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WBO world champion Joe Calzaghe admits he may bring his retirement forward if Mikkel Kessler wins their super-middleweight unification bout on November 3.
The unbeaten Welshman, bidding to level Sven Ottke's divisional record of 21 title defences, previously stated his glittering 43-fight career is just "two or three" bouts from its conclusion.
But, having acknowledged unbeaten WBA and WBC champ Kessler as "potentially" his toughest opponent yet, Calzaghe revealed the "unthinkable" result could send him out earlier than planned.
He said: "I never think about losing. If you're a boxer that kind of thinking is unhealthy. But yes, I know it's a possibility. Of course it is. You never know in this sport, he could catch me with a lucky punch or whatever, he's a great fighter.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost. I don't reckon I will lose, but if I did my unbeaten record would go and that's something that's important to me. I'd have to see what happens.
"Anyway, as good as Kessler is I don't really see myself losing."
The 35-year-old, who is seven years the Dane's senior, admits he is unsure what kind of fight will pan out in the Millennium Stadium, but is certain his performance will be better than those he produced in his last two outings.
He added: "I don't reckon it'll be a scrap, he's more your typical European stand-up fighter - great boxing skills, straight lines, good punch - but I'm prepared for anything.
"He will bring the best out of me whatever way we go at it. I always fight better against better fighters. Look at Peter Manfredo and Sakio Bika, I wasn't good against those guys. I didn't respect them enough. But look at (Jeff) Lacy, the genuine quality; I turned it on. When I have to be at my best I pull it out."
SPORTING LIFE
The unbeaten Welshman, bidding to level Sven Ottke's divisional record of 21 title defences, previously stated his glittering 43-fight career is just "two or three" bouts from its conclusion.
But, having acknowledged unbeaten WBA and WBC champ Kessler as "potentially" his toughest opponent yet, Calzaghe revealed the "unthinkable" result could send him out earlier than planned.
He said: "I never think about losing. If you're a boxer that kind of thinking is unhealthy. But yes, I know it's a possibility. Of course it is. You never know in this sport, he could catch me with a lucky punch or whatever, he's a great fighter.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost. I don't reckon I will lose, but if I did my unbeaten record would go and that's something that's important to me. I'd have to see what happens.
"Anyway, as good as Kessler is I don't really see myself losing."
The 35-year-old, who is seven years the Dane's senior, admits he is unsure what kind of fight will pan out in the Millennium Stadium, but is certain his performance will be better than those he produced in his last two outings.
He added: "I don't reckon it'll be a scrap, he's more your typical European stand-up fighter - great boxing skills, straight lines, good punch - but I'm prepared for anything.
"He will bring the best out of me whatever way we go at it. I always fight better against better fighters. Look at Peter Manfredo and Sakio Bika, I wasn't good against those guys. I didn't respect them enough. But look at (Jeff) Lacy, the genuine quality; I turned it on. When I have to be at my best I pull it out."
SPORTING LIFE
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