YOU never can tell how you’ll take to a new venture, but just weeks ahead of Calzaghe Promotions’ first big fight night, I have to say I am really excited.

We’ve finalised the details and the action will be taking place in the Rhydycar Leisure Centre on February 21, in a bill called ‘First Blood’.

It’s not exactly Madison Square Garden or the Millennium Stadium, but dad and I are absolutely determined that we will start this promotion by focusing on the huge amount of talent in Wales, much of it underutilized in my opinion.

It’s fine if you’re a world champion to only be fighting once or twice a year when you are earning the big bucks, but some of the guys we’re hoping to work with in the coming year simply aren’t getting enough ring time and as a consequence, enough exposure.

For example, this bill is headlined by Kerry Hope, a stablemate of mine at our gym in Newbridge and potentially a very talented fighter.

Kerry and I were at close quarters in New York in November when I fought Roy Jones (more on him in a bit) and his attitude and desire have always really impressed me.

But last year he suffered his first career defeat and since then he hasn’t been in the ring, which is no good when you’re trying to forge a career for yourself.

Kerry needs to fight and that is exactly what he will get the chance to do next month in his hometown, headlining our first bill against Taz Jones, a very tricky opponent in an all-Welsh battle.

Another prospect from our gym, Jamie Todd – whose brother Chris is a professional footballer – will also feature, as will my old mate Jamie Arthur, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist who is unbeaten since getting on the comeback trail.

I am excited by the show and I have been working with Jamie Todd and Kerry in our gym (I had to go back eventually!) It’s been great for me to be on the other side and work the pads or assist in sparring and the boys look great, it should be a tremendous night.

We would like to put on at least a dozen shows a year if we can, but for now we are keeping things small and are focused on looking at Welsh talent and how we can give the youngsters more of a profile.

So what a shame, no Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton, if reports are to be believed.

I was really excited to see that fight, Manny’s amazing ring awareness, speed and natural talent against Ricky’s power and workrate would’ve made for a stunning fight potentially.

But apparently it isn’t to be. So it’ll be interesting to see who Ricky opts to fight instead.

One name being mentioned is Oscar De La Hoya and I hope that one doesn’t come off, I really want to see De La Hoya retire, and frankly it is sad to see what has become of him.

He was so badly outclassed by Pacquiao, it’s been years since we’ve seen the best of Oscar and he certainly doesn’t need to fight on for the money.

I’ve been saying the same thing about him for his last three fights and as yet there is no word on what he will do, even though his family have told him to quit.

It’s hard to see why he’s contemplating fighting again after the way he lost his last fight and personally I hope Ricky ends up in a rematch with Floyd Mayweather or a fight with Pacquiao, if it gets resurrected, rather than watch Oscar again.

I feel differently though about Roy Jones, who has made clear his desire to fight on (although he certainly won’t be having a rematch with me as was mentioned at the time of the first fight).

Roy still has a lot left and I feel I am in a better position than most to say that.

Sure, people have written him off after I beat him, but they did the same with Bernard Hopkins, he was apparently shot and it was a waste of time for me to fight him, but then he went on and destroyed Kelly Pavlik, the next big thing.

I believe Roy Jones has a bit of gas left in the tank and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a world champion again.

It’s funny how people’s opinions change over time. I remember on the night of the fight at Madison Square Garden Gary Lockett tipped Roy Jones to be a champion again and several people agreed with him.

Perhaps my victory over Roy will look better when he steps into the ring again with someone who is not undefeated.

Finally, I just want to wish Cardiff City and Swansea City all the best in the FA Cup this weekend.

Cardiff entertain Arsenal and Swansea face Portsmouth and while it’s a tough ask for both sides to win such big games, I have no doubt that they can really push the big boys close.

You only have to look at the amazing game on Wednesday night between Burnley and Spurs – one member of the Argus sportsdesk got some abuse from me for that performance – to see that anything can happen in the cup.

My girlfriend Jo Emma will be supporting Hull City as ever and I will be hoping all three sides can advance. I still haven’t given up on a Cardiff v Swansea FA Cup Final!