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Calzaghe, Jones set new date

23/07/2008

Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jr have rescheduled their light-heavyweight fight for November 8th following a hand injury suffered by the Welshman this week.

Calzaghe was ruled out of competing in the much-anticipated 'super fight' against the American at Madison Square Garden in New York on September 20th after hurting himself in training.

The original date was deemed too soon after the 36-year-old's provisional recovery period, but both men have apparently agreed upon a new date, less than three weeks later than originally scheduled.

Jones Jr said: "It sounds to me as though Joe has a normal and usual injury.

"He had shown some concern recently about his hand not being ready. I still wanted to move forward with the September date, since [American television network] HBO had already laid out the red carpet for a pay-per-view success when we took the De La Hoya-Mayweather date.

"But I don't want him to be any less than his best - so if this is what it takes for that, then so be it."

He added: "I have been informed by my people that the fight will most likely be rescheduled for November 8th on HBO pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden.

"I am glad we are close to being able to put together a new date for the fight within 24 hours of learning of Joe's injury."

The Calzaghe-Jones match-up is set to be one of the highlights of the world boxing calendar in 2008, with the Welsh star still undefeated throughout his 45-bout career.

Several pundits have suggested the fight could be Calzaghe's swansong before he hangs up his gloves, although the boxer himself has not yet made a firm decision either way.