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Boxing

Crocked Calzaghe cancels Cardiff return

01/06/2006

Joe Calzaghe has been forced to abandon plans to fight Jamaican Glen Johnson at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium next month after sustaining a hand injury during training.

The Italian Dragon was due to defend his WBO and IBF super middleweight titles against the IBA light heavyweight champion on July 8th and was looking forward to making a triumphant homecoming.

But the bout has been scrapped after he once again damaged his left hand, the same hand he broke a bone in during his fight with Kenyan Evans Ashira last September.

Promoter Frank Warren said: "Like everyone else involved in the promotion, I am really disappointed that Joe has had to withdraw because of this latest injury.

"After medical consultation he has been advised to rest so we are looking at Joe returning to action in the autumn."

Calzaghe's absence from any bill represents a major setback for promoters but Warren insisted the planned fight night will still take place.

"Although Joe's withdrawal is a blow, I'm delighted to say that the show will still go ahead and we have a fantastic line up at the Millennium Stadium," he added.

"This is still a massive, massive show and I am sure the stadium will still witness Wales' greatest ever boxing show."

British heavyweights Danny Williams and Matt Skelton are fighting their eagerly anticipated rematch, while WBU cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli from Swansea and the superb Amir Khan are also on a quality undercard.

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