Boxing: Calzaghe's the greatest says Jones.

ROY JONES JR has hailed Joe Calzaghe as "one of the greatest of all time" and compared him to Rocky Marciano.

Jones hailed the Welsh ace ahead of their clash at Madison Square Garden on November 8.

He said: "Calzaghe's one of the best fighters ever, one of the greatest of all time.

"He has a 100% record of 45-0, Marciano was 49-0.

"He's a true athlete I respect. We've nothing bad to say to each other - we'll give it all in the ring."

Jones will face Calzaghe at light-heavyweight.

The American is an eight-times world champion in four weight classes, holding a record of 52 wins (38 by knock-out) and four defeats.

Calzaghe, 36, has ruled the super-middleweight division for almost 11 years and is the longest reigning current champion in boxing.

His win over Bernard Hopkins in April saw Calzaghe acknowledged as the world's leading light-heavyweight, although the showdown with Jones is a non-title event.

"After Hopkins there was only one guy I wanted to fight," said Calzaghe.

"I've followed Roy's career since his amateur days and have always been a fan.

"To have what will probably be my final fight in the best fight venue against one of the greatest boxers of the last 20 years - it's all I've got left to achieve.

"The Hopkins fight was tough because all he wants to do is hold and hug you all night," he added. "I know that Roy will come to fight, he's got tremendous hand speed, power and a great boxing brain.

"All I can say is don't miss this - it's going to be the fight of the year."

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World champion Joe Calzaghe