Jones challenges Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe's search for a summer super-fight could be over after Roy Jones Jr issued a challenge to the WBO super-middleweight champion.

The former four-weight world champion is ready to fill Calzaghe's July 21 television slot should a bout with fellow American Jermain Taylor not come to fruition.

Calzaghe's camp this week upped their offer to 4million US dollars (£2million) to undisputed middleweight champion Taylor, who is unable to make a July date but could be available in September. However, 38-year-old Jones told BBC Wales: "I've got July wide open and I'd fight at 168lbs in the UK or the USA."

"It's the right time in both of our careers to give the British people a true fight," added Jones.

"I've still got all the skills and I'm hungrier than ever."

Last weekend saw Welshman Calzaghe, 35, boxing's longest serving champion at almost 10 years, complete the 20th defence of his title with a third-round stoppage of 'Contender' runner-up Peter Manfredo Jr.

"Peter Manfredo Jr was way out of his league when he lost to Joe last week. Joe is a class fighter who needs someone similar - someone like me - to take him on," said Jones, who would prefer a fight on US soil.

"It would make most sense for him to come to the US. The British people will watch him whatever time of night he fights, and by fighting in America he will only add on the extra numbers of US fans.

"But I'm the challenger now and I have to go and get the title wherever it is on offer.

"I could see that there was a beautiful atmosphere at [Cardiff's] Millennium Stadium for the Manfredo fight, that's the sort of support needed to make a great fighter like Joe."