GWENT world champion Joe Calzaghe has blasted back at his critics and has promised his best is yet to come.

The Newbridge southpaw, who is the WBO Super-middleweight champion, has been hammered by many critics after an unconvincing performance in defending his title against Kabary Salem in Edinburgh last Friday.

Salem took Calzaghe to 12 rounds and knocked him down for only the second time in his career in a fight marred by dirty tactics that saw both men penalised for deliberate use of the head.

It prompted many people to question Calzaghe's ability at the age of 32 and he came in for stinging criticism from legendary Welsh welterweight Colin Jones, the European champion.

Jones suggested that Calzaghe's personal life had affected his in-ring performance, saying: "Joe has had a rough time with his personal life and that's affected him mentally.

"There are a lot of demons in his head and that is bound to reflect in his performance.

"Another performance like the last one and we could see a fighter like Salem taking the title off Joe.

"Joe has done everything asked of him and defeated everybody who has been put in front of him.

"How many champions retire undefeated? If Joe considers that, I certainly wouldn't oppose him getting out at the top."

But Calzaghe has responded defiantly to any suggestion that he could be ready to bow out.

"It's easy to criticise me after I wasn't at my best but I am a winner, a fighter and still a champion and I have no intention of bowing out," he said.

"I have some great fights left in me and will make an impact when I move up a weight.

"I am also a father and want to do the best for my children and once I move up a division I will have some bigger pay days to come, which I need in order to do my best for my kids.

"It is far too early to write me off and people should remember that I am an undefeated world champion with the ambition to get even better."

l Don't miss Joe's exclusive column tomorrow when he gives his own analysis on the Salem fight, admits how he felt to be knocked down for only the second time in his career and reveals his plans for the future.