A LOT has been written since my fight with Mikkel Kessler on Saturday night when I added the WBU and WBA world super middleweight titles to my WBO crown.

Quite simply, it was the greatest fight of my career and I thought for this week's column I would go through the weekend and let you know what happened behind closed doors.

So here, exclusively, is my big fight diary.

Friday, November 2, evening: I enjoyed the fun and games at the weigh-in, but I was a bit disappointed to come in two lbs light of the 12 stones limit, any champion will tell you the aim is to come in right on the button.

I think a lot of people thought I was joking when I said I would go to the supermarket and buy loads of food to stuff my face, but that's exactly what I did.

I go to bed very relaxed (and full!) planning to sleep in until late morning to prepare for the biggest day of my career.

Saturday, November 3, 8am: The best-laid plans go out of the window, but I've been here before.

The second my eyes open I know I won't be able to get back to sleep, I feel tired and a bit drained.

I also feel calm though, I felt absolutely dreadful the morning of the Jeff Lacy fight and I take comfort from that.

Once out of bed I go to get my breakfast, as the day goes on I eat less and less so it's a big one, six Weetabix, toast and plenty of fruit.

Saturday, November 3, 1pm: Dad comes and picks me up and we drive into Cardiff to the hotel we have booked.

I go into my room but I can't really settle. This is the worst time. The training is done, the fight is looming, but the clock just doesn't tick fast enough!

Eventually I meet up with the rest of the boys from the gym who are fighting, the others like Gavin Rees keep their distance, but I know they'll be in the stadium.

We go for lunch and I have some pasta, the last proper meal I have before showtime.

No fighter wants to have much in their stomach when they know they'll be punched in it (a lot), so all I eat for the rest of the day are sweets and Jaffa cakes.

The main priority is staying hydrated, so I drink plenty of water.

Saturday, November 3, 4-9pm: I can't settle and I can't sleep. I try and chill out and listen to music, drifting off a bit and starting to get into the zone.

I started to feel really shattered, not nervous but tired, sitting still for so long feels weird after training two or three times a day for the last six weeks, I've trained like an animal!

Saturday, November 3, 9.30pm: I take a cold shower and then dad comes to get me, it's time to head down to the stadium.

Our dressing room (I shared with Kerry Hope, Nathan Cleverly, Harry Miles and Enzo Maccarinelli) is absolutely massive and it feels great to be there.

The waiting is nearly over.

As I arrive my protégé Nathan has just returned from his fight with Joey Vegas, he won but is disappointed, I tell him to keep his chin up.

Both Argus reporters are in the dressing room interviewing Nathan but they keep a distance from me, I sit down and start to get ready.

Sunday, November 4, midnight: I am nearly ready to go now and start to do some shadow boxing on my own, dad is on his way to the ring with Enzo Maccarinelli.

I watch Big Macc on the monitors in the dressing room and then go back to shadow boxing. Dad is quickly back and I start doing some glove work with him.

Sunday, November 4, 1.15am: I make my way to the ring and focus on nothing else.

I have since been asked about the roar that erupted when I came out, but I barely noticed it.

With my robe over my head and plenty of friends, security guards and stablemates walking with me, I remain focused on that ring and, of course, my opponent.

Sunday, November 4, the fight: Only when the bell goes do I start to realize how electric the atmosphere is.

The first three rounds are tight, I knew going in that Kessler was a very good fighter and he's proving it.

I can't get on top of him as I did against Lacy, but I feel I have won two of the first three rounds.

In round four I get sloppy for a second and Kessler lands two huge right uppercuts, they sting me, hard.

I've just taken two of the biggest shots of my career and things are a bit fuzzy for a second or two.

But I know I am fine, I recover quickly. Two things in boxing can't be taught, how much heart you have and having a good chin. I have both and no way am I going to be knocked out in this fight, not a chance.

By the middle rounds I feel great, I am throwing twice as many punches as Kessler and the judges couldn't help but notice this.

Sometimes I am a bit left hand happy as a southpaw, but by round six I am boxing beautifully, my jab is dominating Kessler and I stick with the plan.

I feel tired by round ten, I throw more than 1,000 punches in the fight and it's taking a toll, my adrenaline is pumping though and the crowd are amazing, they help me to maintain my rhythm and not slow at all.

Kessler looks knackered as well and he knows he needs to knock me out. Everything he's throwing now is a desperate bomb.

Round 12 and the crowd goes mental, I am three minutes from unifying the division.

I should run and hide and stay on my feet, but I feel stronger and want to have a tear up, I want to knock him out. We go at it, toe to toe and Kessler has a few big shots left in him. But I am not getting knocked down. Not tonight.

The bell rings. Sweet relief. It's over and I know I'm undisputed champion.

I embrace Kessler, he's played his part in a fantastic fight.

The announcement is made by Michael Buffer and I feel euphoria like I haven't felt since beating Chris Eubank ten years ago, the Millennium Stadium goes nuts and I can't stop screaming my head off!

I've worked my whole life for this night and it feels amazing, that's just what I say in my TV interview at ringside.

Sunday, November 4, Post fight: I've never enjoyed a press conference so much! I get a standing ovation from the journalists and I can see the guys working for the welsh papers look genuinely made up for me.

I have plenty of options for places to celebrate in Cardiff, but that is not my style.

I head back to Newbridge with friends and family and we go to our local, by morning I've had a few pints of Guinness and I feel amazing!

I finally get some sleep on Sunday, but not before watching the fight back. Finally, I can sleep and relax and know that even if I retired tomorrow, my legacy is secure.

This week has been very eventful for me. Talks of a potential fight with Bernard Hopkins, a meeting with Prince Charles and a campaign in Wales to make me Sports Personality of the year.

That can wait for a different column though.

All that is left is for me to thank everyone who has supported me through the years and especially those who were there on Saturday. I'll never forget such an amazing night.

~For more on Joe Calzaghe visit here-

11-10-2007