Calzaghe sets sights on US

JOE CALZAGHE designated 2004 as the year he intends to earn global recognition for his boxing talents after retaining his WBO super-middleweight title for the 14th time with his seventh-round stoppage of Armenian challenger Mger Mkrtchian at Cardiff’s International Ice Rink on Saturday.

Calzaghe, who has been supreme for six years since outpointing Chris Eubank to win the vacant belt in Sheffield, knows that at nearly 32 he must make his move now.

The fighter, described by promoter Frank Warren as "possibly the best I have worked with," is eyeing the States and a move up to light-heavyweight to secure what he believes is his rightful place in the annals of his sport.