NEWBRIDGE boxing legend Joe Calzaghe has reignited his long-standing feud with world champion Carl Froch, accusing the champion of damaging his legacy by refusing a rematch with George Groves.

The 41-year old two-weight world champion was undefeated in 46 career fights before retiring in 2009.

However, despite an absence of over five years from the ring, Calzaghe hasn’t forgotten his long-time feud with the Nottingham puncher nicknamed the Cobra.

Froch constantly called-out and derided Calzaghe when he was an active fighter and the former Argus columnist was also aggravated by Froch’s disrespect of Calzaghe’s friend and protégé Nathan Cleverly.

Froch has been a hot topic since his last fight, when he stopped George Groves despite being put down by the young Londoner and losing the contest on the judges’ cards at the time of the controversial stoppage.

Many boxing fans have demanded a rematch, as has Groves, but Froch has made clear he doesn’t intend to go over old ground.

Froch, who was present at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in Leeds on Sunday night along with Calzaghe and Groves, insisted he will not be rushed on any future decision.

Froch said: “Everyone could see what was going to happen in that fight and the fact is I have nothing more to prove in a rematch. I was dominating the bout and it was becoming very one-sided.

“I will sit down with my promoter Eddie Hearn and discuss my options. I think I have a maximum of three more fights left in me and I am interested in trying to make a rematch with (Andre) Ward.”

However, Calzaghe, believes Froch is in denial.

“Carl's a strong fighter and we know what he brings to the table but I thought he got schooled in that fight,” Calzaghe said.

“He was losing it badly and I think as champion it is up to him to give Groves another chance.”

Meanwhile Calzaghe insisted he had no regrets about retiring from the sport with a perfect 46-fight winning record after beating Roy Jones in November 2008, and had never given a comeback a second thought.

“I was never close to making a comeback,” added Calzaghe.

“I knew before the Jones fight when I was injured all the time it would be my last fight and I feel blessed to have retired undefeated.

“Of course I miss the buzz but I've been retired for five years now, my kids are growing up and I've had five years of not being punched in the head. I'm more than happy watching other people fight.”