Johnson isnt fighting calzaghe
Posted: 23 Jun 2004, 16:34
BBC
Johnson snubs Calzaghe
Johnson snubs Calzaghe
Calzaghe given Johnson hope
Joe Calzaghe's chance of fighting IBF light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson looks to be over.
The Welshman withdrew from the original fight against the 35-year-old American because of a back injury.
Calzaghe's promoter, allegedly, had been in talks with opposite number Dan Goosen, but Goosen told BBC Wales on Wednesday the fight will not go ahead.
"There was a multitude of problems but the bottom line is that Glen will not be fighting Calzaghe," Goosen said.
"We're certainly in negotiations on defending his title, but we were very disappointed in Calzaghe not being able to take up this challenge.
"Unfortunately circumstances beyond his (Calzaghe's) control negated that opportunity.
"We wish Joe all the best and we certainly had a straightforward relationship with Frank (Warren), but the timing just didn't work out on this one."
Goosen's effort to part from the failed negotiations on good terms is in contrast to the relationship between the two fighters.
Since the failed bout on 12 June, the pair have traded insults through the media.
That is not unusal for boxers but Johnson appeared genuinely angry that Calzaghe had cancelled and is on record as saying he was not interested in rescheduling.
"I'm not fighting this guy anymore, I'm not wasting my time on him," Johnson said.
"I've told my manager and promoter (Henry Foster and Goosen) to find me someone else to fight because I'm not interested in Calzaghe now."
Calzaghe has a date to fight in Cardiff on 24 July, but the 32-year-old might have to postpone his step up a weight and continue to defend his WBO super middleweight crown.
Johnson, meanwhile, could be aiming for a showdown with Antonio Tarver, who sensationally beat Roy Jones Jr in May, or even Jones himself