“The fight has not yet been confirmed but I am 90 per cent it will go ahead,” said Warren.

“Everything has been agreed in principal and I expect to be able to confirm the fight in the next few days. The stumbling block is Joppy’s promoter (Don King) and his manager.”

Calzaghe has made a dozen successful defences of the title since beating Chris Eubank five and a half years ago and he is looking for a good performance against the three-time WBA Middleweight champion of the world in the hope of meeting Bernard Hopkins.

His last fight against Tocker Pudwill four months ago lasted less than two rounds but Joppy, with 34 wins from his 37 fights, is expected to provide much tougher opposition.

“Joppy is a world class fighter and I expect a much longer fight than last time,” said Calzaghe. “This should be one of my toughest fights but I am in the best shape of my life and I don’t get paid for over-time.

“I see this fight though as a stepping stone to Hopkins. I’ve got to win in style and hope and hope the television companies pay more than what he wants.

“But if I don’t get the Hopkins fight, I will have to step up to the next division. I’ve got nowhere to go where I am. I’ve been world champion for five and a half years, and I’m just too good for this division.

“I’ve got nothing to gain and everything to lose so unless I get Hopkins, I’ve got to look for another goal. I’ve run out of goals but I’m really looking forward coming back to Newcastle.

“It’s always a battle for me to keep making this weight but Joppy will bring a lot to the table and I know I have to get in there and destroy him.”

The card will also feature two other world champions. Joan Guzman of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, will defend his WBO Super-bantamweight title against an unnamed opponent and Takaloo of Margate puts his WBU Light-middleweight crown at stake, also against an opponent yet to be named.