JOE CALZAGHE would consider leaving his beloved Gwent and moving over to the United States if it was the only way to land a shot at super-middleweight rival Bernard Hopkins.

The Newbridge-based World Boxing Organisation champion, pictured, also reckons he could be 'forced' to move up to light-heavyweight within 12 months for adequate competition because of the shortage of quality opponents at super-middleweight.

Calzaghe makes the 13th defence of his title at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday against American Byron Mitchell.

And he is determined to take out six months of frustration on his opponent following three delays to the contest.

He has had only one full round in the ring since his 12-round points verdict over Miguel Jimenez on August 17 2002, and that was when he stopped Tocker Pudwill in round two of their December 14 fight last year.

It has all frustrated the champion who said: "I haven't had a proper fight for around a year."

And that is part of the reason why he wants Hopkins soon and would consider the switch across the Atlantic to take on the IBF and WBA title holder if a shot can be organised.

Calzaghe added: "If it is the only way to get Hopkins, I would think about it. If I had to move out there, I would have to move out."

As for his possible move to light-heavy, Calzaghe added: "I'm looking for new goals. I have beaten everyone in five-and-a-half years at this weight. I've done everything I can in this division

"Moving up a weight will give me a bit more enthusiasm and generate more interest."

Mitchell has already given Calzaghe some stick, labelling him as 'an amateur', in the build-up to their clash.

But the champion said: "I'm very relaxed about the fight, I'm in great shape and I know I will win."