Joe Calzaghe has fired back at Mikkel Kessler who has vowed to knock out the Welshman and questioned whether he wants an all out war at the Millennium Stadium. After months in hiding, Kessler, who meets Calzaghe in the massive super-middleweight unification fight on November 3, has claimed that the undefefeated WBO World champion would use spoiling tactics in the clash of the titans and said he would not been keen on trading toe-to-toe.
But that has provoked a furious response from Calzaghe, who has promised to blitz the undefeated Dane – who holds the WBC and WBA world titles in only 10 days time.
“I’ll fight Kessler any way he wants,” said 35-year-old Calzaghe as the war of words between the two champions reached new levels..
“I’ve never taken a backward step in the ring, and I don’t plan on starting now.
“I’ll out box Kessler like I did against Jeff Lacy, I’ll out fight him and I’ll out punch him like I did against Byron Mitchell.
“Suggesting that I won’t stand toe to toe with him is absolute rubbish.
“He can have the fight in a phone booth if he wants because I’m going to be in his face from start to finish.
“I’m quite happy to give him an all out war if he wants one.
“Mitchell and Charles Brewer tried to fight it out with me and they ended up getting a beating.
“And when Lacy came at me I kicked his ass for twelve rounds.
“Kessler had better watch out because there’s nothing I like more than a bit of needle. He’s a dangerous opponent, but when I smell danger my fighting instincts kick in.”
Calzaghe also questioned whether Kessler, 28, is letting his inexperience show.
“He’s never been involved in a big fight like this before, and as the fight gets closer the pressure is beginning to get to him.” said Calzaghe.
Joe Calzaghe vs. Mikkel Kessler is exclusively live on Setanta Sports 1 on Saturday, November 3rd from 8.15pm. To subscribe, visit www.setanta.com or call 08712 00 42 54. Calzaghe vs. Kessler is not available on a pay per view.