Edited Press Release: The promoter of world super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe has made an offer to the Sauerland Event to unify against WBC title holder Markus Beyer. Calzaghe, of course, just earned general recognition as the world champion by unifying the WBO and IBF versions of the 168-pound title in a one-sided bout against Jeff Lacy. Sauerland Event confirmed that Calzaghe's promoter, Frank Warren, made an offer, and while Sauerland is interested, he says the offer was not good enough. “We are interested in a bout and are pleased that the English are, too,” stated the promoter of Beyer, Wilfried Sauerland. “But the current offer is not acceptable for us –it is financially unsatisfactory and in addition the suggested date conflicts with the World Cup [of soccer which will be held] in Germany. But we will keep negotiating and would like to make this attractive bout happen in September or October 2006.”

Beyer will first defend his title on the 13th of May in Zwickau, Germany. In the fall of this year, a bout against Calzaghe seems to make sense. “Of course such unification bouts are very appealing for the audience and it is my intention, too”, said Beyer. “A bout against Calzaghe and a bout for three world championship belts is definitely a big sporting challenge.”

The last time Beyer defended his title, he fought against the Italian Alberto Colajanni in January 2006 and won by twelfth-round knockout. Before that, he beat Omar Sheika on points.