Cardiff gets set for its fight of the Millennium

The press conference with Joe Calzaghe, promotor Frank Warren and Mikkel Kessler at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

The first steps are taken to construct the ring at the centre of the Millennium Stadium. The pitch has been removed and will return for the Wales v Ireland rugby match a fortnight tomorrow Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

Kessler, from Denmark, is surrounded by press during a photocall at The Vale country club, Cardiff Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

Ropes are tightened in Kessler's practice ring Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

Kessler gets tough for some publicity shots Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

One fan makes his allegiance clear by dyeing into his hair the name of his boxer of choice Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

The scene outside the stadium's ticket office yesterday afternoon - a crowd of 50,000 is expected for the fight Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

Workmen erect a gantry inside the Millennium Stadium Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance

Calzaghe and Kessler go head to head under the watchful eye of the promoter, Frank Warren, at Cardiff's Hilton Hotel - "I thought he looked a little bit uncomfortable," said Calzaghe later Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/freelance