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Last Updated: Monday, 4 September 2006, 17:13 GMT 18:13 UK
Calzaghe puts Woods on backburner
Joe Calzaghe
Calzaghe is still undefeated in 41 fights
Joe Calzaghe says he will not allow talk of a British showdown with Clinton Woods to distract him from the defence of his super middleweight titles.

Calzaghe will defend his WBO and IBF belts against Cameroon's Sakio Bika in Manchester's MEN Arena on 14 October.

But Calzaghe said negotiations for a fight with IBF light heavyweight champ Woods have already begun.

"Although the talk is of a fight with Woods or fights next year, I can't take my eyes off the ball," Calzaghe said.

"This guy is going to come to win and if I'm not prepared then that's a danger for me.

"I've not actually seen him fight yet but from what I understand he was a good amateur, boxed in the Olympics and now bases himself in Australia.

"He's only lost once, and that was on a close decision four years ago, and since then he's gone undefeated.

The only memory they have of Clinton Woods in America is of him getting beat by Roy Jones

Joe Calzaghe

"He boxed Marcus Beyer (the WBC super middleweight champion) in his last fight and was unlucky it got ruled a no-contest because of a cut as he was beating Beyer."

The 34-year-old Welshman said that Woods deserved to shade his split-decision over Glen Johnson in Bolton on Saturday night .

But while welcoming a British showdown with Sheffield man Woods, Calzaghe maintained he would rather face Johnson.

"When I was watching the fight live I thought that Clinton probably did edge it," Calzaghe added.

"But Johnson would have been a bigger fight in America, a bigger pay-day for me.

"He knocked-out Roy Jones and beat Antonio Tarver, it would have been a lot more credit for me to beat Glen Johnson.

"The only memory they have of Clinton Woods in America is of him getting beat by Roy Jones, so a fight with Woods would be harder to sell.

"But Frank is speaking with Woods' guys and it would be great for me if I get the fight, we'll have to wait and see."

SEE ALSO
Promoters plot Woods v Calzaghe
03 Sep 06 |  Boxing
Woods win wrecks Calzaghe plans
03 Sep 06 |  Boxing
Woods hits back to stun Johnson
02 Sep 06 |  Boxing
The Calzaghe Record
05 Mar 06 |  Boxing


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