Joe Calzaghe last night told WBO super middleweight title challenger Kabary Salem that if he wanted a belt he had better go to a high street store to buy one because he had no chance of getting his hands on the Newbridge fighter's prize asset.

Coming head-to-head at a heated press conference in Edinburgh ahead of tomorrow night's clash at the Royal Highland Centre, Salem's trainer, Nettles Nasser, told Calzaghe his man was "here to attack and make sure that this fight is the champ's last defence," but Calzaghe casually dismissed him.

He said: "The only way he is going home with a belt is if he goes out and buys one out of Top Man for his jeans, because there is no way he is taking mine.

"When you go into that ring it is just about two sets of fists and the best man with them will win, that is me.

"I know I am a better boxer and a better fighter than him. He went 12 rounds with Mario Veit and is tough and has never been stopped but I am faster, stronger and have a great jab and I am an awesome package when it all comes together.

"I am really looking forward to putting on a show and will enjoy knocking him out."

Argus columnist Calzaghe has been out of action since February's seventh round knock out of Mger Mkrtchyan and despite a summer of disappointment, when he missed out on a clash with Glen Johnson for the IBF light-heavyweight title due to injury, he insisted he had put his worries behind him.

He said: "It is just good to be back. I only fought once last year and once this, but this is what I do best and what I love.

"I want to fight three times a year and this is the first stage of that.

"I am happy and where I want to be and I want to put on a performance that sends out a message to light heavyweights like Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson."

The head-to-head was very civilised until Salem's trainer took issue with Calzaghe's promise to knock Salem out early, starting a war of words.

Nasser said: "This is (Salem's) time. It will be exciting and bloody but there is a great chance it will be Joe Calzaghe's last defence.

"Salem is fighting for his county and his family and has prepared for this moment."

Calzaghe remained cool throughout as his father Enzo traded insults with Nasser before Salem said: "I do my talking in the ring and people will see me back at my awesome best."