I want to beat Jones and retire undefeated, reveals Calzaghe

13 April 2012

Joe Calzaghe still expects to retire if he beats Roy Jones in November but has left the door open by admitting: 'I'll never forgive myself if I lose my last fight'.

The undefeated super-middleweight and light-heavyweight world champion has long maintained he intends to quit with his 100 per record intact.

The fight against former pound-for-pound king Jones had been expected to be a farewell bout but Welshman Calzaghe, 36, has left the door slightly ajar. 'At the moment I'm definitely going to retire,' he told Setanta Sports News.

Just champion: Joe Calzaghe celebrates his split victory over Bernard Hopkins after their light-heavyweight match in Las Vegas.

Just champion: Joe Calzaghe celebrates his split victory over Bernard Hopkins after their light-heavyweight match in Las Vegas.

'As long as I win and I win in style then it will 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 will face Jones at New York's Madison Square Garden on November 8 after their original September date was postponed when the Welshman suffered a wrist injury.  

Jones, 39, was regarded as the world's finest fighter until a shock defeat by Antonio Tarver in 2004 prompted a startling fall from grace.  

'Roy Jones went through a bit of a tough time in his career but he's come back and had three great wins,' said Calzaghe.  

'I can't underestimate him. I have to make sure I'm 100 per cent.  

'I'll never forgive myself if I lose my last fight having been undefeated for the last 17 years.'  

Calzaghe, who became an unofficial two-weight world champion by defeating leading light-heavyweight Bernard Hopkins in April, insists preparations are back on track despite the injury.  

He said: '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.'

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