Jeff Lacy believes his boxing apprenticeship under pound-for-pound king Ronald 'Winky' Wright will help him destroy the southpaw threat of Gwent's Joe Calzaghe on Saturday.

The super-middleweight champions meet at the MEN Arena, Manchester, with Argus columnist Calzaghe's WBO belt and American Lacy's IBF title on the line.

The sullen Florida fighter believes he will expose Calzaghe and end his long reign.

Lacy boasted a stellar amateur record before turning professional in 2001 and amassing a 100% record of 21 wins with 17 stoppages.

He has only fought two quality southpaws in Syd Vanderpool and Vitali Tsypko but revealed his early training with fellow St Petersburg native Wright - regarded by some as the best boxer in the world - would stand him in good stead against Calzaghe.

"I have no problem with southpaws," he said. "I started out sparring Winky Wright at the beginning of my career so I learned how to fight southpaws before I learned how to fight orthodox boxers."

The 28-year-old has warned the 33-year-old he is in top shape and has no qualms about fighting on Calzaghe's 'home' turf.

"I'm just very eager to get in there. My determination will give me the edge," he said. The Florida fighter believes Calzaghe's relative inactivity and questionable opponents in the last 18 months will cost him on Saturday.

"I think it's going to take its toll. I see a lot of weaknesses. He hasn't fought anyone like me. My youth, my strength, my whole outlook and preparation, everything gives me the edge," said Lacy.

"I'm a very confident fighter and I'm coming to fight. I'm sure Joe knows that. He knows I'm not going to take a step back and he's going to have to be ready.

"I don't think he's ever been in the ring with someone who's going to come forward with the strength, speed and determination that I have. I don't think it'll go 12 rounds."