Joe Calzaghe admits he thought Roy Jones Jr was "past it" until the legendary four-weight world champion rallied to win his last three fights.

Unbeaten Welshman Calzaghe will fight Jones at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday after he had dismissed the American in his autobiography.

"I didn't say Roy was a bum but I said he was past it after his three successive defeats," said Calzaghe.

"But my opinion has changed because he has come back with three good wins."

Antonio Tarver dethroned Jones as the undisputed light-heavyweight king with a second round knock-out in Las Vegas in April 2004.

Jones then lost to Glen Johnson before losing his re-match with Tarver.

Roy Jones is just a prop in a fairytale ending to a great career for me. Joe Calzaghe

'Junior' was written off as a spent force by most critics, including Calzaghe.

But the veteran fighter has won his last three fights, including a unanimous points victory over Felix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden in January.

Jones' rebirth is good news for Calzaghe as the now self-promoted superstar hopes to net an estimated �10m for his part in the lucrative 'Battle of the Superpowers' with Jones on Saturday.

The 39-year-old great is unbeaten in his four fights at New York's iconic sporting amphitheatre while it is Calzaghe's first visit to "The Garden" in his final fight for their Ring Magazine light-heavyweight crown.

"He's a legend but I'm a legend killer," Calzaghe said before he left for New York.

"I like him as a guy but I'm going to knock him out, Roy Jones is just a prop in a fairytale ending to a great career for me.

"The venue and the opponent is a fitting finale for me; a legend-to-be ending his day in the place where legends are made."

"I chose Roy, he didn't choose me. I know he has still got power but so have I.

606: DEBATE If Calzaghe can lure Jones into a good pace early and keep him working hard, he could force a very tired Jones to quit fizzjambo

"I don't use mine as much because of my delicate hands but this is my last fight so I won't be holding anything back - I can't have a tickling match!"

Calzaghe is protecting his 45-fight unbeaten record against Jones, hoping to retire with an unblemished record, knowing six of his last eight fights have gone the full 12 rounds.

"I'll use my legendary speed but he'll have to respect my power," said Calzaghe.

"This fight will be a treat for my fans as they'll see the best of Joe Calzaghe because I've got Roy Jones' number."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version