Tarver throws his hat in the ring

Boxing : IBF light-heavyweight world champion Antonio Tarver has joined the list of fighters courting Joe Calzaghe, claiming he is willing to fight the Welshman "wherever he wants".

Tarver's recent victory over Clinton Woods saw him reclaim the IBF title and the Florida fighter is now seeking to unify the 175lb division.

Calzaghe moved up from super-middleweight to defeat Bernard Hopkins at the weekend and while no official title was at stake, his victory has propelled him to the summit of the division.

Legendary four-weight world champion Roy Jones is currently Calzaghe's most likely opponent for his next and apparently final fight, with the American proposing a lucrative showdown in Britain. Undisputed middleweight king Kelly Pavlik, WBC champion Chad Dawson and a rematch with Hopkins have also been mooted.

However, Jones is some way past his best and has not held a world title since losing to Tarver in 2004.

And the self-proclaimed 'Magic Man' insists a fight with him, rather than Jones, would be far more meaningful.

Tarver said: "Everyone was mentioned as Calzaghe's potential next opponent but me, the true light-heavyweight world champion."

Referring to Calzaghe's post-fight boast after beating Hopkins - who beat Tarver in 2006 - Tarver continued: "I am the real 'legend killer'. I beat Roy Jones not once but twice. I have also beaten Glen Johnson, Clinton Woods and many more top fighters in the light-heavyweight division.

"I am the only light-heavyweight champion who currently holds two belts and on my way to unifying the belts this year. I will fight Calzaghe in the US, in the UK or wherever he wants to fight."

Calzaghe, 36, will probably fight once more before retiring and is understandably keen to ensure it is a fitting farewell. And a rematch with Hopkins, whom he beat via split decision on Saturday, does not tick that box.

Jones was amiable while ringside at the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight and said: "I would love to fight Joe in front of all those fans in Wales. I hope we will have the deal done next week to fight on November 15th. I would see it as the best moment of my career."