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Euphoric Jones basks in Obama high before Calzaghe bout

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-06 14:43

NEW YORK - Eight-times world boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. is excited about his fight against Briton Joe Calzaghe and positively euphoric over the results of Tuesday's US election.

Boxer Roy Jones Jr. of the US (L) trains in New York November 3, 2008. Jones Jr. will fight British boxer Joe Calzaghe at Madison Square Garden this Saturday. [Agencies]

"I'm so proud to be an American now. More today than I've ever been in my life, because last night was a true change," Jones told reporters about the election of Barack Obama, the first African American to be elected president.

"It makes me feel good to be an American again. I feel so glad that I'm an American," the 1988 Olympic silver medallist said.

The US election result resonated with many of the guests on the podium at the news conference to promote the Madison Square Garden.

New York State Athletic Commission chief Melvina Lathan, an African American and first woman to hold the job, apologised in her opening remarks for being hoarse after shouting for joy after Obama's election.

Lathan said Saturday's bout for the Ring Magazine light heavyweight title was "coming on the tailwinds of one of the most profound moments in our nation's history."

Jones's long-time trainer Alton Merkerson said preparation for the bout, originally scheduled for September 20 but postponed because of an injury to the 36-year-old Welshman, was long and hard just like the presidential campaign.

"We've had a very long race," Merkerson said about the political process. "I think it's time for everybody to come together.

"Just like the campaign it's been a very long training camp for both these individuals," Merkerson told reporters. "It's been very long, very hard, very strenuous."

"Roy is ready, more ready than he's ever been in the 18 years I've been training him, and I know for a fact Calzaghe comes to the party. It should be a great fight."

Jones, a champion in four different weight classes, saluted Calzaghe, who has a 45-0 record, as the world's greatest pound-for-pound fighter and a man of pride and dignity.

Echoing Obama's campaign slogan, the 39-year-old Jones said it could be time for a change in that perception.

"I love change," Jones, 52-4, said. "So we'll see if I can change things."