Calzaghe 'ducked Johnson'

Britain's best set for June Glengoffe Johnson profile

IBF light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson says Joe Calzaghe would not fight him at super middleweight.

"Calzaghe ducked me as WBO super middleweight champion but now I've got a belt and he knows he can keep his he's ready to fight me," said Johnson.

"He's in a good position as I'm the one taking the risk, but I'm a real fighter who came through the back door like the champs of old."

The pair will contest Johnson's title on 5 June in Manchester.

"I'm the best light heavyweight in the world, my reputation speaks for itself," added Johnson, 35.

"Joe's a good fighter, I've got no beef with that, but he hasn't fought the people I've fought."

I've proved time and again that the better the opponent, the better I perform Joe Calzaghe

Calzaghe, 32, said he respected the ability of Miami-based Jamaican Johnson, but that he expects to walk away with the title and become Wales' first two-weight world champion.

"Glen has come up the hard way and has had bad decisions away from home against the likes of Silvio Branco, Omar Sheika and Clinton Woods," said Calzaghe.

"But I believe in my destiny and I've proved time and again that the better the opponent, the better I perform.

"At the new weight I will retain my hand speed and won't have to drain myself over the last two weeks. I just can't wait for 5 June."

Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren and Johnson's backer Dan Goosen were keen to play down the significance of the fact that the fight will not be live on US TV.

"Everyone in the States is disappointed it's not being shown because they all want to see it," said Goosen. "It's a coming-of-age party for Joe and Glen.

"Although it's not on live, the media is keeping a very close eye on the fight because they know the standard of the match and what's at stake."

Warren added: "(US TV network) Showtime have been in touch and want to do a deal to show the winner in a bout in September or October.

"It was purely political that they couldn't show the fight on 5 June."

Ricky Hatton will also appear on the card, Warren saying he hopes to announce the opponent this week.