 Calzaghe has big plans for 2004 |
Joe Calzaghe hopes his plans for 2004 will establish him as one of the all-time legends of the ring. "I'll show everyone how great I am," Calzaghe told BBC Sport Wales.
"I want to go down as one of the greatest fighters this country has ever produced. By the end of the year I want recognition as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world."
The Welshman this week announced his intention to become a two-weight world champion and fight in the States.
"I've dominated the super-middleweight division for six years and beaten all the top US fighters, so now it's time to move on," continued Calzaghe.
 | I'm willing to go to his own backyard to beat Antonio Tarver  |
"Being inactive last year was frustrating. I'm nearly 32 now and have got no closer to a unification fight. "It will be great to be the first Welsh fighter to win a world title at two weights, not many British boxers have achieved that.
"But above all I want to stamp my authority on the new division, win a title then go to the States and show them what I can do."
Tracking Tarver
Before his move to light-heavy, Calzaghe must successfully negotiate the 14th defence of his super-middleweight title against Mger Mkrtchyan of Armenia in Cardiff on 21 February.
 Tarver is rated the No 1 light-heavy in the States |
"Unless I do the job against Mkrtchyan all the plans will go up in smoke," he said. "But if that goes well I have been promised a fight in Britain in May for the WBO light-heavyweight title, probably against current champion Julio Gonzalez.
"After that I want to fight Antonio Tarver, who gave Roy Jones Jr such a hard time.
"He's rated the No 1 light-heavy in the US, and I'm willing to go to his own backyard to beat the guy.
"If I do that, hopefully I'll get my recognition across the Atlantic."