By Mark Vester
Promoter Frank Warren has downplayed the rumors of a Joe Calzaghe ring return. He says the British boxing governing bodies would probably not grant Calzaghe a license because of his recent confession to using cocaine. Warren told Wales Online about the case of British boxing Tony Oakey, who was suspended from boxing for a year after admitting to cocaine use. Warren thinks Calzaghe might go through a similar punishment if he tried to return.
“It’s very well talking about a comeback, but I don’t even think the board would sanction it,” said Warren. “Oakey was suspended for a year. I can’t see why this would be different. It’s not about Calzaghe. It’s about the message it sends out to other young boxers. I think the board would look at it very closely.”
Warren thinks Calzaghe should forget about a ring return, and instead focus on cleaning up his personal problems. Calzaghe retired early last year. He last fought in 2008.
“He has been out of the ring for a couple of years. And if you look at his own admission, it is clear there have been problems. He needs to be dealing with that before thinking about boxing. I know Calzaghe is aware of his status as a role model. Does he need to fight on again? I wouldn’t think so,” Warren said.
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