US challenger for Calzaghe

The WBO super middleweight champion has been seeking an opponent for his show at the Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh, on 22 October.

"It hasn't been confirmed by promoter Frank Warren yet, but Salem is the man he's after and that's the man I want," Calzaghe told the South Wales Argus.

If he wins the proposed bout, Calzaghe will equal Chris Eubank's British record of 15 world title defences.

Salem, 36 and known as the 'Egyptian Magician,' has been a professional for seven years, holding a record of 23-3-0 (12 KOs).

The one disappointment regarding the next fight is that it won't be shown on [US TV network] Showtime Joe Calzaghe

Having failed to land a meaningful fight at light heavyweight following the collapse of his challenge for Glen Johnson's IBF title, Calzaghe has been searching for a viable opponent at 168lbs.

He was desperate to avoid a rematch with the WBO's number-one contender Mario Veit, a fighter the Welshman destroyed inside a round back in 2001.

Veit won a controversial split decision over Salem in Dortmund in the New York-based Egyptian's last fight.

But Calzaghe insists that the result does not affect the viability of his planned encounter.

"Even by German home town standards, that points decision in Veit's favour was a travesty and Salem will be a much tougher opponent for me," said Calzaghe in his Argus column.

"It was one of the biggest robberies I've ever seen. I made Salem the winner of nine of the 12 rounds and he shook Veit to his boots every time he hit him.

"Salem is big and strong and has never been stopped, he'll be a mean opponent.

"Not only is he tough (one of his opponents died soon after being KO'd), but he is also rough and comes in with his head low as an extra weapon on occasions."

Calzaghe may need to talk up the fight after being disappointed when US television chose not to show the bout.

"The one disappointment regarding the next fight is that it won't be shown on [US TV network] Showtime," he said.

"If I am to eventually fight in the USA, I need as much exposure there as possible.

"However, at the end of the day I am just pleased to be in action again and after the October fight I have told Frank Warren I want to be kept busy."