Boxing champion Joe Calzaghe

World champion boxer Joe Calzaghe still reckons property is a good investment and has added a fifth to his growing international portfolio.

The undefeated WBO and IBF super middle weight champion reckons that by investing now while he is at the height of his earning power he will see himself comfortably through retirement.

The 35-year-old has recently taken the keys of his latest acquisition on the tropical island of Margarita, Venezuela. He already has apartments in Egypt, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as his family home in Wales and another in London.

The first property Calzaghe bought was in 2006 when he acquired an apartment at the Apollon Holiday Village in Altinkum, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, for £44,750.

A second retreat at Bansko Royal Towers in the Pirin mountains of Bulgaria, the country's premier ski resort, set him back £46,250 for a one-bedroom apartment which has spectacular mountain views and is within easy reach of the slopes.

'I want to concentrate on my property portfolio when I finish boxing. I first thought about buying abroad after seeing a programme on TV about it. I did some research, bought a few overseas property magazines and took it from there,' he said.

But top sports stars like Calzaghe also have access to the best possible advice. He uses property and financial expert Jonathan Power to advice him on where to invest his cash. So too do a host of other sporting stars including Cardiff City manager Dave Jones and Sir Bobby Robson.

Mr Power, who is based in Cardiff, and runs Property and Investment Power, said wealthy sports figures were recognising the need to plan ahead and make provisions for their futures.

'Sports stars have a short career where they earn millions. Property has doubled in value every seven and a half years since World War II so it's a good way to invest. My clients have made fortunes investing in the most prestigious properties,' he said.

So where does he reckons is a good place to invest right now. 'Outside London, Morocco is fast becoming a place where you can get a good return,' he said.

He also predicted the next hot property to be lavish apartments designed by no other than the Versace clan. Built with no expense spared in Dubai, where development is booming, a pad at the plush Palazzo Versace will set you back a whopping £2m.

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