Joe Calzaghe has been told to be "ready for the fight of his life" by Thomas Tate, the man challenging him for his WBO World Super-Middleweight title.

Philadelphian Tate has promised to emulate his brother Frank in some 'Brit bashing' when he faces Calzaghe on December 14.

Frank Tate came to England in February 1988 to defend his IBF World Middleweight title against British favourite Tony Sibson.

Thomas was in his corner that night, and now, nearly 12 years later, he is confident that he can pull off a major upset by dethroning the undefeated Welshman.

"Calzaghe had better be ready for the fight of his life if he wants to keep hold of his belt as I have waited 12 long years for this opportunity," Tate said.

"I was in Frank's corner the night he beat Sibson and I remember it well. It was a great feeling to come to England and beat the best. Now I want to emulate my brother by beating Calzaghe.

"Coming to England does not worry me, I have fought in Germany and Italy and have every confidence that I can beat Calzaghe and take the title back to America with me," he added.

The bout in the Telewest Arena, Newcastle, will also see Manchester's Ricky Hatton defend his WBU World Light-Welterweight title against the undefeated Brazilian Antonio Mesquita.