JOE Calzaghe could have a historic and world record breaking final farewell at the Millennium Stadium with the full backing of American television giants HBO, the Argus can today reveal.

In an exclusive British interview, HBO’s Senior Vice President Kerry Davis admitted that such a finale fight, with either current light heavyweight world champion Chad Dawson or a rematch with executioner Bernard Hopkins, would be fully endorsed by the company who have made no secret of their desire to see top fights staged within the United States.

However, after Calzaghe’s sensational victory over four-weight legend Roy Jones Jr, Davis confirmed to the Argus that Calzaghe can decide for himself the venue if he opts to take to the ring again “I think absolutely we would be at the Millennium Stadium if Joe decided to fight again,” he said.

“It could never be as big for the American public as a fight in the US, but the same could be said for the fight with Jones, that would’ve been bigger in the UK if it had taken place at the Millennium Stadium.

“However, it’s all down to Joe. If he wants to go back to Wales for another fight, we will go with big smiles and open arms.”

Despite only hinting at his decision either way, the Argus can confirm that Calzaghe is leaning towards retirement, with no final decision expected for a few months.

His father and trainer, Enzo, insists that one way or another the issue will soon be resolved.

“If Joe says that’s it, then that will be it, the decision will be made and he won’t go back on it, but now is not the time to make a decision like that,” he said.

There remains the intriguing prospect that Calzaghe’s swan-song could not only take him to 47-0, but that he could set a world record in doing so.

The record indoor boxing crowd is 63,500, who packed the Louisiana Superdome in 1978 to see Muhammad Ali’s rematch against Leon Spinks, though a Calzaghe finale under a closed roof in Cardiff could surely eclipse that figure.

HBO chief Davis believes two contenders stand out should Calzaghe opt to press on. “I think Chad Dawson would be interesting, but it’s down to Joe,” he said.

“If he wants to fight a guy who is established as the top, young light heavyweight fighter in the world, then that is Chad Dawson.

“But if he wanted to continue on the legends tour, then a rematch with Bernard Hopkins is there for him.

“From a TV perspective, it would be interesting to see Dawson, it would potentially be a torch- passing fight, but a rematch with Hopkins would also be interesting, in light of his win over Kelly Pavlik.

“Joe is terrific. He’s fought two of the best fighters of his generation in America and has beaten them both. He has lived up to everything we’d ask of him as a fighter and as a person and now it’s down to him what to do next.”

Dane Mikkel Kessler is desperate for a rematch with Calzaghe, but the Argus understands he is slated to meet the winner of Jermain Taylor against Jeff Lacy, who fight this coming weekend.

“I would do anything to fight Joe again,” Kessler told the Argus.