 Calzaghe has given up his IBF title to fight Manfredo |
Joe Calzaghe has hit back at Peter Manfredo Jnr's claims that he will knock him out when they meet on 7 April at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Manfredo branded Calzaghe a "slapper" and warned his reign as world super middleweight champion will end in front of his own fans next month.
But WBO champion Calzaghe said: "To be honest, I've heard it all before.
"Like everyone else who has come thinking they are going to beat me, Manfredo will go home defeated."
Calzaghe will be making the 20th defence of his title, equalling the record of ring legends Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins.
And the 34-year-old, who is unbeaten in 42 professional fights, insists Manfredo, the runner-up on TV reality show The Contender, is unwise to mock him before their showdown.
Calzaghe added: "Manfredo can talk a good fight but it's one thing to shout your mouth off in the build-up, but another to produce the goods in the ring.
"I think he's getting worried and that's why he's trying to run me down.
"It doesn't fire me up or anything like that, just makes me laugh really. The facts speak for themselves. I've been a world champion for nearly 10 years and this is my 20th defence.
"I'm going to knock him out and then I'm going after Jermain Taylor and Hopkins.
"I've knocked out 31 opponents, which isn't bad for a slapper, and on 7 April Manfredo will be number 32."
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Interview: WBO champion Joe Calzaghe