Calzaghe plotting Lacy showdown

Joe Calzaghe, now the longest-serving world champion in boxing, will share the spotlight with Amir Khan when he defends his WBO super-middleweight title at Cardiff International Arena on September 10.

The 33-year-old Welshman, who has worn the belt since 1997, took over the longevity record when middleweight star Bernard Hopkins was beaten last weekend by Jermain Taylor.

But if things go according to plan, his reign as super-middleweight king will last for just two more fights, before the ‘Italian Dragon’ moves up a weight.

Victory against an as-yet unnamed opponent in September will bring a unification bout with IBF counterpart Jeff Lacy, assuming the American sees off an August 6 challenge by Merseysider Robin Reid.

“Lacy’s the best of the other champions,” said Calzaghe in Cardiff today.

“So when I beat him I won’t need to fight the others. Then I’ll move up to light-heavyweight. Becoming a two-weight world champion is more important to me than anything.”

For Olympic hero Khan, who won his debut in 109 seconds on home ground in Bolton last Saturday against David Bailey, the Cardiff appearance will be the first of a series as promoter Frank Warren takes him around the country.

“I think I’ve got fans everywhere and it will give them a chance to see me,” Khan said.

“There were a lot coming to watch me as an amateur after the Olympics.”

Warren added: “I want to keep Amir busy so that he can develop. Hopefully in about 18 months, he’ll be going in for a title – not a world title, but some sort of belt.”