by James Slater – Unbeaten star Joe Calzaghe has come out writing in an effort to put an end to the false rumours that say he has made up his mind and has retired. Responding to these claims on his very own web site, Calzaghe.com, Joe wrote the following: “I understand that stories have been placed in the media today by a so-called acquaintance. This person claims I have given him an exclusive announcing my retirement. Whoever this guy is, he is wrong. The truth is I have not made my mind up. It is too soon since my fight with Roy Jones Junior to make a decision one way or the other.
“When the time is right I will sit down with my family and then the first place my fans will hear about my decision will be here on Calzaghe.com. In my last few fights I’ve achieved everything I want to achieve. Therefore, I’ll sit down, have a rest, have a think about it, and make my decision after Christmas..”
So there it is, straight from the horse’s mouth – “The Pride of Wales” doesn’t even know himself yet whether or not he will fight again. Which brings us to IBF light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson. A few days back, Dawson claimed his camp had opened talks with Calzaghe about a potential 2009 meeting. Speaking to BBC sport, however, Joe says he has not spoken to the man who wants to fight him.
“I haven’t talked to anyone, let alone Dawson, about having another potential fight,” Calzaghe told the BBC. “I don’t want to make a hasty decision to retire because if next year comes and I actually feel ready and want to fight, I might want to fight again. But at this moment in time, I don’t have the motivation to fight on – but things can change.”
So, while a Calzaghe-Dawson fight would be intriguing, we are no closer to it happening yet. Also, let no-one tell you Calzaghe HAS to fight “Bad Chad,” or anyone else, to cement his legacy. With all he’s achieved, and after being dominant at super-middleweight for so long, the Welshman has already proven his greatness and Hall of Fame-worthiness.
A pound-for-pound great of the modern era, 36-year-old “Super” Joe now has the right to take his time and make his decision on fighting again or not. Dawson, like every other fighter who craves a go at Calzaghe so badly, will have to wait and see.