Super-middleweight world champion Joe Calzaghe relishes the prospect at fighting the man in most experts' top five pound-for-pound list, Roy Jones of the United States.
Jones' comments on Monday suggesting that he may step down to the super-middleweight division for his next fight, prompted World Boxing Organisation (WBO) champion Calzaghe to say that he would have no hesitation in defending his title against him.
“I am the best super-middleweight in the world and I am out to prove that I am the best fighter on the planet. If Jones disagrees, let’s get it on,” said Calzaghe today. The Welshman added, “Jones is supposed to be the best fighter in the world at the moment. A showdown between us has got to happen to prove who is the best.”
Jones, currently the undisputed light-heavyweight king and recently nominated Fighter of the Decade does not worry Calzaghe one bit. “I have no fear whatsoever of Jones, in fact, I would jump on the next plane to the States and defend my title against him in his own backyard if the opportunity arose. If Jones doesn’t want to be embarrassed in his own country, he can come over here,” he added.
The undefeated Calzaghe proved he is back to his best after destroying the highly rated American challenger Omar Sheika in the fifth round of a thrilling fight at the Wembley Conference Centre in August. “That fight was the turning point for me,” said Calzaghe. “Sheika was a dangerous fighter and he brought out the best in me. I believe against Jones, who is leagues above Sheika, you will see the best of Joe Calzaghe.”
Frank Warren, Calzaghe's promoter, is trying to finalise a deal with Jones’ promoter Murad Muhammed and is talking to the WBO to make the fight happen. “Roy says he has difficulty in finding opponents but he has Joe Calzaghe - the best fighter in the division - waiting to fight him and ready to put his title on the line. I am close to making the fight happen and when it does, we will see who is the best in the world,” said Warren.
Reuters
Filed by Shane Murray
