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Calzaghe's Lacy fight set for March

21/11/2005

WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe has been given his dream unification title bout against American Jeff Lacy.

The Welshman was forced to pull out of a planned fight with IBF champ Lacy, rated as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the game, earlier this month with a broken hand.

This withdrawal had thrown the meeting into danger of never being arranged but Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the two will meet at the MEN Arena in Manchester on March 4th, much to the delight of Calzaghe.

"This is the one I have been waiting for, and I can't wait for February 4th," the 33-year-old told the BBC.

"My hand will be fine and I'm looking forward to becoming a two-belt world champion. I've always wanted to unify the belts, and now I've got a great chance to do so."

Unbeaten Calzaghe has made an incredible 18 defences of his title but has voiced his frustration at not receiving the worldwide acclaim such a record arguably deserves.

But now he has been given his chance to earn the respect, and the major pay-days, but 28-year-old Lacy, who is also unbeaten, is sure to provide his toughest challenge to date.

"I've wanted to fight Joe for a long time, and now I've finally got my chance to show everyone I'm the best super middleweight in the world," he said.

"Joe has been a great champion, but my time has come. There is a new force in the division."

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