BRASH American Byron Mitchell has vowed to give world champion Joe Calzaghe a boxing lesson in his own back yard.

Mitchell last week claimed that World Boxing Organisation title holder Calzaghe couldn't punch.

And yesterday he added fuel to the fire by claiming that the Newbridge-based champion had never faced a fighter of his calibre.

The former double WBA champion also maintained that he would be unfazed by the hostile reception he is sure to face on his arrival into the ring.

"This will be his toughest test yet," claimed Mitchell.

"He has never fought a boxer like me and I don't feel he's ever had a serious opponent.

"If he thinks that I'm going to be another easy ride then he's in for a shock because I'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget.

"It doesn't bother me that I'm fighting in Wales. In fact I've only really fought twice in America since turning professional so I'm used to fighting on the road.

"My last fight was against Sven Ottke in Germany so I know what to expect from the crowd."

Mitchell felt he was unlucky to lose against Ottke last year.

The American lost on points in a split decision and the 29-year-old is determined to not let this fight go that far.

"I don't think it will go as far as points," said Mitchell.

"I'll be going for it - all guns blazing. It won't be a classic boxing match in terms of skill and technique - more of a slug fest.

"He's going to be hyped up but I won't be overawed, I'm going to be aggressive as I know that I'll have to finish the fight as it will be hard to get a points decision in his home country."

Mitchell, who has only lost twice in a 28-fight professional career, first turned to the sport to escape constant bullying.

And although he sometimes doesn't appreciate the politics which often surround the sport, he does realise the better life it has given him.

He explained: "I was heavily bullied at school.

"I guess kids took advantage of me because I was small and very quiet, so I developed an attitude and started boxing and after a while people left me alone.

"After one incident people soon started to think I was crazy and I was never bothered again.

"But I'm glad I turned to boxing and it's given me a good life and kept me away from the street and crime.

"Had I not have been a boxer then I'd be in prison or dead. It's not that I despise boxing because I don't.

"I loathe the politics surrounding it and I hate the behind-closed-door deals that no-one sees and that effectively rule who does what and who fights where.

"But I don't think about that in the ring and I won't be thinking about it on Saturday."

Tickets are still available for Saturday's 'Red Dragon' fight night at the CIA.

The bill also includes local stars Gary Lockett, Gavin Rees, Jamie Arthur and Tony Docherty.