FRANK Warren has come out fighting after concerns from Joe Calzaghe's camp that he is holding the Newbridge man back from boxing's big boys.

In a no-holds barred interview, Warren, WBO Super-middleweight champ Calzaghe's promoter, said he is furious with Enzo Calzaghe, trainer and father of the Gwent star, for doubting whether he's got the Welshman's best interests at heart.

Enzo wanted assurances from Warren that he wasn't keeping the 31-year-old away from the big guns after Sven Ottke's manager Wilfried Sauerland claimed Calzaghe's entourage were running scared of a bout with his man.

Warren said of 'home-boy' Calzaghe: "I've made him the richest fighter ever to come out of Wales.

"I've done a tremendous job with Joe and I've delivered everything I promised him - and more.

And the promoter added: "Who are the so-called big guns now then? "In America, he's only well known in Britain and Germany.

"Bernard Hopkins wants around £6 million for a fight. I will not pay that kind of money and neither will the TV companies so we've got a stand-off until Hopkins drops his price.

"It's tough to find Joe top quality opponents at present.

"Joe had the opportunity to fight in America a few years ago but he's a home-boy, he likes fighting in this country.

"And I will take him to America when the price is right. Without a doubt, Joe Calzaghe is recognised as the number one in the division and I will make sure he stays there."

Speaking about a Calzaghe-Ottke showdown, Warren insisted: "I have offered Sauerland a fight with Calzaghe on numerous occasions and not once has he returned with a financial offer, which tells me they are not interested in the fight.

"I have also dealt with Ottke's UK agent Dennie Mancini plenty of times to try and put this fight together as Calzaghe wants to prove he's number one in the ring by defeating the German."

Calzaghe takes on American Byron Mitchell for the 13th defence of his WBO crown at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday week. Warren and the undefeated Welshman want Ottke next to prove who really is the best in the division.

Sauerland, speaking after IBF/WBA champ Ottke's points victory against England's David Starie on the weekend, said that, to make the fight happen, Calzaghe would have to fight in Germany to build up interest - and Warren is more than prepared to accommodate that.

Calzaghe's promoter added: "If Sauerland wants the fight, he knows my telephone numbers and maybe this time he can make me a serious financial offer."