Calzaghe in Strictly injury

Joe Calzaghe may not be able to perform after a knee injury...

11:14 17 September 2009

Boxer Joe Calzaghe may not be able to perform on the opening of 'Strictly Come Dancing' after injuring his knee, it has been revealed.

His dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff is worried that the undefeated boxing champion won't be fit enough for Friday's show.

A week ago, Calzaghe went into a clinic in London's Harley Street suffering a hamstring injury.

Rihanoff stated her concern for their stake in the show: "Joe is rehearsing so hard. His knee is a bit sore and I am concerned about it."

She added nervously: "I hope it goes well on Friday."

An insider quoted in The Sun newspaper said that competitive Rihanoff is "anxious" they may exit too early, but that the world light heavyweight boxing star is "determined" not to disappoint her.

The source said: "She's loving working with him and he doesn't want to let Kristina down as they've become so close recently.

"Hopefully, it's not too serious and they won't be out in the first round.

"Many of the celebrities get aches and pains when they start dancing as they're not used to being put through their paces."

Calzaghe and Rihanoff are expected to perform a waltz or a tango on Friday's opening night show — then either a rumba or cha cha on Saturday's show, depending on the extent of his injuries.