LONDON — Joe Calzaghe postponed his proposed September fight against Roy Jones Jr. because of a sprained right wrist.

Jones accepted the delay, telling The Associated Press today that he wants the Welshman to be at his best when they finally fight.

The 36-year-old Calzaghe, who is unbeaten in 45 professional fights during a 15-year career, injured his hand Sunday in training for the Sept. 20 bout while punching pads.

Calzaghe, who relinquished his WBC super-middleweight title to fight Jones, is "absolutely distraught," according to his father and trainer Enzo.

"He sprained his wrists on the pads," Enzo Calzaghe told Setanta Sports News. "It's one of those things you never want to happen, but it's happened.

Enzo said his son needs two or three weeks off before he starts punching again.

Calzaghe planned to see a hand specialist and the light-heavyweight fight is expected to be rescheduled for later in the year, possibly in November.

"Well, sounds like he has a normal but usual injury and he had showed concern before about his hand not being ready," Jones said in e-mailed comments to the AP. "I don't want him to be no less than his best so if this what it takes for that, then so be it."

Calzaghe's lawyer Gareth Williams said he would seek a venue for the bout, and planned to speak to HBO officials about scheduling a date.