Pele and Joe Calzaghe coming to Cannock

Owner Scott Murray has confirmed his town centre venue are on course to sell out its capacity of 300 in Bar Sport's Premier Suite for both events.

First comes the visit of the most prolific goalscorer and arguably the most recognised name in the game's history on September 18, writes Craig Birch.

Guests will have the chance to share a traditional Sunday lunch with the 75-year-old, who is nearly back to full fitness.

He remains a global football icon and created a buzz in the West Midlands earlier this week when he tweeted to confirm his Cannock appearance.

There were some doubts whether he would make the trip, after missing the chance to light the Olympic flame at Rio 2016 after hip surgery.

The man to most famously thwart him on the field, former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks, will not be attending, though.

He pulled off one of the greatest saves of all time to deny a Pele header at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Banks, 77, is too unwell after battling kidney cancer.

Supporting the main attraction will be comedian John Stiles whose father, Nobby, starred for Manchester United and won the 1966 World Cup with England.

An interviewer for Pele has yet to be decided on but Richie Woodhall, former world boxing champion and ardent West Bromwich Albion fan, is dying to meet one of his heroes.

Woodhall will definitely lead the way with the microphone 11 days later at the same venue, when his nemesis Calzaghe is the feature attraction.

Telford's Woodhall captured Commonwealth, European and WBC world titles in his pro career, also challenging for the WBC crown at middleweight.

He called time after going down by 10th round TKO when they met in December 2000, for the WBO super middleweight belt which Calzaghe held for over 10 years.

The Welsh legend defended a whopping 21 times, more than doubling Nigel Benn's previous record of nine with the same 168lb strap.

Joe, 44, hung up his gloves in 2009 undefeated after 46 bouts, still reigning as a world champion and arguably the greatest British super middleweight of all time. He won 32 inside the distance.

His exploits had gleaned British, WBO, IBF, WBC and WBA 'super' world titles, along with the Ring Magazine and Lineal honours.

At the turn of the year he called time, he was ranked third in the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world by the Ring. He was also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2007.

It will be a family affair for Calzaghe at Bar Sport with father Enzo - his coach during his fighting days - and uncle Sergio joining him in the Black Country.

Italian-born Enzo was professionally involved in music before becoming a boxing trainer. Originally a bass guitarist, the 67-year-old will play a set alongside Sergio.

Tickets for the Pele luncheon are still on sale, with only 'silver' and 'gold' options remaining. 'Silver' is £299, which includes a four-course meal and seating in the middle of the room.

A professional photograph with Pele is included in the price. 'Gold' is £650 with all of the 'silver' privileges plus a signed shirt, priority seating and drink reception.

Tickets for the Calzaghe night are £95 for silver, with the same benefits such as the photo. 'Gold,' at £150, allows entry to a private meet and greet room beforehand.

There are options for 'bronze' ticket holders at the Calzaghe evening, most of whom have already purchased, to pay an added fee of £35 for a photo.

For more information and to book places for either show, get in touch with Bar Sport by calling 01543 572 092.