JOE Calzaghe has promised to punch Glen Johnson into retirement IF the pair meet in Cardiff on July 24.

That is the date for the rescheduled clash for the IBF world light-heavyweight title announced yesterday by promoters Sports Network.

But Johnson says he is no longer interested in fighting Calzaghe. "The fight is off," said the American champion today. "I'm not interested in fighting Calzaghe any more. I wish him the best, but I'm moving on to a fight that's more concrete."

However, Sports Network spokesman Richard Maynard, insisted this morning, "The negotiations have been conducted with Johnson's manager Dan Goosen and the fight will go ahead as rescheduled."

Newbridge southpaw Calzaghe is angry that Johnson referred to him as a 'punk' and a 'pussy' for withdrawing from the original date for the fight at the MEN Arena, Manchester, this Saturday.

Johnson also questioned the validity of Calzaghe's serious back injury, sustained in sparring for the fight, and that has upset the WBO world super-featherweight champion.

"Pussy, I'll show him who's a pussy. He's going to get licked big style," stormed the unbeaten Calzaghe. I had respect for him but all of that has gone out of the window.

"Instead of insulting me he should be puckering up and kissing my hand at every opportunity.

"By fighting me, he is getting the pay-day of a lifetime which will set him up for retirement.

"I'm going to punch him into retirement and at least he will have the money to do it. He's made me mad and I'm going to smash him up."

Calzaghe hopes to resume training in a fortnight.

* World middleweight champion Anthony Farnell has stepped in to replace Calzaghe on the MEN bill with a defence of his WBU light welterweight title against a challenger to be confirmed.