By Mark Vester
In less than a week, Joe Calzaghe (45-0, 32KOs) has proclaimed that his fans will see him for the last time in a boxing ring as a fighter. On Saturday night in New York's Madison Square Garden, Calzaghe will finally get his chance to fight Roy Jones Jr. He says the April win over Bernard Hopkins was the icing on the cake of his long and unbeaten career, and a win over Jones will be the sprinkles on the icing. He says there is nothing left to prove or accomplish.
“Whatever has happened in the past, I believe most experts would say I am the best super-middleweight there has ever been. And that was always what I set out to achieve. Spending 11 years as an undefeated champion was beyond my wildest dreams. So, whatever happens in New York, I think my legacy is already complete. Beating Bernard Hopkins was the icing on the cake and I suppose this fight with Jones has to be the sprinkles or the cherry," Calzaghe told Wales On Sunday . “I am proud of what I have achieved and that is what matters.”
Calzaghe says that it took him years to get the proper respect from boxing writers and he believes that respect will grow when he decides to walk away from the sport.
“It always seems to be the case that you get more credit and respect when you have gone. It happens a lot and I’m sure it will be the same when I retire," Calzaghe said. "I suppose the biggest question I am ever asked is whether I got the respect and appreciation I deserved. And, until March 2006, I would probably have said ‘no.’
“You never know though, had I been given the plaudits all along, I might not have had the motivation or drive to go on as long as I have. Boxing is a hungry sport and always having to fight for credit definitely kept me hungry and made me stronger as a person.”
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