Calzaghe favourite to beat next opponent

William Hill make Joe Calzaghe favourite to beat any of his next three possible opponents - offering 1/4 that he beats fellow World Champion Brit, Clinton Woods; 8/13 that he defeats US legend, Bernard Hopkins, and 1/2 that he wins a re-match with Mikkel Kessler. Calzaghe outpointed Kessler and claimed the undisputed super middleweight crown at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Calzaghe, making the 21st defence of his WBO belt, started slowly and was hurt on a number of occasions by Denmark's WBA and WBC title-holder. But the home favourite, unbeaten in 44 fights, took control to secure a unanimous decision. Calzaghe, unbeaten in 44 fights, was watched by an estimated 50,000 fans. "Joe might decide that an all British clash against Light Heavyweight champ, Woods is his best option, but it would be great to see him in a Vegas super-fight against an acknowledged all-time great like Hopkins, while a repeat of the excellent contest he and Kessler served up would also be an intriguing proposition," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe. William Hill are also betting on how many more fights Calzaghe will have before he officially announces his retirement and offer 10/1 that he has fought his last contest; 2/1 that he has just one more fight; 6/4 that he fights twice more; 2/1 that he fights three or more times. "Old Father Time is catching up with Joe but as Evander Holyfield, George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins have shown, it is possible to box successfully at the highest level into one's forties," added Sharpe. William Hill say that over a million pounds was gambled on the Calzaghe fight with over twenty four figure bets - the largest £7500 - placed on Calzaghe, who started the fight as 4/9 favourite but was as long as 5/6 to win during the contest at the start of Round 5. Calzaghe's win over Kessler has seen his price cut from 10/1 to 7/1 third favourite by William Hill to be named BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year. Hills have lengthened favourite Lewis Hamilton from 1/3 to 2/5 and make boxer Ricky Hatton 4/1 second favourite. "Joe is far and away the most popular choice with punters for the Award since his impressive World Title victory aagainst Kessler,' said Sharpe. William Hill also offer: 10/1 Paula Radcliffe; 20/1 Justin Rose; 25/1 Frankie Dettori; 33/1 Christine Ohuruogo. William Hill Future Calzaghe fight odds: 8/13 Calzaghe v 6/5 Hopkins; 20/1 draw; 1/ 4 Calzaghe v 11/4 Woods; 20/1 draw, 1/2 Calzaghe v 6/4 Kessler, 20/1 draw.