Calzaghe gives up belt

12 April 2012

Joe Calzaghe has given up his WBO super-middleweight title after almost 11 years as champion.

The Welshman had been the longest reigning champion in his sport, having defended the WBO belt 21 times, four short of the all-time record for consecutive defences held by heavyweight great Joe Louis.

However he is focusing on his light-heavyweight showdown with American legend Roy Jones Jnr at New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 8, and seems certain never to fight as a super-middleweight again.

Denis Inkin and Fulgencio Zuniga are set to battle it out for the vacant title in Hamburg on Saturday.

Calzaghe, 36, told the South Wales Argus: "It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation.

"It's just too hard to get down to the 12-stone super-middleweight limit."

He added: "The 10-year anniversary was a wonderful marker for me and I feel it's an appropriate time to end any doubt about me fighting at that weight again.

"I received my promoter's licence this week, Calzaghe Promotions is up and running and I feel like I am entering a new phase, not just in my career, but in my life.

"I had a great relationship with the WBO and although it was painful to give up the title, I know I have made the right decision."

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