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Joe Calzaghe derided super middleweight opponent Jeff Lacy after the American wore an England football shirt for Thursday's media conference.
Welshman Calzaghe said Lacy's attempts to win over some fans ahead of Sunday's WBO-IBF unification fight in Manchester were "pathetic".
But Lacy's promoter Gary Shaw said: "When we go into the ring we are going to be defending English people.
"All you ever hear from Joe Calzaghe is about Italy and Wales."
Shaw even waved a St George's flag as the two fighters squared up to each other, and predicted his man would win the respect and hearts of the fans in Manchester.
He said: "We expect over 16,000 people to be booing us when we get up into that ring, but when we leave the ring after the fight those same 16,000 will be cheering Jeff Lacy."
Unbeaten IBF title-holder Lacy let Shaw do most of the talking on Thursday, but spoke up when pressed about his previous disparaging remarks that WBO champion Calzaghe slapped rather than punched.
"I never said Joe Calzaghe slapped," claimed the 28-year-old. "I respect what he has done and I see myself as the underdog. But I am just focused and ready for the fight."
Despite the 0200 GMT start on Sunday morning to accommodate American television, the MEN Arena has increased its usual 16,000 capacity for the fight.
And Calzaghe said he is determined not to let his loyal fans down as he gets his first opportunity to unite two super middleweight titles.
"I have been waiting eight years for this fight and I can't wait," said the 33-year-old.
"It is the sort of fight all boxers dream of and I cannot wait to unify the titles."
Welshman Calzaghe said Lacy's attempts to win over some fans ahead of Sunday's WBO-IBF unification fight in Manchester were "pathetic".
But Lacy's promoter Gary Shaw said: "When we go into the ring we are going to be defending English people.
"All you ever hear from Joe Calzaghe is about Italy and Wales."
Shaw even waved a St George's flag as the two fighters squared up to each other, and predicted his man would win the respect and hearts of the fans in Manchester.
He said: "We expect over 16,000 people to be booing us when we get up into that ring, but when we leave the ring after the fight those same 16,000 will be cheering Jeff Lacy."
Unbeaten IBF title-holder Lacy let Shaw do most of the talking on Thursday, but spoke up when pressed about his previous disparaging remarks that WBO champion Calzaghe slapped rather than punched.
"I never said Joe Calzaghe slapped," claimed the 28-year-old. "I respect what he has done and I see myself as the underdog. But I am just focused and ready for the fight."
Despite the 0200 GMT start on Sunday morning to accommodate American television, the MEN Arena has increased its usual 16,000 capacity for the fight.
And Calzaghe said he is determined not to let his loyal fans down as he gets his first opportunity to unite two super middleweight titles.
"I have been waiting eight years for this fight and I can't wait," said the 33-year-old.
"It is the sort of fight all boxers dream of and I cannot wait to unify the titles."
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