WBO super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe insists he deserves greater credit for his achievements than former champion Chris Eubank.

The Welshman will equal Eubank's record of 15 title defences if he defeats American-based Egyptian Kabary Salem at Ingliston next month.

Calzaghe beat Eubank in 1997 to take the vacant WBO title and has remained unbeaten since then to take his career record to 37 fights with no losses.

The Newbridge fighter will make history with the first ever world title fight in Edinburgh but insists he has taken a far longer road to the top than Eubank.

Calzaghe said: "I regard my opponents as being much better than those of Chris Eubank's.

"Take away Nigel Benn and Michael Watson and his other opponents weren't much good.

"I beat top-rated American fighters like Byron Mitchell and Charlie Brewer - guys who were top-drawer fighters and there were also others like Robin Reid and Richie Woodhall - people overlook that.

"I never had many easy rides. Of the other fighters who you could say were softer, they had good records and I made them look bad."

Calzaghe admits his profile does not match other champions of the sport.

But the Welshman is determined to earn a long-awaited bout with either Roy Jones or Antonio Tarver to compensate for lack of fame.

Calzaghe added: "I've got respect in boxing circles and I'm rated number one super-middleweight in the world but, as far as profile is concerned, outside of boxing it's not high.

"But I'm a private person and I don't crave that (fame).

"I get good money from Sky television for what I do but I just hope I get that career-defining fight against Jones or Tarver. I'm 32 now, so it has to happen in the next 12 months. If I don't get that fight to show everyone, and even myself, how good I am, that's the one thing I'll always regret.

"I am frustrated that it hasn't happened before now. I know Frank Warren is in America talking to Jones' and Tarver's people so let's hope that, if I put on a good performance against Salem, I can get one of them."

But Calzaghe refuted suggestions that he will be complacent against the Egyptian.

He added: "It's a stumbling block for any fighter to believe he's too good. Nothing is a foregone conclusion and it takes only one second to land a punch and I'm aware of that.

"This guy is going to have the opportunity of a lifetime and he'll go for it 100%."