But now some officials are wondering if the boxing hero of 1996 can even get into shape for the Asian Games, let alone bring home a medal.

CNN: A Philippine Tale of Two Brothers

Wye ABC, which has been running for almost two years, was founded by local boxing hero Williams, who won a Lonsdale belt outright as British champion between November 2003 and June 2005, and a team of dedicated volunteers.

BBC: SPORT | Boxing | Williams to get back in the ring

And should Calzaghe bow out with his unblemished record intact, the ultimate boxing immortality alongside fellow unbeaten hero Rocky Marciano would be rightly assured.

BBC: Profile: Joe Calzaghe

And amateur sport was rewarded with the Welsh Sports Unsung Hero accolade, won by rugby and boxing volunteer Cliff Williams from Pontyclun in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

BBC: Williams awarded BBC Wales crown

Wanniarachchi's gold medal was his country's first in boxing in 72 years, and he was hailed as a national hero when he returned home.

BBC: Welsh boxer McGoldrick may earn late Commonwealth gold

Calzaghe is desperate to emulate his hero Rocky Marciano, the heavyweight champion of the world between 1952 and 1956, arguably boxing's greatest unbeaten icon.

BBC: Calzaghe ready to cement legacy