Oakdale cafe auctions a date with Enzo Calzaghe (From South Wales Argus)

Oakdale cafe auctions a date with Enzo Calzaghe

2:20pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News

 A DATE with renowned boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe is up for grabs, all in the name of charity.

Coffee shop owner Alex Jones is auctioning off a date with Mr Calzaghe to raise money for Mencap.

The idea was born through a conversation on Twitter between Mr Calzaghe and Mr Jones, who owns Ty Coffee, in Oakdale.

She said: “The competition is generating a lot of interest, so it should see quite a few bidders taking part.”

The auction starts on Twitter on Friday, and runs over the weekend.

The highest bidder wins a date for themselves and one guest with Mr Calzaghe at The Celtic Manor Resort next month, at The Lodge Restaurant.

Bidding will start at £200, and Mr Calzaghe promises the winner a great laugh. He said he is likely to don his Team Calzaghe tracksuit, joking that he even sleeps with it on.

The 63-year-old said that as he can’t cook he enjoys going out for food, but doesn’t enjoy English cuisine, and on the date he is likely to order something meaty.

He is looking forward to the night and seeing how much money a date with him can generate for charity.

Bidders can follow Mrs Jones on @mrsalexjones or @tycoffeeoakdale from Friday to make their bid.

Mencap Cymru director Wayne Crocker said: “We’re always excited when our supporters take the initiative and come up with their own ideas.”

Ty Coffee, in Oakdale Square, is holding a book signing with Mr Calzaghe on January 26, between noon and 2pm.

For more details, follow @mrsalexjones on Twitter.