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Jones attempts to turn back clock against Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe jokingly makes an obscene gesture at a photographer during a workout in New York on Monday. Calzaghe will take on Roy Jones at Madison Square Garden tonight. PHOTO: AP

Undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe meets boxing legend Roy Jones today in a light-heavyweight showdown that could define both their careers.

Calzaghe, 45-0 with 32 knockouts, expects both fighters to be in peak form for their matchup at Madison Square Garden as US veteran Jones tries to bounce back from years of struggles.

“Roy says he’s in the best condition he’s been in for years and I believe that and I’m in the best condition I’ve been in for years so it’s going to be one hell of a fight,” Calzaghe said.

“I was one of those guys that wrote him off, but he has come back and had three good wins. When I sit back and look at other opponents, the guy is a legend. He’s hungry and you can’t write him off. I can’t come in sloppy,” he said.

Jones, who at 39 is three years older than Calzaghe, won the middleweight title 15 years ago, the heavyweight crown five years ago and dominated at light heavyweight in between.

“This fight has nothing to do with my legacy. This fight is about his legacy,” Jones said. “There is more pressure on him to win. I’ve already done everything. I don’t have to prove anything. I will just win. I’m still the man. I’m going to pour my heart out again.”

Jones, who turns 40 in January, already has his plan down, including a rematch at Cardiff if he inflicts Calzaghe’s first career loss.

“The pressure is on him because he is trying to cement his legacy. If he loses this fight, it will tarnish his legacy,” Jones said. “Then I would love to do a rematch at Millenium Stadium. I will return the favor.”

Calzaghe, who took a split decision over Bernard Hopkins in April, has hinted he might retire should he defeat Jones.

“I wish I had never mentioned retirement,” Calzaghe said. “I’m a fighter focusing on this fight and this fight only, not what I am going to do once I retire. I am not planning any retirement parties.”

Calzaghe was pleased Hopkins beat previously undefeated Kelly Pavlik in a unanimous decision last month, showing power over 40 that made Calzaghe’s win over him all the more impressive.

“It showed how big my win was over him. Either I am doing something right in the ring or they are all having off days,” Calzaghe said.

Jones has known some off days, losing to Antonio Tarver in 2004 and 2005 with a defeat at the hands of Glen Johnson in between. He has won three fights since, most recently a January unanimous decision here over Felix Trinidad.

“Continuing to fight is not by choice. It is in my blood,” Jones said. “[The losing] makes me want to go out and perform more because of what happened. Reverse the clock. The clock has already been in reverse.”

“I know I’m going to almost have to kill him to take that undefeated record away. This will be one of the hardest fights of my career because of his style. I know Joe is punching already. I’ve been ducking and dodging in my sleep,” he said.
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