(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-10 10:11

LONDON -  World super-middleweight champion boxer Joe Calzaghe was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday.

Joe Calzaghe, of Wales, is introduced Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, in Las Vegas, during weigh-ins for the Saturday boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton. Boxer Bernard Hopkins is at right. [Agencies]

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 honour 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 favourite, 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.