Calzaghe to face 'Robinson' in Celtic revenge

Champion boxer Joe Calzaghe is set to go head-to-head with an Anne Robinson lookalike in a unique public clash to publicise a new store opening, it emerged today.

Within 48 hours of successfully defending his WBO Super Middleweight belt at Cardiff Castle, Welshman Calzaghe has lined up a symbolic bout with The Weakest Link host.

Robinson became a hate-figure across Wales last year after attacking the principality during a guest appearance on BBC 2’s Room 101 programme.

Now 30-year-old Calzaghe is set to take revenge in a specially prepared boxing ring challenge on Playstation 2’s Knockout Kings 2002 game in Cardiff on Saturday.

The contest has been set up by electricals retailer Dixons to mark the opening of its flagship Dixons XL store, in Queen Street, Cardiff, its biggest in Britain.

Dubbed the “War in Store” the Newbridge-born boxing hero will also be sparring on screen with members of the public between 11.30am and 2pm.

Anne Robinson was chosen as his opponent after a survey by the retailer to find out who the Welsh public would most like to see in the ring with Calzaghe.

Computer game fan Joe said: “I am throwing down the gauntlet to anyone in Wales to come into the store and take me on.

“I have trained hard for this and I fear no-one. You don’t get many chances in life to take on a World Champion boxer and I’m sure the Welsh people are up to the challenge.”

He added: “I am a big fan of computer games so I’m expecting my day in Dixons to be a lot of fun _ I’m very glad of the opportunity to let some of my fans have the chance to step into the ring with me.”

The first five shoppers to beat Calzaghe in the ring will win a console of their choice. The first to score a knockout will win a PlayStation 2 and a series of games.