• Boxing

Calzaghe v Hopkins rematch on the cards later this year

Joe Calzaghe was out in Las Vegas for the Mayweather v Mosley weigh-ins © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Calzaghe confirms he will not return to boxing
  
• News: Froch says it's too late for Calzaghe
  
• News: Calzaghe too old and fat to return to ring - Froch
  
• News: Calzaghe apologises for using cocaine
  

Joe Calzaghe could be set for an autumn return to the boxing ring after Golden Boy promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer revealed the Welshman is interested in a rematch with Bernard Hopkins.

Calzaghe retired back in February 2009 with an undefeated record, having won the WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF and British super middleweight championships during an illustrious career. His penultimate appearance came against Hopkins, and was arguably the most contested of all Calzaghe's 46 victories.

The "Pride of Wales" has since entered a period of uncertainty in his private life, admitting recently to the occasional social use of cocaine. He has also been through a costly domestic separation, sparking the suggestion that a mega-fight with Hopkins would be financially tempting to Calzaghe.

Hopkins has remained active in Calzaghe's absence, winning unanimous decisions against Enrique Ornelas and Roy Jones Jnr, but the Calzaghe loss still hurts. The "Executioner" undoubtedly caused more damage back in the April 2008 bout, putting his opponent on the mat early, but Calzaghe's hand speed and greater activity influenced the judges.

Now it seems a rematch could be on the cards, with Golden Boy promotions targeting a date before the end of October.

"Joe has expressed an interest and so has Bernard," Schaefer was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "We will try to make it happen in the autumn."

Should the fight go ahead, Calzaghe will likely be asked to convince the Nevade State Athletic Commission that he is clean of all drug use.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.