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Boxing

Calzaghe handed Bika test

21/08/2006

Joe Calzaghe will make a long-awaited return to the ring when he takes on Cameroonian super middleweight Sakio Bika at Manchester's MEN Arena on October 14th.

The Pride of Wales has not fought since March this year after sustaining a troublesome hand injury during his stunning victory over American fighter Jeff Lacy.

Calzaghe, 34, is now back to full fitness, however, and he is desperate to prove he is still the division's top boxer by knocking out Bika and landing himself a lucrative 'mega-fight'.

"I have had a lot of frustration in my career but I plan on making up for it in October," the unbeaten Welshman said. "I have been training hard for the last five weeks and have had no problems."

Promoter Frank Warren insists his charge will be given the fight he craves, presuming he retains his IBF and WBO super middleweight titles.

Calzaghe's desired bout is with WBA champ Markus Beyer, although such a deal also hinges on the German defeating WBA title holder Mikkel Kessler on the same night as Calzaghe and Bika.

"If Joe comes through we have got a big TV date in February for what will be a mega-fight," Warren said. "Joe has had a lot of injuries but when he is on top of his game I don't think anybody can live with him."

Calzaghe currently boasts an impeccable pro fight record of 41 fights, 41 wins, with 31 coming inside the distance, while Bika, who at 27 has youth on his side, has stats of 20 wins, 13 KOs, two draws and one loss.

Meanwhile, on Calzaghe's undercard will be the eagerly anticipated WBO cruiserweight showdown between Johnny Nelson and Enzo Maccarinelli.

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