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Calzaghe set to face Jones at Madison Square Garden

09/07/2008

Joe Calzaghe will face Roy Jones Junior at Madison Square Garden in New York for the final bout in his career.

John Wirt, chief executive of SquareRing - Jones' promotional company – told ESPN that the deal had been done.

Calzaghe had wanted to finish career in front of his home fans in Cardiff but the American TV market has dictated the fight will take place in America.

Both Calzaghe and Jones have split from their long-time promoters to get the fight they desired. Calzaghe left Frank Warren and Jones split from Don King. The two fighters now plan to promote the fight themselves.

Wirt told ESPN: "The deal for the fight is done, we're finalizing with The Garden.

"Roy is very pumped up not only about the fight itself, but that he is promoting it with Joe. With Roy it is an honour that Joe has agreed to do the fight with him."

Meanwhile, a source close to Calzaghe told The Telegraph on Tuesday that "it is 99 per cent certain" that the fight will take place in New York.

The bout will be held at light-heavyweight for the Ring Magazine title. Calzaghe has only fought at the weight once before but beat Bernard Hopkins in his last outing.

Jones is a former undisputed light-heavyweight champion and has also held belts at super-middleweight.

The 39-year-old's career looked to be drawing to a close before a good win against Felix Trinidad in his last fight.

Calzaghe is undefeated so far in his 45 career bouts while Jones has been beaten four times in 52 contests.