Boxing: Calzaghe closing in on legend Louis' record defences.

WBO world super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe goes in search of his 20th world title defence next March with one eye on recording his name in the history books.

Calzaghe will fight American TV boxing reality show star Peter Manfredo at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday, March 3.

A victory would take the Welshman level with former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins, the ex-middleweight title holder, in terms of title defences.

"Equalling Holmes and Hopkins means a lot to me and it's a great incentive to train hard for this fight," said Calzaghe. "But let's forget about Louis. I don't know if I want to take his record of 25 defences, he's a legend."

However, promoter Frank Warren added: "What a thing to do to overtake Joe Louis' record.

"It would be a major achievement. I don't think anyone else is going to get there ever."

Calzaghe's decision to face Manfredo means he relinquished the IBF 12-stone belt after rejecting mandatory challenger Robert Stie glitz.

The sanctioning body had applied pressure on Calzaghe by putting the fight out to purse offers but Manfredo, a household name in America after his appearances on 'The Contender', is a more lucrative option.