Joe Calzaghe has given up his WBO super-middleweight title as he focuses on his November showdown with Roy Jones Jr.
Welshman unlikely to fight again at super-middleweight
Joe Calzaghe has given up his WBO super-middleweight title as he focuses on his November showdown with Roy Jones Jr.
The Welshman had held the belt for 11 years, defending it 21 times, just four short of the all-time record held by heavyweight Joe Louis.
However, the 36-year-old is now looking ahead to his move up to light-heavyweight at Madison Square Garden on November 8.
The move means it is unlikely Calzaghe will fight again at super-middleweight. Denis Inkin and Fulgencio Zuniga are set to battle it out for the vacant title this weekend.
Tough decision
"It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation," Calzaghe said in his column in the
South Wales Argus.
"It's just too hard to get down to the 12-stone super-middleweight limit."
He added: "The 10-year anniversary was a wonderful marker for me and I feel it's an appropriate time to end any doubt about me fighting at that weight again.
"I received my promoter's licence this week, Calzaghe Promotions is up and running and I feel like I am entering a new phase, not just in my career, but in my life.
"I had a great relationship with the WBO and although it was painful to give up the title, I know I have made the right decision."
