.
The development of the Calzaghe Counter-Punch has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Wales Innovators Network and business development team with advice on the technology, patenting and trade marking as well as market opportunities.
It has already been widely recognised by the boxing fraternity in the UK as one of the leading fitness and boxing training systems and Joe and Kevin are currently targeting the UK health and leisure markets promoting it as a unique conditioning and cardio work out system.
Agreement has already been reached with one of the largest fitness chain operators in the UK for the first installations to be made in their gyms very shortly.
The Calzaghe Counter-Punch was launched in the USA last year to coincide with Joe’s championship fight against Roy Jones Jnr at Madison Square Garden.
Joe Calzaghe said it was great news that Sugar Ray was in Wales:
"He’s a boxing legend and one of my childhood heroes. We’re flattered by his interest and delighted to give him a demonstration of the Calzaghe Counter-Punch,” said Joe.
“Kevin and I are particularly keen to get Counter-Punch into the States which represents our largest potential market and we are currently working with the Assembly Government’s International Business Wales team to raise its profile overseas.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said he was pleased the Assembly Government had been able to support the development and promotion of Counter-Punch.
“The Assembly Government is committed to helping and supporting enterprising businesses develop niche products and help businesses grow. This is a made in Wales product developed by a winning team who saw a gap in the market and grasped the opportunity this presented.”
Joe and Sugar Ray have more than boxing and business in common as both have starred in TV reality shows. Joe is currently taking part in Strictly Come Dancing while 53 year old Sugar Ray hosted the American boxing reality show The Contender which also featured Sylvester Stallone.
Trainer Angelo Dundee put Sugar Ray in the same bracket as Muhammad Ali having worked with both.
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