Steve Collins will defend his World Boxing Organisation super middleweight title against the Welshman Joe Calzaghe, at a venue to be decided, in September.

It will be Collins's eighth defence following his defeat of the American, Craig Cummings in Glasgow last month.

Both boxers are promoted by Frank Warren, who announced the match yesterday. It appears that the bout is being insisted upon by the WBO.

Calzaghe formerly held the British championship at super middleweight. He is recognised as a big puncher. Yesterday Warren said: "This is the fight that the fans want to see. What I have seen of Joe has shown me that he can give Steve a stiff challenge.

"The Americans don't want to know so we have to go ahead and force them into a situation where they can no longer keep running. I know that real boxing fans in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will flock to this fight.

"My job as a promoter now is to find a suitable venue. We do not rule out any particular venue. We will start searching right away. An outdoor venue is possible.

"Lately we have had criticism from some sources for not finding credible opponents for our boxers but there is little we can do if some boxers are avoiding real fights. This one cannot be criticised. These two are the genuine article and Steve will have to be at his very best to hold on to the title," he said.

Sources within the boxing fraternity are speculating that Cardiff may be the venue although Dublin cannot be ruled out.

Collins was not available for comment yesterday.