Boxing: Crock Joe in new Cal off agony.

JOE CALZAGHE'S bid for the IBF light-heavyweight title has been hit by injury for the second time.

He has been forced to pull out of his fight with holder Glen Johnson because of a recurrence of a back injury.

The Welshman had been confident of being fit for the rescheduled bout at Cardiff's International Arena on July 24 after being initially ruled out of a slot on Ricky Hatton's bill in Manchester last month.

But his injury flared again following a recent training break in Sardinia and has proved to be more serious than first thought.

Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren said: 'This is a bitter blow for Joe who has had a bad time.

'He will now have a good rest and seek further treatment from specialists. He will return to the ring in September.'

Calzaghe had been plagued with problems since he announced his step up in weight to challenge Johnson.

He was questioned by police following an alleged bust-up with his wife at their home then became embroiled in a cash row with Johnson.