Calzaghe gives up belt

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The Welshman had been the longest reigning champion in his sport, having defended the WBO belt 21 times, four short of the all-time record for consecutive defences held by heavyweight great Joe Louis.

However he is focusing on his light-heavyweight showdown with American legend Roy Jones Jnr at New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 8, and seems certain never to fight as a super-middleweight again.

Denis Inkin and Fulgencio Zuniga are set to battle it out for the vacant title in Hamburg on Saturday.

Calzaghe, 36, told the South Wales Argus: "It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation.

"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."