By Sean Davies BBC Sport Online

Joe Calzaghe has enjoyed a dazzling amateur career, is undefeated as a professional, and is now approaching his 12th defence after five years as WBO super middleweight champion.

His attractive, all-action style has delivered memorable bouts against the likes of Chris Eubank and Charles Brewer, plus exciting KOs against Omar Sheika, Mario Veit and others.

Calzaghe is recognised worldwide as the best fighter in the 12-stone division, so why, at the age of 30, is the Welshman fighting the likes of Miguel Jimenez and Thomas Tate rather than Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins?

Calzaghe plays waiting game

Even the stunning Brewer fight didn't win over the US audience

Part of the problem is Calzaghe's laid-back, non-showbiz style, but of more concern is the American reluctance to appreciate British boxers.

Too many of our fighters have been allowed to waste the prime years of their careers on the domestic scene, only being exposed to the best from across the pond when they are past their peak.

The fine middleweight Herol 'Bomber' Graham is perhaps the most pertinent example.

A boxer of consummate skill, the Sheffield southpaw came from the same Brendan Ingle stable as Naseem Hamed, and Graham's style had a formative influence on the Prince.

Graham's elusiveness left opponents struggling to lay a glove on him, whilst his punching accuracy saw the points rattle up on the judges' scorecards.

Unfortunately his power did not match his accuracy, and the prospect of an awkward, light-punching boxer did little to attract American interest.

At his peak, Graham would have proved an intriguing challenger to the likes of Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, the big-money draws in a golden era for middleweight boxing.

The Bomber turned pro in 1978 and went undefeated for nine years. It took him until 1987 to gain a world-title shot against the dangerous Sumbu Kalambay.

By this time, Graham was 29 and had already lost the edge off the reflexes that were so crucial to his fight plan. Kalambay won a 12-round decision.

McCallum described Graham as his toughest opponent

He gained another title shot against Mike 'the Bodysnatcher' McCallum in 1989. McCallum, a hugely respected champion, described the 31-year-old Graham as his most awkward opponent:

"Fighting Herol Graham was like fighting your worst nightmare," said the American.

"His hands were low, he was a southpaw. He was slick and very quick."

The fight went the full 12 rounds, but again the decision went against the Bomber.

A year later came another title shot against the fierce-hitting Julian Jackson. Graham toyed with his man for four rounds and was well ahead, but his slowing reactions meant he was caught and knocked out.

If Graham's career is a story of what might have been, perhaps Calzaghe can gain more comfort from the experiences of Lennox Lewis.

Lewis went 13 years as a pro before getting the chance to meet Tyson

It seems strange to talk of one of the highest-earning fighters in history in this context, but for many years the current king of the heavyweights struggled to get the fights - and the recognition - his talent deserved.

With an Olympic gold behind him, Lewis turned pro in 1989 at the age of 24 and was soon taking on dangerous opponents like Tyrell Biggs and 'Razor' Ruddock.

In 1993 he claimed the world title from Tony Tucker, but it would take 13 more fights and six long years for Lewis to get a career-defining match with Evander Holyfield.

Another three years and six fights passed before Mike Tyson was persuaded to get in the ring with the champ, whilst the much-anticipated clash with Riddick Bowe never came to pass.

Lewis has matured like a fine wine, producing some of his finest displays late in his career.

Having been denied the big fight nights for so long, Calzaghe can only hope that his pugilist skills fare the test of time so well.