BOXING champ Joe Calzaghe received his MBE yesterday - and admitted he was knock-ed out by the honour.

The MBE comes as recognition of a glowing career in boxing during which he has won all 36 of his professional bouts, and spent seven years as World Boxing Organisation sup-er-middleweight champion.

Newbridge-born Calzaghe, who now lives with his family in Cwmbran, said: "I am very proud."

Cwmbran's dignitaries greeted Calzaghe as he arrived at Cwmbran's County Hall to receive his MBE from the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle.

Accompanying the boxer to the private ceremony was a select group of family members.

His father and trainer Enzo said: "I feel absolute pride - no words can describe it. It's because this is not just from the world of sport but a general award.

"You can be a great sportsman but this is an achievement on the wider stage."

His mother, Jacqueline, who wept with pride as he received his MBE, added: "I am so happy for him."

The award was pinned to Calzaghe's breast pocket by the Queen's representative in Gwent, Mr Boyle.

The award is usually presented at Buckingham Palace but Calzaghe was unable to attend when he learnt he had won the honour eight months ago, due to flu.

The boxer said he was "a little bit disappointed" to miss out on meeting the Queen, but it did not detract from yesterday's occasion.

At the time he was awarded the honour in the Queen's birthday honours list, Calzaghe said: "This shows that my achievements have been recognised and all the hard work and training I've done over the years have been appreciated.

"Regardless of what I do in the future I will still have these two great achievements, my belt and my MBE."

Calzaghe, who is married with three children, won his WBO title by beating Chris Eubank in 1997.