Calzaghe on Froch Fight Rumors, Talks Hopkins-Cleverly

By Chris LaBate

British boxing legend Joe Calzaghe, who retired undefeated a few years ago, discussed the recent rumors that he was considered a one-fight comeback to face current WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch, who chased the fight for years while the Welsh boxer was active. Calzaghe is now turning his full attention to the world of acting and recently landed two starring motion picture roles.

“I read some reports that said I was making a comeback, but that’s not happening. It’s the question I get asked the most, but it’s a compliment when fighters call you out after you’ve retired. It just goes to show that there is obviously a bit of a void in my weight division. It’s like, guys, I retired two years ago, I don’t want to get back in the ring," Calzaghe told Wales Online.

“It doesn’t frustrate me that people keep asking me about it, it just shows the void I left behind. Boxing is a business and I generated the most money. Obviously, if I was to fight again it would be a pretty big fight, but I’m doing other things now.”

As far as Calzaghe's close friend, WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly, Joe doesn't expect him to land a dream unification with WBC champ Bernard Hopkins. Calzaghe, who decisioned Hopkins three years ago, feels Cleverly is not "big enough" at the moment and has a long way to go before he's capable of securing a Hopkins fight.

“I don’t think a fight with Hopkins is going to happen. No offence to Nathan, but, realistically, Hopkins has got bigger fish to fry. Nathan’s just won the title, he’s not a name in the States. Hopkins is out there to get the fights that are going to be big money for him and Nathan needs to generate his name by getting big fights. Over time he will get the likes of Hopkins, but Nathan is at a building stage. It’s one thing getting the world title, but becoming a star is another thing," Calzaghe said.