GWENT'S WBO world super-middleweight boxing champion Joe Calzaghe faces a new opponent in his 12th title defence at the Telewest Arena, Newcastle, on December 14.

Original challenger Thomas Tate has pulled out with a burst eardrum to be replaced by fellow American and former IBF world title challenger Tocker Pudwill.

It should mean a much easier defence for Calzaghe as Pudwill has had only one fight in the past 16 months.

That contest for the 31-year-old from North Dakota was a six-rounds points win over journeyman Donnie Penetton, who has managed just 13 wins in 154 pro bouts.

"I'm disappointed the Tate fight fell through but I have to stay focused and now prepare for Pudwill," said Calzaghe, who only last week said he was in better shape than ever.

"These things happen and I am happy to still defend my title and get another fight before the end of the year to keep active.

"Pudwill has challenged Sven Ottke for the IBF title and the German could not stop him.

"I have every incentive to do a real job on him and remain on course for a showdown with Bernard Hopkins (the undisputed world middleweight champion) next year."

Calzaghe's promoter Frank Warren and Hopkins' promoter Don King are in talks to try to put that fight on, but first Hopkins faces a mandatory defence.

Pudwill's fight against Ottke, his only contest outside the USA, was in Karlsruhe, Germany, in June 2000 when he suffered a heavy points defeat in a one-sided affair, the judges scoring it 117-107, 119-106 and 118-107. Since then, Pudwill has managed just three outings, all victories against limited opposition.

His overall record is a good one, however, with 37 wins, 14 on knock-outs, and just four defeats.

On the same bill, Manchester's WBU world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton also faces a new opponent.

Instead of defending against Brazilian Antonio Mesquita, who has withdrawn for contractual reasons, he will now face American Joe Hutchinson from Indianapolis who has been the distance with top fighters Hector Camacho and Arturo Gatti.

Warren said: "Like Joe and Ricky, I am disappointed their original challengers fell out, but the show goes on. "Both have to remain focused because 2003 will be a big year for them."