Frustrated Calzaghe is likely to move up a division to secure big matches

JOE CALZAGHE’S frustration at failing to secure meaningful matches at super-middleweight is likely to prompt him to move up a division in the new year.

Calzaghe defends his WBO 12-stone crown against American late substitute Tocker Pudwill at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle tonight.

The Welshman acknowledges he is running out of options with his fellow champions unwilling to indulge his promoter Frank Warren's attempts to secure unification matches.

Calzaghe's original opponent Thomas Tate hardly set pulses racing before he was forced out of the fight by a perforated eardrum, so tomorrow's contest now goes ahead against a man not listed in the top 100 of the latest Independent World Ratings.

At 30, Calzaghe knows he is at his peak and ought to be landing the big matches which will help convince the public that he belongs in the same company as previous greats like Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.

Light-heavyweight, with the prospect of big matches against the likes of accomplished WBO champion Dariusz Michalczewski or even Roy Jones, is looking increasingly attractive to a man who has often battled to achieve the 12 stone limit.

Undisputed middleweight champion Hopkins had agreed to face Calzaghe before changing his mind.

The American demands ridiculously high purses and seems intent on following his own bizarre path as champion and despite the huge drawing power which his status ought to afford him, his next fight against Frenchman Morrade Hakkar is likely to be cancelled due to lack of interest among television companies.

Calzaghe is anxious to get firmly back on track after his disappointing defence against Miguel Jimenez at Cardiff Castle four months ago.

Calzaghe's injury jinx struck again as he fractured a bone in his left hand and Jimenez's negative tactics contributed to a 12-round bore.

Calzaghe's frustration goes back to his last appearance in Newcastle in February 1999, when a hand injury almost cost him in a gruelling points win over Robin Reid.

Since then he has beaten the best Americans on offer Sheika and Charles Brewer but has grown tired of waiting for the other champions to knock.

Calzaghe was levered onto this bill as a means of giving him more exposure across the Atlantic but Pudwill is unlikely to test his credentials.

The 31-year-old North Dakotan went 12 rounds with Germany's IBF champion Sven Ottke two years ago so at least a stoppage-win might strengthen Calzaghe's claims to be the best in his division.

Pudwill was in shape when he got the call two weeks ago, having had three fights in four months.

Pudwill has stopped just 14 opponents in his 39-4 record and it is almost inconceivable that he possesses anything capable of remotely troubling the champion.