The fight will be held in Newcastle on 14 December in a show where he will share top billing with undefeated World Boxing Union light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.

Calzaghe and Hatton both had frustrating outcomes in their last contests and plan for a more satisfying evening this time.

Calzaghe beat Miguel Jimenez over 12 laboured rounds in Cardiff in August, while Hatton was left stunned when his opponent's father, Darkie Smith, stepped in to halt the fight against son Stephen in Manchester last month.

Calzaghe, who has held his title for over five years, said: "It was very frustrating against Jimenez because he was on the defensive the whole time. I know Tate will come here to fight."

The show, which will take place at the Telewest Arena, sees Calzaghe meet an opponent who is a former WBU world super-middleweight champion.

He may be 36 but Tate has lost only two of his last 13 fights and they were in challenging Sven Ottke, the German International Boxing Federation world super-middleweight champion.

Hatton will discover who his opponent is next week after his fight with Smith was stopped in the second round in Manchester.

"I was disappointed but that is all in the past. I am champing at the bit to get out there again," Hatton said

Promoter Frank Warren said: "It will be a real big super show because we have two of the biggest British names fighting."

Calzaghe will be hoping that Tate will at last be the stepping stone to the big-money fight he has sought for so long.