Jones compared Calzaghe favourably to Rocky Marciano

Roy Jones Jr has compared Joe Calzaghe to Rocky Marciano ahead of their clash at Madison Square Garden on 8 November.

"Calzaghe's one of the best fighters ever, one of the greatest of all time," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.

"He has a 100% record of 45-0, Marciano was 49-0. He's a true athlete I respect - we've nothing bad to say to each other, we'll give it all in the ring."

Jones, speaking at a New York media conference attended by Calzaghe, will face the Welshman at light-heavyweight.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Roy Jones' comments

Calzaghe, 36, has ruled the super-middleweight division for almost 11 years and is the longest reigning current champion in boxing.

His win over Bernard Hopkins in April saw him acknowledged as the world's leading light-heavyweight, although the showdown with Jones is a non-title event.

"After Hopkins there was only one guy I wanted to fight," said Calzaghe, who had said before flying to New York that he didn't want his media sessions with Jones to be "too cosy".

"I've followed Roy's career since his amateur days and have always been a fan.

"To have what will probably be my final fight in the best fight venue against one of the greatest boxers of the last 20 years - it's all I've got left to achieve.

"The Hopkins fight was tough because all he wants to do is hold and hug you all night.

"I've always had a problem with rushing in, but I've learnt from that against Hopkins - Roy's a good counter puncher and he expects me to throw 1,000 punches.

Jones and Calzaghe have been working the media circuit

"I know that Roy will come to fight, he's got tremendous hand speed, power and a great boxing brain.

"All I can say is don't miss this, it's going to be the fight of the year."

After completing their media duties in New York, Calzaghe and Jones fly to Los Angeles, with the high-profile pair then scheduled to visit the UK.