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Calzaghe issues Hopkins call

05/11/2007

Frank Warren, the promoter of undisputed middleweight world champion Joe Calzaghe, has called on Bernard Hopkins to face his man in the next 12 months.

Calzaghe defeated previously unbeaten Mikkel Kessler on points in a super middleweight title unification bout in Cardiff on Saturday night.

And Warren has said world great Hopkins can "name the weight, date and town" if he agrees to fight the Welshman.

"All we ask is that Joe gets a decent pay day," said Warren.

"We wanted the Hopkins fight years ago but when we agreed a deal he came back the next day asking double the money.

"Joe will fight in Hopkins' hometown of Philadelphia. If he's truly a warrior he must make this fight happen."

Warren had no doubt who would come out on top if he is able to organise what would be a big-money showdown between the pair.

"Hopkins can choose whether it's light heavyweight, super middleweight or a catch-weight and the same thing will happen to him as happened to Jeff Lacy and Kessler," the promoter added.

"Calzaghe is the best fighter I've ever been involved with, yet after 21 defences we are still throwing out challenges to the so-called top men like Hopkins."