Calzaghe out of title challenge

Joe Calzaghe has been forced out of his IBF light-heavyweight title challenge to Glen Johnson for a second time due to a back injury.

The Welshman had been confident of being fit for the rescheduled bout at Cardiff’s International Arena on July 24 after being initially ruled out of a slot on Ricky Hatton’s bill in Manchester last month.

But his injury flared up again following a recent training break in Sardinia and has proved to be more serious than first thought.

Calzaghe had been plagued with problems since he announced his step up in weight to challenge Johnson.

He was questioned by police following an alleged bust-up with his wife at their home, then became embroiled in problems with Johnson who demanded more money to meet Calzaghe on the rearranged date in the Welshman’s home city.