TOP trainer Enzo Calzaghe has questioned Antwun Echols' desire after his proposed fight with son Joe bit the dust last night.

Newbridge southpaw Calzaghe will instead defend his WBO super-middleweight crown against 34-year-old New Yorker David Telesco (pictured), who is prepared to move down from light heavy, on August 17.

Telesco will come to Cardiff Castle with the acclaim of taking Roy Jones Jnr 12 rounds before losing on points.

The tough New Yorker has also knocked out 21 of his 29 opponents with 26 victories under his belt.

But the preferred option for Calzaghe's camp - Echols - seems to have priced himself out of the fight after negotiations with Calzaghe's manager Frank Warren and American promoter Art Pelluo broke down.

Enzo insisted today that they will give Telesco 'due respect' when he arrives in Wales next month and predicts a stern test.

But he believes Echols, current holder of both American NABA and NABF titles, lost the heart to take on Calzaghe who has already defended his title an amazing 10 times. Enzo said: "I wouldn't say that Echols was frightened of Joe, more that he would rather not take him on.

"You would think, though, that he would want to rise to the occasion and go for a world title shot. If it was Joe in his shoes, he would be prepared to take on anyone in the world." Calzaghe is, nevertheless, enthused by the prospect of a Telesco tussle after watching his battle with Jones on television.

He said: "He is a tough, hard fighter. Not even Jones could stop him." Tickets for the night, priced at £25, £50 and £75, are available on the Sports Network box office (01992 505550).