World super-middleweight champion boxer Joe Calzaghe was named
BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday.
The 35-year-old WBO, WBC, WBA and former IBF title holder, a
world champion for 10 years, has won all 44 of his fights and was a
surprise first choice in the poll of viewer votes.
His father and coach Enzo was named coach of the year.
"I'm shocked - it's a massive honor and it caps off a great year
for me," Calzaghe told the BBC from Las Vegas, where he was
presented with the award by former world heavyweight champion
Lennox Lewis and Ricky Hatton.
Hatton, beaten by Floyd Mayweather in his welterweight world
title fight on Saturday, was third in the poll, with Formula One
rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton, the bookmaker's favorite,
second.
The England rugby team was named team of the year for their
impressive turnaround in the World Cup, where they recovered from a
36-0 drubbing by South Africa in the pool stages to reach the
final, losing to the Springboks.
Former England soccer manager Bobby Robson was given a lifetime
achievement award for his contribution to the game in more than
half a century of playing and coaching.
All-conquering Swiss tennis player Roger Federer was named
overseas personality of the year.
(Agencies via China Daily December 10, 2007)