By Edward Chaykovsky

The retired Joe Calzaghe has fired back at Antonio Tarver for his recent verbal bashing. The IBO cruiserweight champion attacked Cazlaghe, claiming the Welsh boxer had retired early to avoid a potential fight. Tarver believes that he would have easily knocked Calzaghe out.

"I was the only one that could beat him, that’s why he avoided me," Tarver told the South Wales Argus. He got dropped by Roy (Jones) and (Bernard) Hopkins, I would’ve knocked out feather punching Joe Calzaghe. He couldn’t beat me period and I hate I didn’t get a chance to prove it," Tarver said.

Calzaghe has no intention of returning to the ring. The boxer has been retired for several years, but he still feels confident of being able to beat Tarver - if they would have met several years ago at light heavyweight.

"In your dreams, Antonio, didn’t you get destroyed by Hopkins before I beat him? I love how fighters are calling me out three years after I quit," Calzaghe said. "I get it, it’s all about money and a payday. The truth is I was fighting the winner of you and Bernard Hopkins and you lost! For the record, I would have kicked your ass!"