Calzaghe frees up belt

Updated 15.21 Fri Jul 04 2008

Keywords: Calzaghe, boxing, frank warren, Roy Jones Jr

Joe Calzaghe has relinquished his WBC super-middleweight title in order to free him up for a potential fight with Roy Jones Jr at light-heavyweight.

He opted to give up the title rather than take the mandatory defence against fellow British fighter Carl Froch, who will instead face Jermain Taylor for Calazaghe's vacant title.

He opted to give up the title rather than take the mandatory defence against fellow British fighter Carl Froch, who will instead face Jermain Taylor for the vacant title

The Italian Dragon, who has never been defeated, recently talked about his dream fight with the veteran Jones, in what would likely be his final bout.

The American legend has fuelled the claims and said he and Welsh two-weight world champion will clash later in the year.

Calzaghe is unbeaten in 45 contests and a fight with Jones, possibly in Las Vegas, would be the Welshman's career swansong.

The Newbridge-based Calzaghe currently has a big box office pull in the United States following his points win over trash-talking Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas.

The Pride of Wales recently split with long-term promoter Frank Warren saying he would now manage himself.