Jones challenges Calzaghe - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Jones challenges Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe's search for a summer super-fight could be over after Roy Jones Jr issued a challenge to the WBO super-middleweight champion.

The former four-weight world champion is ready to fill Calzaghe's July 21 television slot should a bout with fellow American Jermain Taylor not come to fruition.

Calzaghe's camp this week upped their offer to 4million US dollars (£2million) to undisputed middleweight champion Taylor, who is unable to make a July date but could be available in September. However, 38-year-old Jones told BBC Wales: "I've got July wide open and I'd fight at 168lbs in the UK or the USA."

"It's the right time in both of our careers to give the British people a true fight," added Jones.

"I've still got all the skills and I'm hungrier than ever."

Last weekend saw Welshman Calzaghe, 35, boxing's longest serving champion at almost 10 years, complete the 20th defence of his title with a third-round stoppage of 'Contender' runner-up Peter Manfredo Jr.

"Peter Manfredo Jr was way out of his league when he lost to Joe last week. Joe is a class fighter who needs someone similar - someone like me - to take him on," said Jones, who would prefer a fight on US soil.

"It would make most sense for him to come to the US. The British people will watch him whatever time of night he fights, and by fighting in America he will only add on the extra numbers of US fans.

"But I'm the challenger now and I have to go and get the title wherever it is on offer.

"I could see that there was a beautiful atmosphere at [Cardiff's] Millennium Stadium for the Manfredo fight, that's the sort of support needed to make a great fighter like Joe."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?

Hazard warning

What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon