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Boxing

Calzaghe 'accepts Kessler fight'

01/06/2007

Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe is set to fight Mikkel Kessler in Denmark later this year, according to his promoter Frank Warren.

The 35-year-old Cwmbran resident has been on the lookout for a significant title fight and looked like targeting American star Jermaine Taylor for a big-time match-up in 2007.

However since Taylor responded to a recent $4 million offer from Warren for a September fight, it seems the Calzaghe camp has set its sights elsewhere.

"[Kessler's promoter] Mogens Palle has made an offer for Joe to fight Kessler in Denmark in September. We've accepted and are awaiting a contract," Warren told BBC Radio Five Live.

"It's not a done deal until it's signed but we've accepted. It's now up to Palle to send a contract."

Calzaghe holds the WBO title but Kessler has both the WBA and WBC crowns and the fight would offer the Welshman the chance to unify the belts, if he can extend his undefeated professional record to 44 bouts.

And Warren said the location of the fight was not a concern for his man.

"Joe doesn't mind fighting in Denmark. He feels he will beat Kessler anywhere and I believe that's the case as well.

"It's a great fight. It's the two best super middleweights in the world. It's probably one of the most competitive fights at the moment in boxing.

"I just hope that Palle backs up his offer [and] it's not all nonsense. He's been talking a lot about fighting Joe with Kessler and we've called his bluff. I don't believe he ever thought that Joe would go to Denmark."

Warren could not confirm the purse for Calzaghe's 21st title defence but said it represented his "biggest payday".

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