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Page last updated at 15:01 GMT, Tuesday, 22 April 2008 16:01 UK

Calzaghe hints at further fights

Joe Calzaghe celebrates his win over Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas
Joe Calzaghe celebrates his win over Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas

Joe Calzaghe returned to Britain on Tuesday and hinted he may prolong his career beyond one last 'super-fight'.

The Welsh super-middleweight king, 36, defeated Bernard Hopkins on his light-heavyweight debut after a split decision in Las Vegas last weekend.

Roy Jones Jr could be the next big bout but it may not be Calzaghe's last.

"You never know," he said. "To be honest it's probably one more fight. They are the famous last words of many fighters, we'll have to wait and see."

Calzaghe has emphasised how important his unbeaten record is - he has 45 wins from 45 - and has also previously spoken about looking ahead to life outside the ring.

But, when asked if he could go beyond one more fight, he gave a glimmer of hope to fans who want to see more.

Calzaghe's immediate plans are to "chill out" on holiday before assessing his options.

Antonio Tarver, the IBF light-heavyweight world champion, is one of those who have publicly sounded out Calzaghe, along with former four-weight world champion Jones.

Interview: Joe Calzaghe

"It's amazing. For so many years I was avoided and all of a sudden everyone wants to fight me," Calzaghe said.

"It's a great position to be in, I'm going to enjoy this win and go on holiday.

"At the start of the year I said I wanted two big fights and I've got one out of the way. Roy Jones Jr is a possibility.

"I'll weigh it up but the next fight is going to have to be a super-fight."

The Newbridge boxer also has to review the footage of his split-decision victory against Hopkins as he has not watched a recording yet.

He will get a chance on Sunday as the BBC have announced they are screening the entire fight at midday.

As light-heavyweight world number one - to add to the undisputed super-middleweight crown he still owns - Calzaghe will then have his pick of who to face next.

"Where can we go? The world has absolutely opened up for Joe," explained Enzo Calzaghe, his father and trainer.

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"There are a lot of choices to make when we come back from holiday.

"We have choices after that performance - America, Manchester, Cardiff. There is huge variety. The big fights are there now.

"His legacy has been achieved now, there is nothing more to achieve. He's the main man and they're all after him, they are all coming out."

Calzaghe will also reflect on what he achieved in the Nevada desert, coming back against Hopkins after getting knocked down in the opening round.

"That's what champions do - find a way out to win," Calzaghe added. "It wasn't [Mikkel] Kessler or [Jeff] Lacy but I knew it wouldn't be.

"It's very hard to perform against someone with a very negative outlook, he came into the fight to spoil and pose."



see also
Tarver targets Calzaghe contest
21 Apr 08 |  Boxing
Calzaghe v Hopkins photos
19 Apr 08 |  Boxing


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