After 45 fights and 45 wins – 32 by way of a knockout – Joe Calzaghe will attempt to truly enter himself into the boxing hall of fame by taking on Roy Jones Junior at Madison Square Garden on September 20. It should be the Welshman's farewell bout, although who really knows when it comes to boxing? There is always someone to tempt and tease people out of retirement in this vicious arena.

The Italian Dragon has had an absolutely stunning career spanning 15 glorious years - yet he has never been afforded the type of hype and adoration by the British media and ardent fans across the globe. Why?

Many reckon Calzaghe side-stepped taking on the very best when a realisation set in that he could potentially complete his astonishing career unbeaten. This is not my opinion. The critics began such rumblings as far back as 1995, after Calzaghe defeated Steve Wilson for the British super-middleweight title. Calzaghe said then and has said ever since that he can only defeat the people who have been put in front of him.

That is true, yet there remain a number of critics who will never allow Calzaghe that tag of greatness. Now that the fight with Jones has finally been announced, it is up to the Pride of Wales to bury not just Jones, but also his unfair detractors and show what has been known for a long time – that he is one of the all-time great British boxers.

Kelly Pavlik was mentioned recently as another possible opponent but the bout with Jones is the one everybody wants to see. If Calzaghe wins, then the bandwagon will surely start up with such force from the Pavlik corner that this in turn could tempt Calzaghe to fight yet again.

Let's hope that he would have enough sense to stay retired and unbeaten if he overcomes the enigmatic Jones. With a large Italian-American community in New York and the size of Madison Square Garden, there is ample opportunity for Calzaghe’s huge British fan base to see the bout at close quarters and offer vocal support.

Despite press carping, Calzaghe is a hero with the public – as demonstrated when he won the 2007 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award against media darlings Lewis Hamilton and Ricky Hatton.

There is no doubt Jones will be his most difficult test, but it's one he will relish. Over the years Calzaghe has toppled Chris Eubank, Byron Mitchell, Richie Woodhall and, most recently, Bernard Hopkins so anyone who says he does not deserve this chance to engrave his name in boxing folklore does not know what they are talking about.

Jones is one of the most decorated and talented middleweights ever to climb into a boxing ring. A man with a record of 52 wins in 56 fights at the very top of boxing and who sparred with the great Sugar Ray Leonard is not to be taken lightly despite his 39 years on the planet.

Of course, it would be an absolute dream for Calzaghe to end his glittering career as a winner and to do it in New York with a bit of style would be immense. However, even if the victory does not materialise, Calzaghe will go down as one of the greatest. And in typically British style, it will be his first ever loss that will confirm it to the masses. Let's hope it does not come to that. Good luck Joe!