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Calzaghe looks forward to Johnson match-up

29/08/2006

Joe Calzaghe is looking beyond his next fight against Sakio Bika to pick his preferred winner of the Glen Johnson v Clinton Woods light-heavyweight contest.

The Welshman still has to overcome Bika in October's clash in Manchester, but he is hoping that Johnson will come through his own bout untarnished as he sets his sights on finally breaking America.

"Maybe I want Johnson to win because he's a bigger name in America - he's knocked out Roy Jones," he said.

"Woods would be a good fight but it wouldn't mean much worldwide."

Should Calzaghe get his wish, and both he and Woods emerge victorious from their encounters, it seems there is the desire in both camps to make the lucrative fight happen.

A provisional agreement is already believed to be in place with Dennis Hobson, Woods' promoter, for Calzaghe to make the step-up to light-heavyweight probably sometime in February 2007.

Though the WBO and IBF super-middleweight champion admits that his plans hinge on unpredictable events and that he may be left with the less financially appealing prospect of Johnson.

"Johnson is not getting any younger while Clinton has the title now so I think he has grown in confidence and he's improved slightly as a fighter. I honestly think it's a 50-50 fight," he said.

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