Calzaghe will retire...if he beats Jones by British Boxing Aug 14th 2008

Joe Calzaghe has confirmed that he will quit boxing providing he defeats Roy Jones Junior at Madison Square Garden in New York when the pair clash on Saturday 8 November. In an interview with Setanta Sports News, the undefeated Calzaghe said ‘there's not much more to prove'. “At the moment I'm definitely going to retire. As long as I win and I win in style then it'll be my last fight. “I've achieved everything I can in boxing. I'm 36 years old and I don't want to keep on fighting. I love boxing and I love what the sport has given me, but I want to retire undefeated.” Calzaghe was full of praise for his opponent, describing Roy Jones Junior as ‘one of the greatest fighters of the last 25 years'. “Roy Jones went through a bit of a tough time in his career but he's come back and had three great wins. “I can't underestimate him. I have to make sure I'm 100%. I'll never forgive myself if I lose my last fight having been undefeated for the last 17 years.” The fight between Calzaghe and Roy Jones Junior was originally due to take place in September, only for Calzaghe to withdraw through injury. Now Calzaghe has dismissed rumours that he is behind schedule in preparing for the fight. “Before I injured my hand I was training for two or three weeks so I've only had a little bit of time off. Although I've not been punching, I've been jogging to keep my fitness levels up. “I normally prepare 12 weeks before a fight and I won't start sparring for another six weeks. So I'm ahead of schedule and have plenty of time to get in shape for the fight.” The bout will be screened live on Setanta Sports 1.

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