18.12.03 – WBO World Super-Middleweight king JOE CALZAGHE has accused IBF and WBA Champion Sven Ottke of ‘running like a chicken’ from a showdown with him.
The undefeated Welshman makes the fourteenth defence of his crown against the mandatory and WBO #1 challenger Mger Mkrtchian on 21 February at the Wales National Ice Rink but it is the back-peddling German that Calzaghe has set his sights on.
Calzaghe, who has been chasing a unification fight for years, said, “Come on Ottke you are claiming to be the best in the division, stop running like a chicken and face a real challenge for once. You luckily beat Robin Reid, who I defeated nearly five years ago and Byron Mitchell, who I stopped inside two rounds, which took you twelve rounds. What are you scared of? Put your belts on the line against mine and lets see who’s the best and I will gladly go to Germany and beat you.”
Promoter Frank Warren said, “Like Joe says, lets find out who’s the best out there. Ottke believes he’s the best in the division and also Bernard Hopkins is looking for a fresh challenge. Joe will fight either of them anywhere, anytime, in Germany or America and he comes out the winner in both.”
Calzaghe was scheduled to face Mkrtchian in early December but withdrew from the fight due to flu. He headlines the Ice Rink on the rescheduled date against the tough Armenian who knocked out the previous mandatory challenger to Calzaghe – Freeman Barr – inside three rounds.
Featuring as chief support will be the dynamite-punching Welshman ENZO MACCARINELLI with the third defence of his WBU World Cruiserweight Title against an opponent to be confirmed shortly.
The rest of the undercard will be announced shortly.
Tickets for, ‘FIRE ON ICE’, priced at £30, £50, £75, £100 & £125, can be purchased from the Ticketline on 08700 667 799, Sports Network Box Office on Tel: 01992 550 888 or online at www.frankwarren.tv/tickets